When you make an insurance claim, your insurance company is likely to ask you to use an “approved mechanic” to get the repairs done on your vehicle.   This is a mechanic or body shop that is within the insurer’s network and already has a relationship with the insurer. The insurance company wants you to work with these approved mechanics and body shops because it’s cheaper and easier for them.   You are not legally required to use one of the approved shops, however. You have the option of using another service provider. Sometimes it's wise to do that, and sometimes not. The benefits of using an "approved" provider include: Faster service: Since your insurance company has a relationship with the shop, paperwork, repairs, and payment can be handled quickly. Warranty: Most “in-network” shops will guarantee their work on your vehicle. However, most “out-of-network” reputable shops will do this too. Accessible: There is likely to be an in-network shop near you. The drawbacks of using an “approved” provider may include: Sub-par repairs: In some cases, since the auto shop has a relationship with the insurer, they may try to fix your car in the most cost-effective way possible. That could mean poorer quality repairs. Unfamiliar mechanic: If you already have a mechanic you trust and they’re not in your insurer’s network, you’ll be working with a mechanic you don’t know. If you choose a shop outside of your insurer’s network, you may have to negotiate with them to approve it. Handling paperwork and verifying costs will take the insurance company more time, so they may be resistant. You may also need to get multiple estimates from different shops.