The Other Driver's Insurance Sent You to a Shop? Know Your Rights

You were hit, the other driver's insurance accepted responsibility, and the adjuster gave you the name of a body shop to use. It happens every day, and it leaves drivers with the same question: do I have to go where they sent me? In Connecticut the answer is clear. You have the right to choose the repair shop, no matter whose insurance is paying. Here is how the process actually works when the other driver's carrier is handling your claim, and how to protect yourself along the way.

Your Right to Choose the Shop

Connecticut law protects a vehicle owner's right to select the repair facility. Insurance companies maintain networks of preferred shops and will often steer claimants toward them, sometimes with language that makes the referral sound mandatory. It is not. The referral shops in those networks can do fine work, but the arrangement exists to control the insurer's costs, and the shop's ongoing relationship is with the insurance company. When you choose your own shop, the shop works for you, and its job is to return your vehicle to its pre accident condition, which we covered in our post on choosing the right auto body shop.

How a Third Party Claim Works

When the other driver is at fault, you file what is called a third party claim with their insurance carrier. The carrier assigns an adjuster, the vehicle is inspected, and the insurer issues payment for the repair, along with a rental vehicle while yours is in the shop when the claim includes it. The sequence matters: the rental typically starts once the shop has a scheduled drop off date, which is why the carrier asks you for a date from the shop before setting up the rental. A good shop coordinates directly with the adjuster on the estimate, supplements for any hidden damage found during teardown, and the timeline, so you are not playing telephone between the two. We walked through the insurer side of this in the role of insurance in collision repair.

Drivable Is Not the Same as Safe

Many drivers keep using a damaged car while the claim moves, especially when it is the only vehicle in the household. Be careful with that judgment. A car can start, steer, and move while still being unsafe, sideswipe damage along a full side of the vehicle can involve the wheel, suspension, and safety systems, not just the sheet metal. If anything feels off in the steering, if a wheel was struck, or if lights, sensors, or doors are compromised, have it looked at before relying on it. Our post on whether your car is actually safe to drive after damage covers the specific warning signs.

What to Do, In Order

Get the claim number from the at fault carrier and confirm they have accepted liability. Choose your shop and tell the adjuster where the vehicle is going, you do not need their permission, only to inform them. Have the shop inspect the vehicle and coordinate the estimate with the adjuster. Get your drop off date scheduled, give that date to the carrier so the rental is ready, and let the shop manage supplements and updates from there. If the carrier pushes back on your shop choice or on repair procedures, remember that an independent shop can advocate for the correct repair, which is a big part of why second opinions on auto body repairs matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hit by Another Driver? Start Here

If another driver's insurance is handling your repair anywhere in the Waterbury area, bring the vehicle to Ray's Automotive at 1704 Baldwin Street or contact us with your claim number. We will inspect the damage, coordinate directly with the adjuster, and get your drop off and rental dates locked in.