After a crash, one of the first things your insurance company may ask is where you'd like the car repaired, and often they'll suggest a shop from their network before you've had time to think. Many Bradenton drivers assume that suggestion is a requirement. It usually isn't. But "you can go anywhere" is also an oversimplification, and some websites overstate what Florida law guarantees.
This guide sticks to what we could verify in the Florida Statutes, links to each one so you can read it yourself, and explains how to protect yourself practically. It's general information, not legal advice; for a specific dispute, talk to your agent, the state, or an attorney.
The short answer
- It's your car. You decide who you authorize to work on it.
- Your policy controls how much your insurer pays, and some policies contain repair-shop language. Read yours.
- Florida law sets guardrails on how insurers handle repairs, parts, estimates, and total losses, even though it doesn't contain a broad, general "anti-steering" statute for body shops the way some states do.
- If you're claiming against the other driver's insurer, you're a third-party claimant seeking compensation for your damages, and the choice of shop is yours.
What Florida law actually says
Section 626.9743: The motor vehicle claims statute
The most relevant law is Fla. Stat. 626.9743, which governs how insurers adjust and settle motor vehicle claims. Several subsections matter here:
Subsection (3): If the insurer requires a particular shop. When an insurer elects to repair a vehicle and specifically requires a particular repair shop, it must restore the damaged vehicle to its physical condition, as to performance and appearance, immediately prior to the loss, at no additional cost to the insured or third-party claimant other than as stated in the policy. Put plainly: if they insist on their shop, they own the outcome.
Subsection (4): Replacement parts. An insurer may not require replacement parts that aren't at least equivalent in kind and quality to the damaged parts in terms of fit, appearance, and performance. We cover parts in depth in OEM vs. aftermarket parts.
Subsection (7): You get a copy of the estimate. If an insurer settles a partial loss based on a written estimate prepared by or for the insurer, it must give the insured a copy.
Subsection (2): No pushing third-party claimants onto their own policy. When liability and damages are reasonably clear, an insurer may not recommend that a third-party claimant make a claim under their own policy solely to avoid paying under the insurer's policy.
Subsections (5) and (6): Total losses and deductions. These set out how total-loss values must be documented and require that betterment or depreciation deductions be itemized by dollar amount and explained in writing on request. See is my car totaled? for more.
Section 627.7291: Steering is prohibited, but for windshields
Florida does have an explicit anti-steering statute, but it applies to windshield glass. Under Fla. Stat. 627.7291, a person acting on behalf of an insurer may not require a claimant to use a particular company or location for covered windshield services. When that law was being considered in 2023, the Florida House staff analysis noted that Florida law did not then include specific prohibitions on the steering of repairs.
We mention this because you may read online that a Florida statute flatly bars insurers from "requiring" a body shop. We couldn't find that language in the general collision context, so we won't claim it. What you do have is ownership of your car, the protections above, and the right to make an informed choice.
Sections 559.901–559.9221: The Motor Vehicle Repair Act
Whichever shop you choose, Florida's Motor Vehicle Repair Act protects you as a customer:
- Written estimates. When repair work will exceed $150, the shop must give you a written estimate or let you choose an alternative (like a not-to-exceed amount) on a signed form (559.905).
- Your old parts. If you ask when you authorize the repair, you're entitled to inspect the parts removed from your vehicle and, in many cases, have them returned (559.909).
- Registration. Repair shops must register with the state before doing business (559.904). The Florida Attorney General notes you can ask to see a shop's registration.
First-party vs. third-party claims
Who you're claiming against changes the dynamics.
| First-party claim (your insurer) | Third-party claim (at-fault driver's insurer) | |
|---|---|---|
| Whose policy | Yours, usually collision coverage | The other driver's property damage liability |
| Deductible | Usually applies | Generally doesn't apply to you |
| What governs payment | Your policy terms | The at-fault driver's liability for your damages |
| Repair-shop language in policy | May apply; read it | You're not their policyholder |
| Who picks the shop | You decide; know your policy | You decide |
Florida requires vehicle owners to carry at least $10,000 in property damage liability (Fla. Stat. 324.022). If the other driver had no coverage or too little, see our page on uninsured motorist claims.
Why insurers suggest shops, and why you might choose differently
Insurer networks (often called direct repair programs) exist to speed up claims and manage costs. Plenty of good repairs happen inside those networks, and we're not here to knock them.
Still, there are good reasons to make your own choice:
- Convenience. A shop near your home in Palmetto or your work in downtown Bradenton may simply be easier.
- Parts philosophy. Some shops use OEM parts whenever possible. Ask any shop how they source parts.
- Brand familiarity. If you drive a Jeep, Ram, Dodge, or Chrysler, a shop with an on-site Mopar parts department can be a practical advantage.
- Warranty. Ask what warranty the shop puts behind its work and who stands behind it if you move or change insurers.
