Your Right to Choose in New Jersey
It's your car. It's your choice. It's the law.
After an accident, your insurance company may suggest — or pressure you toward — one of their "network" or "preferred" shops. What they often don't tell you is that in New Jersey, the law explicitly protects your right to choose any repair facility you want. Here is exactly what the law says and what it means for you.
N.J.S.A. 17:33B-36.1 — The Anti-Steering Law
New Jersey statutory law prohibits insurance companies from requiring that repairs to your vehicle be made at a particular shop or type of shop. An insurer may recommend a facility, but only under strict conditions — and they must inform you that you are under no obligation to use their recommendation. The final decision always belongs to the vehicle owner: you.
In plain English: your insurance company cannot force you, and cannot penalize you, for choosing Auto Body Shoppe — or any other licensed repair facility you trust.
N.J.A.C. 11:3-10.3 — Fair Claim Settlement Rules
New Jersey's insurance regulations govern how auto physical damage claims must be adjusted. Insurers must handle your claim fairly and promptly, and they may not condition the settlement of your claim on the use of a specific repair shop. If your chosen shop's estimate differs from the insurer's, the insurer is required to work toward an agreed price for the proper repair of your vehicle — they cannot simply refuse to deal with the shop you selected.
This is why our estimators communicate directly with your adjuster: New Jersey's rules give us real standing to negotiate a complete, safe repair on your behalf.
What "Steering" Sounds Like on the Phone
Steering is often subtle. If you hear any of these lines from an insurance representative, recognize them for what they are — pressure tactics, not requirements:
- "If you use a shop outside our network, we can't guarantee the repairs." — You don't need their guarantee. Auto Body Shoppe provides its own lifetime warranty on our workmanship.
- "Repairs will take much longer at that shop." — They have no basis for this claim. Delays are more often caused by slow adjuster responses, which we push on daily.
- "We can't send an appraiser out there." — Insurers routinely inspect vehicles at independent shops across New Jersey. This is standard practice.
- "You'll have to pay the difference if you go there." — Your policy covers the proper repair of your vehicle, not a discount rate at a contracted shop.
Your Rights at a Glance
- You choose the shop. Any licensed New Jersey auto body repair facility. Period.
- One estimate is enough. No New Jersey law requires you to collect multiple estimates.
- Your claim cannot be delayed or denied as punishment for choosing your own shop.
- You can advocate for OEM parts. Depending on your policy and vehicle, you have a voice in the parts used to repair your car.
- You can report steering. Improper claim practices can be reported to the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (NJDOBI).
Exactly What to Say to Your Insurer
You don't need to argue. One calm sentence ends the conversation:
That's it. From that point forward, we handle the communication with your adjuster.
This page is provided for general consumer information and is not legal advice. For questions about your specific policy or claim, consult your policy documents, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, or an attorney.
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Exercise Your Right. Choose Your Shop.
New Jersey law is on your side. Bring your vehicle to us and let us deal with the insurance company for you.
Call the shop: (973) 226-5111