What the right to choose actually means

Your insurance company is required to pay for a reasonable repair at the shop you select. They can suggest shops. They can tell you a shop is on their 'preferred' list. What they cannot do is refuse to pay, delay payment, or threaten to reduce coverage because you chose a different shop. If they do, that's steering, and it's a violation of West Virginia law.

Why "preferred" shops exist

Insurance companies build relationships with specific shops that agree to discounted labor rates, aftermarket or used parts, and faster cycle times. This is cheaper for the insurer. It's not always better for you. Steering you to a preferred shop is convenient for your insurance company's bottom line, but the 'efficiency' often translates into corner-cutting on the repair: aftermarket bumpers that don't fit right, skipped scan-and-calibration steps, and paint blends that don't hold up.

How to assert your right

It's simpler than insurers make it sound. When you report the claim, tell your insurance adjuster clearly: 'I've chosen R&T Body Shop for my repair.' Give them our address (4326 Clarksburg Rd Buckhannon, WV 26201) and phone number (304-472-2989). They're required to honor that choice. If the adjuster pushes back, repeats the 'our preferred shops are faster' line, or says it will cost you more, politely repeat your choice. You can also bring us your claim information directly and we'll handle the communication with your insurer for you.

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What is insurance steering? 

"Steering" is referred too when the insurance provider directs you to one of their preferred or DRP shops. For the purpose of saving the insurance money due to having a contract with that shop - the insurance agrees to send the shop more work if they agree to give them a discount on repairs. In which this unfortunately can cause the shop to cut corners & rush work to be completed quicker and cheaper to save their bottom line