When your car is damaged in an accident, the last thing you need is more confusion or pressure. But for many people, that’s exactly what happens when they contact their insurance company. One of the most common — and least understood — issues drivers face is insurance steering, where the insurer tries to direct them to a specific repair shop, often one that works closely with the insurance company.
Let’s be clear: You have the legal right to choose your own repair facility in the state of Ohio. No insurance company can force or pressure you into using a specific shop. In fact, it’s illegal for them to do so.
This post will help you understand how steering happens, why it matters, and what you can do to protect yourself and your vehicle.
What Is Insurance Steering?
Insurance steering happens when an insurance company attempts to influence or direct a policyholder to use a particular repair shop — usually one within their “preferred network” or Direct Repair Program (DRP). The language is often subtle:
- “We can’t guarantee the repairs if you don’t use our shop.”
- “You’ll have to pay the difference if it costs more elsewhere.”
- “That shop isn’t on our list.”
These statements are misleading and, in many cases, violate your consumer rights.
Important: In Ohio, it is illegal for an insurer to require that repairs be made at a specific facility. Ohio Administrative Code 109:4-3-13 outlines these protections clearly.
Why Steering Can Be a Problem
The issue with steering isn’t just about your freedom to choose — it’s about the quality and safety of the repair.
Preferred shops may agree to keep costs down to stay in the insurer’s good graces. That can lead to corner-cutting, such as:
- Using aftermarket parts instead of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts
- Rushing repairs to meet insurance deadlines
- Failing to fully restore structural or safety systems
We broke down these differences in detail in our post on OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts. The short version? OEM parts are designed to fit your car exactly, preserving safety and resale value. Aftermarket parts are cheaper but often less reliable.
When Steering Leads to Bigger Problems
In some cases, insurance pressure doesn’t stop at choosing a repair shop. Customers have also been steered into totaling a car that could be repaired — especially if the insurance company doesn’t want to pay for OEM parts or comprehensive labor.
Take a look at our article, Car Totaled After a Fender-Bender?, where we explore how and why this happens. Insurance companies are profit-driven, and if they can settle a claim faster or for less, they often will — even if it’s not in your best interest.
Know the Tactics
Here are common steering tactics to watch for:
- Saying a non-preferred shop will cause delays (not true)
- Claiming a shop won’t warranty its work (reputable shops, including ours, offer lifetime workmanship guarantees)
- Suggesting your chosen shop charges more than “allowed” (the insurer doesn’t dictate the shop’s rates)
Don’t be intimidated. You can say:
“Thanks for the info, but I’m choosing my own repair shop. Please process the claim accordingly.”
How to Choose a Good Repair Shop
Knowing your rights is one thing — making a smart choice is another. So how do you pick a trustworthy shop?
- Look for I-CAR Gold Class certification
- Ask about lifetime guarantees
- Check reviews and community reputation
- Confirm they use OEM parts when possible
To help, we wrote a guide comparing The Best Body Shops in Zanesville. Use it to vet your options and make an informed decision.
If You’ve Been Pressured or Misled
If an insurance company has pressured you or misrepresented your rights, you can file a complaint:
- Ohio Department of Insurance Complaint Center: insurance.ohio.gov
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners: naic.org
- Superior Dent Solutions has a helpful breakdown of consumer rights.
Final Thoughts
You shouldn’t have to fight for your right to a safe, high-quality repair. At Zanesville Autobody, we believe education is your strongest defense against insurance steering. You deserve transparency, safety, and a repair that restores your vehicle to pre-accident condition — not the insurance company’s bottom line.
Have questions about your repair options? Call us or stop by. We’re happy to walk you through your rights — no pressure, just real help.
Ohio Drivers: Contact Zanesville Autobody for Your Collision Repair
This article was originally published by Zanesville Autobody Collision and Glass, LLC, a member of the Autobody of Ohio family of auto body shops. If you are in Ohio and looking for a quality autobody shop in Central Ohio, we are here to help you.
We’ll make your car like new again!
Zanesville Autobody Collision and Glass
1152 Newark Road
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Phone: (740) 487-3111
Fax: (740) 888-3500