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Can I Choose My Own Auto Body Shop After an Accident?

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:29:04 GMT

And will my Insurance still cover it?

If you’ve recently been in an accident, one of the first questions you might hear from your insurance company is where you plan to get your vehicle repaired. Many drivers assume they have to use the shop their insurer recommends — but that’s not usually the case.

Yes, You Have the Right to Choose

In most states, Arkansas included, you have the legal right to choose your own auto body repair shop. Insurance companies may suggest a “preferred” or “direct repair” shop, but the final decision is yours. These recommendations are often part of agreements between insurers and repair facilities — not necessarily a reflection of quality.

Why Insurers Recommend Certain Shops.

Insurance companies typically partner with specific repair shops to help streamline claims and control costs. While many of these shops do good work, you should feel comfortable selecting a repair facility you trust — especially one with strong reviews, certified technicians, and a solid local reputation.

Benefits of Choosing Your Own Shop

You can select a shop with certified technicians
You can ensure the use of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts , if preferred
You may receive more personalized service
You can work with a locally owned business that values its reputation

Will Insurance Still Pay?

Yes. As long as the repairs are covered under your policy, your insurance company is still responsible for paying — even if you choose a different shop. The process may involve an inspection or estimate review, but you are not required to use their recommended provider.

The Bottom Line

After an accident, you’re already dealing with enough stress. Choosing an auto body shop you trust can give you peace of mind that your vehicle will be restored safely and properly.

If you have questions about the repair process or need a free estimate, contact our team today — we’re here to help you get back on the road with confidence.

The Benefits of Supporting Local Business

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:35:41 GMT

After an accident, one of the first decisions you’ll make is where to take your vehicle for repairs. While big-name chains may seem convenient, there are real advantages to working with a trusted local collision repair shop.

Personalized Service – Local shops rely on their reputation in the community. That means you’re more likely to get attentive, honest service tailored to your needs.

Faster Turnaround – Smaller repair shops often have more flexibility in scheduling, which can mean getting your car back on the road sooner.

Direct Communication – When you choose a local shop, you talk directly to the people working on your vehicle, not just a front desk.

Support Your Community – Every repair helps keep jobs and business in your neighborhood, strengthening the local economy.

At Halter's Body Shop, we pride ourselves on being part of the community and treating every customer like a neighbor. We know your car isn’t just transportation—it’s part of your daily life. That’s why we make sure every repair is done with care, precision, and pride.

Common Hidden Damages After a Collision

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:11:34 GMT

What that "Small bump" can lead to down the road.

Why a Professional Inspection Matters—Even After a Minor Fender Bender

At first glance, a small fender bender might not seem like a big deal. If there's no major dent, no shattered glass, and your vehicle still drives, it’s tempting to shrug it off and move on. But what you don’t see could cost you more down the road.

Even low-speed collisions can cause hidden damage that isn't obvious until weeks—or even months—later. That’s why it's always smart to bring your vehicle in for a professional inspection after any accident, no matter how minor it seems.

Here are some of the most common hidden damages we see at our shop:

�� 1. Frame Misalignment

You may not notice this just by looking at your car, but a slight impact can throw your vehicle’s frame out of alignment. Even small shifts can affect how your car handles, wears tires unevenly, and reduce safety in the event of another collision.

Signs to watch for:

Uneven tire wear

Car pulls to one side

Crooked steering wheel

�� 2. Suspension Damage

Your suspension system absorbs the force of bumps and turns—but it’s not invincible. Collisions can bend or break key suspension components like struts, shocks, or control arms.

The result? A rougher ride, poor handling, and long-term wear on other parts of your vehicle.

�� 3. Electrical System Issues

Modern vehicles are full of sensors and wiring tucked behind bumpers and body panels. A light tap to your bumper can damage backup cameras, parking sensors, or even disable airbags—without you knowing.

Fun fact: Some of these issues won’t trigger a dashboard warning until the system is actively needed—when it’s already too late.

�� 4. Hidden Bumper & Panel Cracks

Most modern bumpers are designed to "bounce back" after an impact, making them look okay on the outside. But underneath, the foam, brackets, and mounts could be cracked or crushed—compromising protection in the next collision.

�� 5. Alignment and Steering Problems

A bent steering component may not affect your car immediately—but it can wear out quickly, cause handling issues, and lead to costly repairs later. These problems often show up days or weeks after the collision.

�� Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Inspection

A professional auto body shop doesn’t just look for dents and scrapes. We perform a full diagnostic check to uncover internal damage you can’t see. With frame measurement tools, suspension analysis, and computer scans, we can catch problems before they become dangerous or expensive.

At Halters, we’ve seen it all—from minor bumper taps hiding frame damage to cosmetic scratches covering serious safety issues.

Don’t take the risk. Even if your car "looks fine," let our team give it a proper once-over. Your safety—and your wallet—could depend on it.

Be aware of the betterment

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 19:07:49 GMT

Out-of-pocket expenses you may not expect

What is a betterment, and why do I have to pay it?

That's a good question that deserves a great answer. To understand a betterment, it's important to understand the purpose of insurance is to place us back in the same position we were in before the loss occurred - no better, no worse. Claimants can expect to pay a "betterment" charge when required repairs places the vehicle in better condition than prior to the incident.

