Can You Choose Your Own Body Shop for an Insurance Claim in California?
Riverside, United States - June 5, 2026 / Royal Collision /
Riverside, CA, June 5, 2026 – Royal Collision is helping California drivers better understand their rights when selecting a repair facility after a vehicle accident. The Riverside collision repair shop recently shared educational information addressing common misconceptions surrounding repair shop selection, OEM repair procedures, and the collision repair insurance process for newer vehicles.
According to California Insurance Code Section 758.5, drivers generally have the right to choose their own repair facility after a collision, even when an insurance company recommends a preferred shop.
California Drivers Continue To Face Confusion During Insurance Claims
Many vehicle owners are uncertain about whether they must use an insurance company’s recommended repair facility after an accident. Royal Collision stated that confusion surrounding Direct Repair Programs (DRPs) and insurer recommendations often creates unnecessary stress during the claims process.
The California Department of Insurance advises that insurers cannot require consumers to use a specific shop as a condition of coverage. Drivers still maintain the right to select a facility that follows manufacturer repair standards and communicates directly regarding repair documentation and supplements.
“Many customers are surprised to learn they can choose the repair facility they trust,” says Ryan Oeftering, owner of Royal Collision. “That decision affects repair quality, safety system performance, and long-term vehicle integrity.”
Modern Vehicles Require Detailed Repair Procedures
Vehicle technology has changed significantly during the last decade. Many late-model vehicles now include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), structural aluminum components, and complex electronic sensor systems that require manufacturer repair procedures and post-repair calibration.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported approximately 5.93 million police-reported crashes in the United States during 2022, resulting in more than 2.3 million injuries. As collision frequency remains high, proper repairs continue to play an important role in vehicle safety and structural performance.
Royal Collision stated that newer vehicles often require:
Pre-repair and post-repair scanning
Structural measurement verification
OEM parts documentation
Safety system calibration
Manufacturer repair procedure research
The company noted that repair shortcuts or incomplete procedures may affect structural alignment, sensor accuracy, and future crash protection.
Questions Drivers Should Ask Before Authorizing Repairs
Royal Collision encourages vehicle owners to ask detailed questions before approving repairs at a body shop handling insurance claims. The company recommends discussing:
Whether OEM parts will be used
Whether manufacturer repair procedures are followed
Whether pre-repair and post-repair scans are completed
How the shop communicates with insurers
What warranty coverage applies after repairs
“Drivers should understand what repairs are being performed and why those procedures matter,” Oeftering added. “Repair documentation and calibration steps have become increasingly important on newer vehicles.”
The company also noted that post-repair inspections are becoming more common among drivers who want an independent evaluation of completed repairs, especially after major structural damage or sensor-related repairs.
Collision Repair Discussions Continue Across Riverside County
Drivers throughout Riverside, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley, Grand Terrace, Colton, and Redlands continue to deal with high traffic volume on routes such as the 91 Freeway, I-215, and SR-60. Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, and lane-change crashes remain common throughout the region.
Royal Collision stated that many consumers searching for help with an auto insurance claim for repair are primarily concerned with repair quality, communication, and proper reimbursement documentation during the repair process.
The company also explained that selecting an experienced repair facility can help reduce delays involving supplements, parts approvals, and insurer documentation requests during repairs.
Vehicle owners seeking information regarding insurance claims and the body shop selection process are encouraged to review California consumer protection information and ask questions before authorizing repairs. For quality collision repair in Riverside, CA, they can contact Royal Collision at (951) 276-4421 or ryan@royalcollisionriverside.com.
About Royal Collision
Royal Collision is an auto body and collision repair facility located in Riverside, California. The company focuses on OEM repair procedures, structural repairs, refinishing, and repair planning for late-model vehicles involved in collisions. If assistance is needed in the process for an insurance claim from the body shop, this shop provides it. They document manufacturer repair procedures and vehicle safety considerations that they implement.
Media Contact
Ryan Oeftering
Owner, Royal Collision
Phone: (951) 276-4421
Email: ryan@royalcollisionriverside.com
Website: https://royalcollisionriverside.com/
Contact Information:
Royal Collision
1260 Dodson Way
Riverside, CA 92507
United States
Ryan Oeftering
(951) 276-4421
https://royalcollisionriverside.com/
Original Source: https://royalcollisionriverside.com/auto-body-shop/can-you-choose-your-own-body-shop-for-an-insurance-claim-in-california/
