05/21/2026
You Have the Right to Choose Your Auto Body Repair Shop After an Accident
After an automobile accident, many drivers are immediately contacted by their insurance company and directed toward a “preferred” or “recommended” collision repair shop. What most consumers do not realize is that in Florida, you generally have the legal right to choose the auto body shop you trust — not just the one suggested by the insurance company.
Insurance companies often maintain what are called Direct Repair Programs (DRPs), commonly referred to as “preferred shop networks.” These are body shops that have agreements with insurance companies regarding pricing, repair procedures, labor rates, and claims processing. While some preferred shops perform quality work, many independent collision centers choose not to participate in these programs so they can focus on repairing vehicles according to manufacturer standards rather than insurance cost-saving guidelines.
At M.T. Collision Center of Orlando LLC, we believe the vehicle owner should always come first. As an independent collision repair facility serving the Orlando community, we work directly for our customers — not for the insurance company. Our goal is to restore vehicles properly, safely, and professionally using proven repair procedures and quality workmanship.
Many vehicle owners feel pressured when adjusters repeatedly recommend certain repair facilities. Florida consumer protection laws prohibit insurance companies from forcing customers to use a particular body shop as a condition of claim payment. Insurance companies may recommend a shop, but the final decision belongs to the vehicle owner.
Independent collision repair shops often advocate for repairs that meet Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards, especially on today’s modern vehicles equipped with advanced safety systems, sensors, cameras, and structural components. Proper repairs matter not only for appearance, but also for vehicle safety and resale value.
Consumers should also understand that they can still file and process collision insurance claims at non-preferred repair facilities. Experienced independent body shops routinely work with insurance companies every day by submitting estimates, supplements, repair documentation, and negotiating approved repair procedures on behalf of customers. Choosing your own repair facility does not mean you lose your insurance coverage or claim rights.
When selecting a collision repair center after an accident, drivers should consider factors such as experience, reputation, repair quality, communication, certifications, and customer service — not simply whether a shop appears on an insurance company’s preferred list.
At M.T. Collision Center of Orlando, LLC , we proudly help customers throughout Orlando with full collision repairs, auto body work, professional refinishing, and insurance claim assistance. As a family-owned business with more than 40 years of experience, we are committed to helping customers understand their rights and ensuring their vehicles are repaired with care, safety, and integrity.
If you’ve recently been involved in an accident, remember: you have the right to choose the repair shop you trust.
📱(407)284-8441
🌐 www.mtcollisioncenter.com
