Your right to choose a body shop in California

What the law says

California Insurance Code section 758.5 sets out your rights when your car is repaired under an insurance claim:

• No insurer can require that your car be repaired at a specific shop.
• An insurer can’t suggest or recommend a specific shop unless you ask for a referral, or you’ve been told in writing that you have the right to choose your shop.
• If you do accept your insurer’s recommended shop, the insurer must have your car restored to its condition before the loss, at no additional cost to you other than what your policy states or the law allows.

Read the full text of Insurance Code section 758.5 (opens in a new tab) on the California Legislative Information website, or contact the California Department of Insurance (opens in a new tab) with questions about your claim.

How to choose Bertolucci’s

1. Tell your insurerWhen you report the claim, say you want your car repaired at Bertolucci’s Body & Fender Shop, 1717 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, (916) 454-4433.
2. Get your estimateSchedule an estimate or walk in, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
3. We take it from thereWe work with your insurance company on the estimate and any additional damage found during the repair.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Your policy’s terms still apply.