Vincent Keene wrote:
I'm sure Cline would be the authority here, but it's been my understanding that they can't force you to use a particular shop.
On my claims at least ,*I* chose the shop that *I* wanted to do the work.
I was never *forced* to use a shop by my insurance agent when my other car got hit. But the one they wanted me to use was on their list of preferred shops. When you use their preferred shop you don't spend a penny. The appraiser deals with the shop and the insurance company pays them directly. They also guaranteed the work for a year and guaranteed no used parts would be put on the car. It made the process simple and the shop did excellent work.
Depending on your insurance company using their preferred shops can be a good thing.