Under Pennsylvania insurance regulations, an insurance company cannot require that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop.
However, an insurance company can recommend that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop under certain conditions:
- If an insurance company recommends a particular repair shop, it must do so in writing.
- The written disclosure must inform the consumer of the right to select the repair shop.
- If a consumer agrees to use an insurance company recommended repair shop, the insurance company must restore the damaged vehicle to its condition prior to the accident or loss.
- The insurance company must stand behind the repairs if the vehicle is not repaired properly by the recommended auto repair shop.
- A consumer cannot be required to travel an unreasonable distance to obtain a repair estimate or to have an automobile repaired at a specific repair shop.
If the vehicle is repaired in a shop chosen by the consumer, then the insurance company must pay the reasonable costs to repair the vehicle in a workmanlike manner. If the consumer’s chosen shop charges more than the reasonable costs, then the consumer may be responsible for these additional expenses.