Can I Choose My Own Body Shop in Arizona? (Yes, and Here's How)

If you are in Tempe, Mesa, or elsewhere in the East Valley and your insurer just named a "preferred" shop, you may wonder whether you have to go there. Short answer: no. In Arizona, you can choose your own auto body shop for most vehicle repairs.

This post explains what Arizona law and insurance rules say, what to tell your adjuster, and how we handle the claim paperwork at Harvil Auto Body so you are not stuck in the middle.

This article is general information for Arizona drivers, not legal advice. Your policy and your claim may differ. If you need legal guidance, talk with a licensed Arizona attorney or contact the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions.

Do I have to use my insurer's preferred shop?

No. Arizona law gives you the right to choose any repair facility for a motor vehicle loss (glass repairs are handled under separate rules). Your insurer can recommend shops and share a preferred or direct-repair network. When they do, they are supposed to tell you at the same time that you still have the right to choose.

State unfair claims settlement rules also say insurers cannot make you travel an unreasonable distance just to get an estimate or to have the car repaired at a specific shop. They may give you names of conveniently located shops. They cannot require you to use one particular body shop.

So a preferred shop list is a suggestion, not a mandate. You can take your car to the shop you trust.

What if my insurer steers me toward their shop?

Steering is when an adjuster pushes hard for their network shop, questions a shop that is not on the list, or makes it sound like using your own shop will delay the claim or void coverage. Arizona regulators have long said insurers may recommend preferred shops, but they may not require you to go to a particular one.

If your shop's estimate is higher than the insurer's preferred-shop figure, you may be asked to pay the difference. That is a separate issue from the right to choose. It is also why clear communication and a shop that works with insurers every day matters.

We work with all major insurers, coordinate approvals, and handle the paperwork. Our goal is a repair that follows OEM procedures, done by I-CAR certified technicians, with a lifetime warranty on paint and workmanship.

For a broader checklist of what happens after a crash, see our guide on how to handle insurance after a car accident in Arizona. If you are comparing shops, start with 5 things to know before choosing an auto body shop.

What to say to your insurer

Keep it calm and clear. You do not need to argue statute numbers on the phone. A few plain lines usually work:

• "I am choosing Harvil Auto Body in Tempe for the repairs. Please send the adjuster there."

• "I understand you can recommend shops. I am using my right to choose my own repair facility."

• "Please confirm you will work with my chosen shop on the estimate and any supplements."

Then give them our address and phone: 2338 E Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282, (480) 966-7180. We can take it from there with the insurer.

If parts quality comes up during the claim, read OEM vs. aftermarket parts: what's best for your car. If the conversation shifts toward totaling the vehicle, see how to tell if your car is a total loss.

How Harvil Auto Body helps with the insurance side

We are a family-owned shop in Tempe since 1975, now in our fourth generation. Drivers from Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and the East Valley bring us collision and body work because they want local ownership and repairs done the right way.

Here is what working with us usually looks like on an insurance claim:

1. Get an estimate. Walk-ins are welcome, or request a virtual estimate online.

2. Tell your insurer you chose us. We help coordinate the approval.

3. We repair to OEM procedures with I-CAR certified technicians.

4. Need a rental? We can arrange one through our partners.

5. When the job is done, your paint and workmanship are backed by our lifetime warranty.

Explore our services or contact us if you want to get started before you call the claim line.

FAQ

Can my insurer deny my claim if I do not use their preferred shop?
Choosing your own shop for body repairs is allowed under Arizona law. Coverage still depends on your policy and the facts of the claim. An insurer may negotiate the repair cost and, if your shop's price is higher than their figure, you may owe the difference. They should not refuse to deal with a shop solely because it is outside their network.

Will using my own shop slow down the claim?
It does not have to. Delays often come from missing photos, incomplete estimates, or slow communication. We coordinate with insurers every day so approvals and supplements move along.

Does Harvil Auto Body work with all insurers?
Yes. We work with all major insurers and handle the paperwork and approvals with you.

Do I need an appointment for an estimate?
Walk-ins are welcome during our hours. You can also request a virtual estimate online. We are open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and closed Friday through Sunday.

Ready to choose your shop?

You do not have to use an insurer's preferred body shop in Arizona. Pick the shop that will repair your car the way you want it repaired.

Harvil Auto Body
2338 E Broadway Rd
Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 966-7180

Stop by for an estimate, request one online, or call us and we will walk you through the next step with your insurer.