I’ve been in an accident, can I take my vehicle where I want?
This is a question we hear everyday in the collision business and i can’t speak for every state but in New York State, YES. There are set regulations and rules for NYS that do not allow insurance companies to tell you where you have to go for car repairs.
The set of rules are called NYS Regulation 64 and it’s your protection. Insurance companies may use terminology making you believe you have to take photos of your vehicle and send it to them or that you must get an estimate from one of there shops first. This is false you are free to do what you want.
In all cases the best thing for you to do is before doing anything, contact your auto body repair facility. They will guide you through the process and help you do what’s best for you, whether you know it or not.
