Can I Get More Than One Repair Estimate
You can get as many repair estimates as you want, and comparing a couple is often worth the time.
Yes, you're free to get multiple estimates
Nothing stops you from taking your car to more than one body shop for an estimate. The insurer doesn't choose for you, and you aren't required to accept the first number you're given.
Getting a second or third estimate matters most when the first one seems low for the damage you see, or when a shop recommends repairs that don't match what another shop says. It also helps if you want a repair done at a specific shop that wasn't the one the insurer suggested.
Whether the other driver's insurer or your own is paying
If you're filing a claim through your own policy, your insurer may have a process that involves their own adjuster writing an estimate or directing you to a shop in their network. You can still get an outside estimate to compare, but check with your insurer about how that fits into their claims process.
If you're filing against the other driver's insurer because they were at fault, you generally have more freedom to choose your own shop and get your own estimates without going through a network.
Either way, ask the insurer handling the claim how they want estimates submitted and whether using a shop outside their recommended list changes anything about the payout or the repair guarantee.
If the estimates come back far apart, ask the insurer how they plan to resolve the difference. Some will send their own appraiser to look at the car directly.
What shops tend to disagree about
Estimates can differ because shops don't always agree on whether a part should be repaired or replaced, or on the cost of parts they plan to use. One shop might quote a used or aftermarket part where another quotes new from the manufacturer.
Labor rates also vary by shop and by region, so two honest estimates for the same damage can still come out different.
If you get estimates that are close but not identical, that's normal. A estimate that's dramatically lower or higher than the others is worth asking the shop to explain, since it may be missing damage or including work the car doesn't need.
Keep copies of every estimate you get. If you end up negotiating with an insurer, having more than one written estimate from a licensed shop gives you something concrete to point to.
Questions people ask about this
Do I have to use the insurer's preferred shop?
No, you're generally allowed to choose your own repair shop. An insurer's list of preferred or network shops is a suggestion, not a requirement, though using one may come with a repair guarantee the insurer backs directly.
Who pays for the repair estimate itself?
Most body shops provide a written estimate for free, especially if there's a reasonable chance you'll have the repair done there. Ask before you bring the car in if you're unsure whether a particular shop charges for one.
What happens if the estimates don't match the insurance payout?
If the insurer's estimate is lower than what shops are quoting you, you can send them the additional estimates and ask them to reconsider. Many insurers will send an appraiser to inspect the car if there's a significant gap.
Can I still get a second estimate after I've already accepted one?
This depends on where you are in the claims process. Once you've agreed to a settlement amount with the insurer, it may be difficult to reopen it, so it's worth comparing estimates before you accept a number.
Does getting multiple estimates slow down the repair?
It can add a few days, since you're visiting more than one shop and waiting on paperwork from each. Ask each shop how long their estimate takes and how long it stays valid if you need time to compare.
If you're comparing more than repair shops right now, it's worth checking whether your insurance rate is still competitive too.
Call two or three local body shops this week and ask each for a written estimate, not just a verbal number. Bring your insurance claim number if you have one, and ask each shop whether they use new, used, or aftermarket parts in their quote. Ask the insurer handling your claim how they want the estimates submitted and whether your choice of shop affects the payout. If the estimates differ by a wide margin, ask the insurer whether they'll send an appraiser to look at the car directly. Keep a copy of every estimate until the claim is fully settled.
