After an accident, one of the first calls you make is usually to your insurance company. During that call, it’s common to hear a suggestion, or even a strong recommendation, to use a specific repair shop. Many drivers assume they have to go along with it.
The truth is, you don’t.
In Arkansas, the choice of where your vehicle is repaired is yours, not your insurance company. At Chris Crain Collision, we want every driver in Benton and Conway to know their rights before they ever need to use them. Understanding how the claims process really works can save you time, frustration, and even money.
What Is Insurance “Steering”?
“Steering” is the industry term for when an insurance company pressures a customer toward a specific repair shop instead of letting them choose. It doesn’t always sound like pressure. Sometimes it’s framed as a helpful suggestion, like:
- “That shop is on our preferred list.”
- “Repairs will move faster if you go there.”
- “We can’t guarantee the same turnaround time if you use another shop.”
These statements can leave customers feeling like they have no real choice, even when they do.
Do You Have to Use Your Insurance Company’s Preferred Shop?
No. Arkansas law protects your right to choose your own repair facility.
Under Arkansas Code 23-66-206(13), requiring a claimant to repair their vehicle at a particular shop is considered an unfair claims settlement practice. Arkansas Insurance Department Rule 43 reinforces this, stating that insurers cannot require a claimant to have their vehicle repaired at a specific repair shop as a condition of paying the claim.
Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Alan McClain has publicly reminded consumers of this right, stating plainly that insurers cannot require a claimant to have an automobile repaired at a specific repair shop.
That means the decision is yours. You can choose Chris Crain Collision Center regardless of which insurance company you have.
Common Ways Steering Happens
Steering isn’t always obvious, and it can happen in a few different ways:
- Being told a preferred shop will process the claim “faster”
- Being warned that repairs elsewhere may not be covered the same way
- Being repeatedly redirected to a specific shop during the claims call
- Being told that a rental car is easier to arrange through a certain shop
If any of this sounds familiar, it doesn’t mean anything went wrong. It’s worth knowing you can still choose where your vehicle goes.
Why Choosing Your Own Shop Matters
The shop you choose is responsible for making sure your vehicle is repaired correctly and safely, not just quickly. Choosing a shop you trust, rather than one selected for you, means:
- You control the quality standards your vehicle is held to
- You can ask questions and get updates directly from the people doing the work
- You’re not limited to a shop chosen for its relationship with an insurer rather than its reputation with drivers
What to Say If Your Insurance Company Tries to Steer You
If you feel like you’re being pushed toward a specific shop, you can simply say:
- “I’ve chosen my repair shop already.”
- “I’d like my vehicle taken to Chris Crain Collision.”
- “Can you confirm that towing/rental arrangements can still go through my chosen shop?”
You’re allowed to be direct. Filing a claim does not mean giving up your choice of repair shop.
Which Insurance Companies Does Chris Crain Collision Work With?
We work regularly with every insurance company, and our team has hands-on experience with the claims process across the board. Some of the carriers we work with most often include:
- State Farm
- Farm Bureau
- Shelter
- Progressive
Our Conway location has also built established working relationships with Farm Bureau and State Farm over time. That experience helps the process move smoothly, but it doesn’t limit who we work with. No matter who your insurance is with, you’re welcome to choose Chris Crain Collision.
How Chris Crain Collision Makes the Claims Process Easier
Once you’ve chosen your shop, our team works to keep the rest of the process as simple as possible:
- We communicate directly with your insurance adjuster throughout the repair process.
- If additional damage is found once your vehicle is disassembled, our estimator works directly with your adjuster to get approval before any additional repairs begin.
- We’re happy to assist you through the claims process, though we aren’t able to file a claim on your behalf; that step has to come from you or your insurance company.
- Bringing your claim number with you to your initial estimate helps get the process started faster.
What to Have Ready When You Start a Claim
Filing your claim goes more smoothly when you have a few details ready:
- Your policy number
- Accident details, including the date, time, and location
- A description of what happened
- Vehicle and driver information
- Photos, a police report, or other parties’ information, if available
Trust Chris Crain Collision With Your Repairs, Your Choice
An accident already brings enough to think about. Who repairs your vehicle shouldn’t be one more thing decided for you. At Chris Crain Collision, we believe every driver deserves a shop they trust, not just one they were directed to.
With locations in Benton and Conway, our team is ready to help from your very first estimate through the day you get back on the road. If you have questions about your rights after an accident or want to learn more about our claims process, contact Chris Crain Collision today.
