Can You Choose Your Own Collision Repair Shop After an Accident in Texas?

September 29, 2026

After a car accident, there are a lot of decisions to make. Between filing an insurance claim, arranging transportation, and getting your vehicle repaired, the process can quickly become overwhelming.


One common question we hear at Dealership Autoplex Collision Center (DACC) is:“Do I have to use the collision repair shop my insurance company recommends?”


In Texas, you generally have the right to choose the repair facility you want to handle your vehicle.


Your Insurance Company May Recommend a Shop


After you file a claim, your insurance company may provide a list of repair facilities or recommend one of its preferred shops. While these recommendations can be convenient, you are not necessarily required to choose a shop simply because it was suggested by the insurance company.


Your vehicle is an important investment, and you should feel comfortable with the facility performing the repairs.


What Should You Look for in a Collision Repair Shop?


When choosing a collision center, consider more than just how quickly the shop can get your vehicle in.


Look for a facility that provides:


  • Experienced collision repair technicians
  • Proper structural and body repairs
  • Professional paint matching and refinishing
  • Clear communication throughout the repair process
  • Assistance working with insurance companies
  • Quality-control inspections before the vehicle is returned
  • Help coordinating rental transportation when needed


A quality collision repair should restore more than the appearance of your vehicle. The goal is to properly repair the damage and return the vehicle to you safely and professionally.


Hands exchanging a car key and papers beside a red car at the roadside

What If the Insurance Estimate Doesn’t Cover Everything?


Not all collision damage is visible during the initial inspection.


Once repairs begin and damaged parts are removed, additional damage may be discovered. When this happens, the collision center can document the additional repairs and submit a supplement to the insurance company for review.


This is one reason choosing an experienced collision repair facility matters.


Let DACC Help With the Collision Repair Process


At Dealership Autoplex Collision Center, we work with customers and insurance companies throughout the collision repair process. From the initial estimate to repairs, paint, quality control, and final delivery, our goal is to make the experience as simple as possible.


If you’ve recently been involved in an accident, don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision about where your vehicle is repaired.


Choose a collision center you trust.


Close-up of a yellow car’s damaged front fender and headlight with a black tire visible

Dealership Autoplex Collision Center (DACC)

Damaged black SUV in an auto repair shop with the front end crushed and hood bent up.

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Today’s vehicles are equipped with more technology than ever before. Cameras, radar sensors, parking sensors, lane-assist systems, and automatic emergency braking can all be affected by a collision—even when the damage appears minor. That’s why modern collision repair involves much more than repairing dents and replacing damaged parts. What Is ADAS? ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Depending on your vehicle, these systems may include: Forward collision warning Automatic emergency braking Lane departure warning Lane-keeping assistance Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Parking assistance Surround-view or backup cameras  Many of these features rely on cameras and sensors positioned throughout the vehicle.
Close-up of a black car’s front bumper and headlight in a parking lot under a blue sky.

Why Proper Paint Matching Matters After Collision Repair

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After an accident, repairing damaged panels is only part of getting your vehicle back to its pre-accident appearance. One of the most important—and noticeable—parts of a quality collision repair is proper paint matching . At Dealership Autoplex Collision Center (DACC) in Carrollton, TX, we understand that even a small difference in color can stand out once your vehicle is back in the sunlight. Why Isn’t Matching the Paint Code Enough? Every vehicle has a factory paint code, but that doesn’t always mean new paint will automatically match perfectly. Age, sun exposure, weather, previous repairs, and normal wear can slightly change the appearance of your vehicle’s original finish. That’s why professional paint matching involves more than simply ordering paint using the manufacturer’s color code.
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