- Communication. You want a shop that will advocate for a complete repair and keep you updated.
Common misunderstandings
"If I don't use their shop, they won't pay." Your insurer's payment obligations come from your policy and Florida law, not from which shop you pick. What can differ is the estimate amount: your insurer may write its own estimate, and your chosen shop may find additional damage. That gap is normally worked out through supplements and documentation.
"Their shop's warranty is the only warranty." Many insurers advertise a guarantee on work done in their network. Independent and dealership shops often offer their own warranties too. Ask each shop exactly what is covered and for how long, and get it in writing.
"I have to decide today." You don't. Taking a day to get an estimate and read your policy rarely slows a claim meaningfully, and it can prevent regrets.
"Choosing my own shop means I pay more." Not necessarily. On a covered claim, you typically pay your deductible either way. Out-of-pocket differences usually come from choices like upgrading to OEM parts where your policy calls for alternatives, or from disputes over labor or procedures, which a capable shop will try to resolve with the adjuster directly.
If you live outside Bradenton proper
Many of our customers come from Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Palmetto, Ellenton, and the islands. Your right to pick a shop doesn't change based on distance. If getting to us is the hurdle, ask about complimentary pickup and delivery, our shuttle service, or 24/7 towing for non-drivable vehicles.
How to protect your repair, step by step
- Open the claim promptly. Most policies require timely notice.
- Don't commit on the first call. Saying "I'll let you know where it's going" is a fine answer.
- Read your policy's repair and parts sections. Look for terms like "repair facility," "like kind and quality," and "appraisal."
- Get a written estimate from the shop you trust. It's your baseline for comparing the insurer's numbers.
- Ask for a copy of the insurer's estimate. Subsection (7) of 626.9743 entitles insureds to it in partial-loss settlements.
- Expect supplements. Hidden damage is often found after teardown. A professional shop documents it and submits a supplement to the insurer. Learn more in why repair estimates change.
- Keep everything in writing. Note who you spoke to, when, and what they said.
- Know where to turn. If you have a complaint about how a claim is being handled, the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services is the state's consumer resource for insurance questions.
Questions to ask any body shop
Whether it's our shop or another one, a good repair facility should answer these comfortably:
- Will you inspect for hidden damage before finalizing the plan?
- Do you use OEM parts? When would you use something else, and will you tell me?
- How will my car's driver-assistance sensors and cameras be verified after the repair?
- Who handles communication with my insurance adjuster?
- What warranty do you offer, and is it in writing?
- Can you help with a loaner or rental, and with getting my car to and from the shop?
Our Bradenton body shop checklist goes deeper.
How Firkins Collision Center fits in
We work with all insurance companies and help with claim paperwork, so you can choose us regardless of who your carrier is. Our I-CAR- and ASE-certified technicians repair all makes and models, we use OEM parts whenever possible, and our work is backed by a lifetime warranty on parts and labor. We also offer free loaners or help arranging a rental, complimentary pickup and delivery, and Spanish-speaking staff. See our insurance claim help page and the right to choose overview for more.
Your car, your choice. Get a free estimate or call (941) 229-6451 and tell us who your insurer is. We'll take it from there.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use my insurance company's preferred body shop in Florida?
Your insurer can recommend shops, and some policies include repair-shop provisions, so read yours. In practice, you own the vehicle and you decide who works on it. The real question is usually how much the insurer will pay, which is governed by your policy and the estimate the insurer writes.
Does Florida have an anti-steering law for body shops?
Florida has an anti-steering statute for windshield claims (section 627.7291), but a 2023 Florida House staff analysis noted that Florida law did not include specific prohibitions on steering of repairs generally. Other statutes do protect you, such as the rule that an insurer requiring a particular shop must restore the car to its pre-loss condition at no additional cost beyond the policy terms.
What happens if my insurer requires a particular repair shop?
Under Florida Statute 626.9743(3), an insurer that elects to repair and specifically requires a particular shop must restore the vehicle to its pre-loss physical condition in performance and appearance at no additional cost to you other than what the policy states, such as your deductible.
If the other driver was at fault, who picks the shop?
When you file against the at-fault driver's liability coverage, you are a third-party claimant, not their policyholder. You are seeking payment for your damages, and you decide where your car is repaired. The at-fault carrier will still inspect and write its own estimate.
Can I get a copy of the insurance estimate?
Yes. Florida Statute 626.9743(7) says that when an insurer settles a partial loss based on a written estimate prepared by or for the insurer, it must supply the insured a copy of that estimate.
Will choosing my own shop slow down my claim?
Not necessarily. A shop experienced with insurance claims can send photos and estimates directly to the adjuster and handle supplements for hidden damage. Firkins Collision Center works with all insurance companies and helps with claim paperwork.
Wrecked, dented or scratched? Let's look at it.
Free estimates, help with your insurance claim, and a loaner while we work.