Whether you were in an accident, a tree branch fell on your car, or someone sideswiped you while you were parked on the street, you’ll need to take your car to a body shop. Your insurance company will usually recommend a particular body shop. But are you restricted to the shop recommended by your insurance, or do you have the freedom to choose?

Valiante Auto Body, in Norwalk, CT, is a full-service body shop specializing in all manner of external repairs. The certified auto repair shop offers a brief explanation on how to handle your insurance company's recommendation, and if you're obligated to take it. 

• You Don't Need to Use Your Insurance Company's Shop: By law in most states, it's up to you what body shop you take your car to. If you have a specific body shop in mind for your repairs and it’s not the one your insurance company recommends, don't fret. It's your prerogative to take your car where you want. 
• Consider Quality Control: One of the benefits to taking your car to your insurance company's body shop is that a certain level of quality is guaranteed. Insurance companies have minimum requirements for the body shops they work with, and also typically require their body shops to offer lifetime warranties for their work. There's security that comes with choosing your insurance company's shop. 
• Insurance Company's Vested Interest: Keep in mind, though, that your insurance company stands to gain from you choosing their recommendation. Most insurance companies have negotiated a special rate for the body shops they work with in exchange for all the business they provide. When you choose the body shop of your insurance company's choice, you're actually saving them money. 

While insurance companies often try to pressure drivers to use certain body shops for repairs, accepting their choice is far from obligatory.

If your car is damaged and in need of repairs, take it to Valiante Auto Body. One of the most respected body shops in Norwalk, Fairfield County, and all of Southwestern Connecticut, Valiante Auto Body can deftly handle everything from collision repair and twisted frames to difficult-to-find factory parts other shops struggle to track down. Give them a call at (203) 803-2264 for an estimate today, or learn more about their services online.