We've been hearing a lot about incorrect information being said to our customers lately from their insurance companies. With regards to CHOICES, YOU HAVE THEM
Did you know that YOU can choose what body shop YOU want to repair your vehicle? This stands true for ALL insurance companies, big and small. I know, I know, sometimes it sure doesn't seem like that's an option when speaking to an insurance adjuster directly, but nonetheless, it's true! The adjuster can tell you what shops they work well with. They can tell you what shops they will stand behind. They can tell you whatever they want, BUT ULTIMATELY, THE CHOICE IS YOURS! And let's be real here, any shop that doesn't stand behind their own repairs without an insurance company backing them up, well, who'd want to use them anyway
In fact, the most recent line we've heard told to a customer just this week was "Our policy" (there's that word again) "changed as of 01/01/26 and you HAVE TO take it to _______". That sadly, is a straight up LIE, told by a bully insurance adjuster sitting at a desk over a phone call.
Knowledge is power, my friends. Once you have the knowledge and know your options, the situation tends to be a whole lot easier to maneuver through.
If you're up for a bit of reading, see the law below, but if you're not, know that any reputable shop, including ours, will answer any questions you have on these matters whether they do the repairs or not. We all hate to see customers feel like they don't have a choice!
FYI - Wisconsin Law states:
632.375 Motor vehicle repair practices; restriction on specifying vendor.
(1) Scope. This section applies to every insurer that issues or delivers in this state a motor vehicle insurance policy that covers repairs to a motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in this state.
(2) Prohibited practices.
(a) No insurer may require that, as a condition of the coverage specified in sub. (1), repairs to a motor vehicle must be made by a particular contractor or repair facility. For purposes of this section, a consumer has the right to select the motor vehicle repair facility of his or her choice.
(b) No insurer may fail to initiate and conclude with due dispatch an investigation of a claim for repairs to a motor vehicle on the basis of whether the repairs will be made by a particular contractor or repair facility.