When you’re in an accident, your mind is racing — you just want your car fixed and your life back to normal. That’s exactly when insurance companies try to steer you toward one of their “preferred” body shops.
It sounds convenient, but here’s the truth: you are not required to go where they tell you. In fact, Virginia law protects your right to choose any licensed repair facility you trust.
At Chesdin Automotive & Collision, we see it every day — good people being pressured, misled, or rushed into decisions that don’t serve them. Let’s break down why insurers steer, what it really means for you, and how to say “no thanks” the right way.
🚘 What “Steering” Really Means
Insurance steering happens when your insurer pushes, nudges, or insists you use one of their “direct repair program” shops (DRPs). They might say things like:
- “That shop isn’t on our list.”
- “It’ll take longer if you go elsewhere.”
- “We can’t guarantee their work.”
- “You’ll have to pay more if you don’t use our preferred shop.”
These statements sound helpful, but they’re designed to save the insurance company money — not to protect you.
💸 Why Insurance Companies Steer
- Cost Control – Preferred shops often sign agreements to use cheaper aftermarket or recycled parts and follow insurer-dictated labor rates. That saves the insurance company money, not you.
- Claim Convenience – By keeping everything “in network,” insurers move cars through faster — sometimes at the cost of proper repair procedures or OEM standards.
- Influence and Leverage – The fewer shops customers visit, the more control insurers maintain over pricing and payouts.
In short: it’s about the bottom line. Not your safety, not your vehicle’s integrity, and not your peace of mind.
⚖️ What Virginia Law Says
Virginia Code §38.2-517 makes it illegal for an insurance company to require you to use a specific shop. You have the absolute right to choose your repair facility — full stop.
They can make recommendations, but they cannot threaten delays, deny coverage, or imply you’ll be penalized for choosing differently.
At Chesdin Automotive & Collision, we deal with insurance companies daily. We work with them, not for them — and we ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly, safely, and according to manufacturer specifications.
🙅♀️ How to Say “No” — Politely but Firmly
When you’re already stressed, it’s hard to argue with your adjuster. Here are a few simple, calm responses that protect your rights:
1. “Thank you, but I’ve already chosen my repair facility.”
Short, professional, and confident. No explanation required.
2. “I appreciate your recommendation, but I prefer to work with a local shop I trust.”
This keeps the conversation positive while reminding them it’s your choice.
3. “Virginia law allows me to select my repair shop, and I’ve made my decision.”
This lets them know you’re informed — and that you won’t be pushed.
If they continue to pressure you, take note of the conversation details (date, name, comments). You can report steering behavior to the Virginia Bureau of Insurance if necessary.
🔧 Why Choosing an Independent Shop Matters
When you bring your vehicle to an independent, family-run collision center like Chesdin Automotive & Collision, here’s what you get:
- OEM procedures followed — no shortcuts.
- Lifetime warranty on repairs — because we stand behind our work.
- Transparent communication — you see every step of the process.
- Advocates for your safety — we handle the back-and-forth with your insurer so you don’t have to.
We don’t answer to corporate claim targets — we answer to you, our customer, and to the integrity of our craft.
❤️ Peace of Mind Over Pressure
After an accident, you deserve honesty and care — not confusion and pressure.
Our team at Chesdin Automotive & Collision has guided hundreds of drivers through this process, ensuring every car leaves our shop looking, feeling, and driving like it did before the collision — sometimes even better.
If your insurance company tries to steer you, remember this:
You have the right to choose. Choose experience. Choose integrity. Choose Chesdin.
📞 Need Guidance After an Accident?
If you’ve recently been in a collision and aren’t sure where to start, call us first.
We’ll help you file your claim, coordinate towing, and ensure your car is repaired the right way — safely, fairly, and legally.
👉 Chesdin Automotive & Collision
📍 23225 Airpark Drive, North Dinwiddie, VA 23803
📞 (804) 722-9787
🌐 chesdinauto.com