Oregon insurance repair rights — you pick the shop, not the insurer

The short version

After a collision in Oregon, you have the right to choose the repair shop that repairs your vehicle.

Your insurance company can recommend a "preferred" or network repair shop, but under ORS 746.280, it cannot require you to use a particular repairer as a condition of recovery under your policy.

The insurer can recommend. You choose.

Oregon law gives insured drivers several important protections when choosing a collision repair shop:

• Your insurer cannot require a particular repair shop. An insurer cannot require that a particular person or shop repair your vehicle as a condition of recovery under your motor vehicle liability insurance policy.
• The insurer must tell you that you have a choice. Before an adjuster recommends a particular repairer, ORS 746.280 requires the adjuster to inform you that Oregon law gives you the right to select the repair shop of your choice.
• Choosing another shop doesn't remove important repair protections. If you choose a shop other than the one recommended by your insurer, ORS 746.280 says the insurer may not limit the cost of repairs necessary to return the vehicle to its preloss condition relative to safety, function and appearance, except as stated in your policy or otherwise allowed by law.

Your insurance company is allowed to recommend a shop. Many insurers have networks of "preferred" or direct-repair facilities.

You can accept that recommendation — or choose another repair shop you trust.

If an adjuster recommends a particular shop, Oregon law requires them to first inform you of your right to choose.

So if you've already selected Crown, you can simply tell your adjuster:

"I've chosen Crown Towing & Collision Repair to repair my vehicle."

1. Choose your repair shop. Select a collision repair facility you trust based on its experience, training, repair capabilities and warranty.
2. Tell your insurer which shop you've chosen. Give your adjuster the shop's name and contact information.
3. Let the shop communicate with the insurer. At Crown, we can communicate with the insurance company about the estimate, photos, repair documentation and supplements needed during the repair process.
4. Understand your repair plan. Ask questions about the repairs being performed, the procedures being followed and the warranty behind the work.
5. Know what your policy covers. Your right to choose a repair shop does not override the terms of your insurance policy.

ORS 746.280 protects your choice of repair shop. It does not mean the insurer has to agree automatically with every estimate, part, labor charge or repair decision.

Your insurer may prepare its own estimate and review or question repair costs. Your insurance policy and other applicable laws still determine what the insurer is obligated to pay.

The important distinction is:

An insurer can review the claim and what it will pay. It cannot require you to use a particular repairer as a condition of recovery under your policy.

If you believe an insurer is not respecting your right to choose, you can contact the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation for help.