You are entitled certain legal rights:

• Under Texas Insurance Code # 1952.301, you may have your vehicle repaired wherever you choose.  Under Code # 1952.302 an employee of the insurance company is prohibited from requiring you to have repairs done at one of their preferred facilities.

• (You do not have to take your car to the shop with the cheapest estimate or one picked by the insurance company.)

• Insurers may recommend some auto body shops, but CANNOT  REQUIRE you to use a specific repair facility or to select form a list of their “preferred” shops.   This illegal practice is called “steering”.

• If you are the claimant, (you were not at fault), you are entitled to a rental car during the time your car is being repaired.