After a car accident, your insurance company will likely recommend—or even strongly suggest—that you take your vehicle to one of their “preferred” repair shops. They might tell you it will be faster, easier, or that your repair will be guaranteed. What they might not tell you is that under Oregon law,
you have the absolute right to choose your own auto body shop—and they cannot require you to use their recommended facility as a condition for paying your claim.
This isn’t just a suggestion or a courtesy. It’s Oregon state law, and understanding your rights can make the difference between a repair that truly restores your vehicle and one that cuts corners to save the insurance company money.
What Oregon Law Says About Your Right to Choose
Oregon Revised Statute 746.280 is clear and unambiguous. It states that an insurance company
may not require that a particular person make the repairs to the insured’s motor vehicle as a condition for recovery. In plain English: your insurance company cannot force you to use their preferred shop to get your claim paid.
The law goes further. Before recommending any specific repair shop, your insurance adjuster is required to inform you of your rights with a statement similar to:
“OREGON LAW PROHIBITS US FROM REQUIRING YOU TO GET REPAIRS TO YOUR VEHICLE AT A PARTICULAR MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SELECT THE MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP OF YOUR CHOICE.”
If your adjuster hasn’t communicated this to you, they’re not following Oregon law.
Why Insurance Companies Push Their Preferred Shops
Understanding why insurance companies have “preferred” or “direct repair program” (DRP) shops helps explain why you might want to think twice before automatically following their recommendation.
Insurance companies negotiate contracts with these shops that typically include:
- Discounted labor rates: DRP shops often agree to lower hourly rates in exchange for the steady flow of referrals.
- Pressure to use aftermarket parts: These agreements may encourage or require the use of less expensive non-OEM parts.
- Streamlined estimates: DRP shops may be less likely to write thorough supplements for hidden damage, keeping costs down for the insurer.
- Faster turnaround expectations: Speed is often prioritized, which can sometimes mean cutting corners on quality.
None of this means DRP shops do bad work—many are excellent. But the financial arrangement means their first obligation may be to the insurance company, not to you. When you choose your own shop, the shop’s loyalty is to you, the customer.
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use—And How to Respond
Even though Oregon law protects your right to choose, some insurance adjusters may use various tactics to steer you toward their preferred shops. Here’s what to watch for and how to respond:
“We can only guarantee repairs done at our preferred shop.”
The Reality: Reputable independent body shops provide their own warranties on repairs. At Dabler Auto Body, we offer an Unlimited Lifetime Warranty on all our work. You don’t need the insurance company’s guarantee when you have ours.
“It will take longer if you don’t use our shop.”
The Reality: Repair time depends on the extent of damage and parts availability, not which shop you choose. A quality shop that takes the time to do repairs correctly is better than a rushed job that might cause problems later.
“We might not cover the full cost if you go elsewhere.”
The Reality: Oregon law (ORS 746.280) specifically states that if you choose your own shop, the insurance company “may not limit the cost of repairs necessary to return the motor vehicle to a preloss condition relative to safety, function and appearance other than as stated in the policy or as otherwise allowed by law.” They must pay for a proper repair.
“Our preferred shops use the latest technology.”
The Reality: Many independent shops invest heavily in training and equipment. Dabler Auto Body is I-CAR Gold Class certified, ASE certified, and equipped with advanced technology including Chief frame straightening equipment, Vector computerized measuring, and a Nova Verta paint booth. We’re also certified to repair BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Don’t assume a preferred shop is better equipped than an independent one.
What to Say to Your Insurance Company
When dealing with your insurance adjuster, being clear and confident about your rights makes the process smoother. Here’s a simple script you can use:
“I understand you have preferred repair shops, but I’ve chosen to have my vehicle repaired at [Dabler Auto Body]. Under Oregon Revised Statute 746.280, I have the right to select my own repair facility, and I expect you to work with my chosen shop to process this claim.”
That’s usually all it takes. Most adjusters will respect your decision once you’ve made it clear you know your rights.
Additional Oregon Protections for Vehicle Owners
Oregon law provides several other protections for consumers when it comes to auto body repairs:
- Written estimates: Before starting work, repair shops must provide a written estimate if you request one, and they cannot charge more than the estimate without your consent.
- Disclosure of used parts: If any used parts are installed, this must be clearly stated on your invoice.
- Parts warranties: OEM crash parts must come with a warranty, and aftermarket parts must include a warranty that’s at least as good as what’s available from the original manufacturer.
- Detailed invoices: All work performed and parts supplied must be recorded on an invoice, with a copy provided to you.
Why Your Choice of Body Shop Really Matters
Choosing your own repair shop isn’t just about exercising your rights—it’s about ensuring the best outcome for your vehicle and your safety. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Safety: A properly repaired vehicle protects you and your family. Shortcuts in structural repairs or using inferior parts can compromise how your car performs in a future accident.
- Vehicle value: Quality repairs using OEM parts help maintain your vehicle’s resale value. Poor repairs can diminish value even further beyond the accident damage itself.
- Long-term reliability: Proper repairs last. Rushed or substandard work often leads to problems down the road—paint peeling, panels not fitting correctly, or mechanical issues that trace back to the original repair.
- Peace of mind: When you trust your repair shop, you can feel confident that your vehicle has been restored to its pre-accident condition.
How Dabler Auto Body Works With Your Insurance Company
When you choose Dabler Auto Body for your collision repairs, we handle the insurance process for you. Our experienced team:
- Works directly with your insurance adjuster to document all damage
- Submits detailed estimates and any necessary supplements for hidden damage
- Advocates for proper repairs using quality parts
- Communicates with you throughout the process so you’re never left wondering
- Ensures your vehicle is returned to its pre-loss condition
We’ve been working with insurance companies for nearly 50 years. We know the process, we know your rights, and we know how to get your vehicle repaired correctly.
Exercise Your Right to Choose Dabler Auto Body
If you’ve been in an accident and need collision repairs in Salem, remember that the choice of where to repair your vehicle is yours—not your insurance company’s. Oregon law protects this right, and you should exercise it.
Contact Dabler Auto Body today at (503) 585-8066 or visit us at 1465 Sunnyview Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301 for a free estimate. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tell your insurance company you’ve chosen Dabler Auto Body—we’ll handle the rest.
Your car. Your choice. Your rights. That’s the Oregon way.
