If you’ve just had a fender-bender on Street Road or a not-so-minor run-in on County Line, the last thing you need is confusion about who gets to fix your car. At Tri County Collision Center in Southampton, we keep this simple: you choose the shop and we handle the heavy lifting; estimates, insurer communication, and a repair plan that restores both safety and appearance for the long haul.
Below is a plain-English guide to “steering,” what the law says in Pennsylvania, what insurance adjusters can and can’t say, and how to document your choice so your claim keeps moving.
What is “steering” (and why it causes problems)?
“Steering” happens when an insurer pressures you, subtly or directly, to use a particular repair shop. It can sound like “we can’t guarantee work elsewhere” or “you’ll wait longer if you don’t use our shop.” In Pennsylvania, the choice of repair facility is yours, and the law restricts tactics that box you into one shop.
Your rights under Pennsylvania law
Here are the most important protections for drivers in PA:
- You decide where your vehicle is repaired. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department states: “The choice of where your vehicle is repaired is up to you.” Keep that line handy when you report your claim.
- You can’t be required to have repairs done at a specific shop or to travel unreasonably for estimates or repairs.
- If an insurer prepares an appraisal, they must give you a copy. They may provide shop names only if you ask for them (unsolicited lists are not required or automatic).
- If your insurer elects to repair your vehicle on a first-party claim, they must return it to its pre-loss condition within a reasonable time and without extra cost beyond your policy terms.
Quick reminder: We’ll coordinate directly with your adjuster, share our blueprint for proper OEM-procedure repairs, and keep you updated so there are no surprises. Contact Tri County Collision today!
What adjusters can, and can’t, say or do
They can:
- Provide a list of nearby shops only when you ask for it.
- Inspect the vehicle at our facility (you shouldn’t be made to travel unreasonably).
- Give you a written appraisal and discuss scope and parts.
They can’t:
- Require you to use a specific shop or drive an unreasonable distance to get repairs or estimates.
- Suggest you must file a claim under your own policy solely so they can avoid paying as a third-party insurer.
- Promise to “guarantee” repairs only if you use their preferred shop (your repair warranty comes from the facility performing the work).
How to document your choice (and keep things moving)
- Tell the adjuster, in writing, you’ve chosen Tri County Collision Center, 995 Jaymor Rd, Southampton, PA 18966. Include your claim number and our contact info.
- Ask for (or attach) the written appraisal. Keep a copy for your records.
- Request inspection at our shop. Pennsylvania regulations say you shouldn’t have to travel unreasonably or use a specific shop.
- Drop off or tow directly to us. We’ll photograph, map damage, and submit any supplements if hidden damage appears after teardown, standard in modern repairs.
- Confirm parts approach (OEM, alternative, or used) and calibration needs. We’ll explain options and follow manufacturer procedures, including ADAS scans/calibrations when required.
- Stay in the loop. We set expectations on timeline and updates at the start; you’ll know what’s happening and why, every step of the way.
Why Bucks County drivers choose Tri County Collision Center
We’re a family-owned, Southampton-based collision center with ASE/I-CAR® Gold technicians, modern equipment, and a lifetime warranty on our work. We’re factory-certified for brands our neighbors drive (Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Ford, GM, and more), so repairs follow OEM procedures from prep to final quality check. If you want repairs done right the first time, we’re here to help.
FAQs
Do I have to use the shop my insurer recommends?
No. In Pennsylvania, you choose where to repair your vehicle. The PA Insurance Department says the choice of repair facility is up to you, and §146.8 of the PA Code prohibits requiring repairs at a specific shop or making you travel unreasonably.
Will my claim be delayed if I don’t use their shop?
It shouldn’t be. Your insurer must provide a copy of their appraisal and handle your claim fairly, regardless of which shop you select. We coordinate directly with adjusters so inspections and supplements happen at our facility.
Can the insurance company refuse to “guarantee” repairs if I choose you?
The repair warranty comes from the shop that performs the work. At Tri County Collision, your repairs carry a lifetime warranty; we also document OEM procedures and provide you with final paperwork for your records.
Do I need to get multiple estimates?
It’s not required by the PA Insurance Department’s guidance; quality should be your priority. If your insurer asks for another estimate, remember you cannot be required to travel unreasonably or use a particular shop. We’re happy to handle any comparison the insurer needs.
