An insurance policy is a legal contact between you, the vehicle owner, and the insurance company. Just like with any contract, this policy guarantees you certain rights and responsibilities.

In the event you are in a car accident, your insurance company is obligated by law to restore your vehicle to the condition it was in prior to any sustained damage. If it cannot be restored, you will be compensated financially for the actual cash-value of the vehicle. It is your decision to have some, all, or none of the necessary repair work completed.

It is your right to choose where your vehicle will be repaired. Your insurance may attempt to persuade or demand you take it to a certain facility. This is a violation of R.S. 222. 

A direct repair or preferred shop are repair facilities that have an arrangement with your insurance company. It is in the insurance company’s best interest for you to have your vehicle repaired there. An independent repair shop will have your best interest in mind, not the insurance company’s. The goal of this shop is to maintain profitability for themselves and the insurance provider.

The vehicle owner is the only one authorized to direct a repair facility to begin repairs. Insurance companies cannot legally make this decision for you. 

Insurance companies have no control over repair prices. An independent or dealership franchised repair facility is allowed to set its own prices and fees.