Your Right to Choose a Body Shop – Tennessee Law

It’s Your Car. Your Choice.  

Under Tennessee law, you have the legal right to choose which collision repair facility fixes your vehicle – not your insurance company.

The Tennessee Code Annotated Section 56-7-111 “No insurance company shall require that repairs be made to a motor vehicle in a particular place or shop or by a particular concern.” 

This means: – You can choose any repair shop you trust. – Insurance companies cannot force or pressure you to use a shop from their ‘preferred’ or ‘DRP’ list. – They also cannot delay or deny your claim just because you didn’t choose their recommended shop.   

Steering Is Illegal in Tennessee Steering is when an insurance company: 

• Implies your claim won’t be covered if you don’t use their shop.
• Suggests your shop will charge more or do lower quality work.
• Tries to mislead or scare you into switching shops. 

All reputable shops must still follow proper procedures, provide accurate estimates, and work with insurers – whether they’re ‘preferred’ or not. 

What You Can Say to the Insurance Company: 

“I am exercising my right under Tennessee Code Section 56-7-111 to choose my repair shop. Please communicate directly with them for any estimates or supplements.” 

Your Right to Choose a Body Shop – Tennessee Law Need Help? If you believe you are being steered or treated unfairly, contact: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Consumer Insurance Services Division: (615) 741-2218 or visit www.tn.gov/commerce