After an accident, most people just do what their insurance company tells them. The adjuster says "take it to this shop" and they do. It seems like the easy path — and the insurance company makes it feel like the only path.
But here's what they don't tell you: in Texas, you have the legal right to choose any licensed body shop you want. And the shop you choose can have a direct impact on your safety the next time you're in an accident.
Video coming soon — Rusty explains insurance shop rights in plain English
DRP stands for Direct Repair Program. Insurance companies create networks of body shops that agree to repair vehicles at pre-negotiated rates in exchange for a steady stream of referrals. On the surface, it sounds convenient — but there's a conflict of interest built into the arrangement.
Those shops have made a business agreement to keep costs down for the insurance company. That financial pressure gets passed on to your repair — in the form of cheaper parts, skipped procedures, and rushed timelines.
Modern vehicles are engineered as complete safety systems. Every panel, sensor, and structural component works together. When a repair cuts corners — wrong parts, skipped steps, missed inspections — it can compromise things you'll never see until it's too late.
⚠️ Real story: One of our customers, Tracy, brought her car to us after an insurance preferred shop had already "repaired" it. We found the vehicle was unsafe to drive — structural issues and sensors that hadn't been properly addressed. She had no idea. Read her full Google review on our homepage.
"In Texas, an insurer may not require a claimant to use a particular repair facility." — Texas Insurance Code, Section 1952.301
That's the law. Your insurance company can suggest a shop. They can tell you it'll be "more convenient." They may even imply your claim will be handled faster. But they cannot legally require you to use their preferred shop.
At Rusty's Bodywerks, we work directly with all major insurance companies every single day. Choosing us does not complicate your claim — we handle all the paperwork, communicate directly with your adjuster, and make the process as smooth as possible. The only difference is your car gets fixed the right way.
When your adjuster asks where you're taking your vehicle, simply say:
"I'll be taking my vehicle to Rusty's Bodywerks in Farmersville. Their number is (972) 782-8000. Please direct all communication to them."
That's it. You don't need to justify it or argue. It's your legal right.
Call us before you commit to any shop. We'll explain exactly what your repair should include and make sure your insurance covers it properly.
📞 Call (972) 782-8000 Book a Free Consultation →