To further explain, here are a few examples of when betterment charges may apply. Please keep in mind, we don't claim to agree or disagree with these practices. We're simply offering explanations for your benefit.

Example 1:
A tire with 80 percent tread remaining is damaged in an accident and needs to be replaced. The insurance company will authorize to replace the damaged tire with a new tire, but will only pay 80% of the cost, leaving the owner to pay the remaining 20%.

Example 2:
The battery is damaged in an accident and needs to be replaced. Let's assume the battery has 30% life expectancy remaining. The insurance company will authorize to replace the damaged battery with a new one, giving the owner 70% more battery life than before the accident. Therefore, the owner will be required to pay 70% of the cost of the new battery.

Example 3:
Sometimes betterment charges result from pre-existing damage in an area where new damage has occurred. These situations are little more confusing, and each insurance company handles these differently based on the circumstances, damage, and policy guidelines.

Let's assume you damage the left corner of your rear bumper. The damage is visible, but isn't bad so you choose not to repair.

Now, let's assume at some point later, someone crashes into your vehicle from the rear, catching the right corner enough to require replacement. When the insurance pays for a new bumper, you may be expected to pay a portion of the cost to replace the bumper even though you were perfectly happy driving around with light damage. In some cases, the insurance company, upon accepting liability, will replace the bumper without charging a betterment regardless of the previous light damage. Others will expect you to pay a portion of the replacement cost because replacing the bumper makes the vehicle better than it was prior to the accident. Each situation is different, just as each insurance company is different.

Whatever betterment situation you may encounter, don't be afraid to ask questions and be your own advocate. At the end of the day, if you must pay the betterment costs, at least you'll know you've had a healthy conversation with the insurance company and have a good understanding of what they are paying, or not paying, and why.

To best understand your rights as a consumer, your own insurance company can be a valuable resource, as well as the state insurance commissioner's office. Taking and keeping detailed notes is also helpful in reminding you of what conversations you've had with whom.

Good luck, and be safe out there.

Know Your Rights

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 22:51:16 GMT

Ten things to know before having your car repaired

When it comes to protecting the investment in your vehicle, there are some important things you need to know before you have it repaired.

Protect your investment. Your vehicle could be the second largest investment you make, so preserve it's value and your safety by having it repaired professionally. In the DIY world, some things are better left to those professionally trained and industry certified, such as I-CAR or ASE. At Halter's, we invest in our technicians to keep them up-to-date on industry change.
Choose safety. Never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages. If you have concerns, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Trying to save the cost of a tow bill isn't worth the safety risk. Money can be replaced, but lives can't.
Owner's choice. Some insurance companies may ask you to visit a drive-in claims center to estimate the damages. That's perfectly fine. If the drive-in claims center is also a collision repair shop, you are NOT obligated to leave it for repairs. As the vehicle owner, it is always your choice which facility repairs your vehicle. It is illegal and unethical for an insurance company, appraiser or agent to compel or steer you to any particular repair facility.
"There's an app for that." We're seeing more and more insurances companies using photo apps for owners to open claims and submit pictures of damage. Photos may be worth a thousand words, but seldom show all the damage. Estimates written from photos are only as good as the photos submitted. First estimates are seldom the final estimate. If you've chosen a repair facility that knows how to handle insurance claims, the shop will address any discrepancies with the insurance company.
Good shops stand behind their work. There is NO law requiring you to obtain more than one estimate or appraisal. If you know which repair facility you plan to use, share that with the insurance company. An insurance representative may make statements about not being able to guarantee the work of a body shop outside their "network" or outside their "preferred shops" list. Any body shop worth using will warranty their work regardless, and they will back it up in writing. At Halter's, we stand behind the work we do, and we will provide a written warranty upon completion of repairs.
Don't stress over differing estimates. Differences in repairs estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. If you're not sure why one estimate is different from another you've received, please ask us. We'll be happy to review the estimates with you. We want you to understand what is needed to repair the vehicle properly.
Certified technicians. Choose a shop that has Unibody repair equipment with certified technicians, such as I-CAR or ASE. Halter's Body Shop is I-CAR certified.
Ask about replacement parts. By law, insurance companies aren't required to pay for original equipment (OE) parts made by the manufacturer once a vehicle is two years old or older (from the manufacturer's date). Aftermarket parts are new parts made by someone other than the manufacturer, and are an option for repair. At one time, aftermarket parts were the taboo of vehicle repair, but have vastly improved over the years. If aftermarkets are still a concern to you, recycled or refurbished parts are also an option. While these parts are salvaged from another like vehicle, the parts are still considered OE because they are made by the manufacturer. Quality matters to us. At Halter's, if the part is not acceptable, we will reject it and find an acceptable one.
Know your policy coverage. It's always a good idea to know what your insurance covers. Do you have rental coverage? If you are the claimant on a liability claim, the responsible party's insurance company is required to place you in a rental car while the vehicle is in the shop for repairs. However, do you know if you have rental car coverage if you are at fault? If so, how much will the insurance pay toward a rental? How much will be your obligation? Now is the time to discover this information, not at the time it's needed. Avoid unpleasant surprises and ask those questions now.
Ask questions and take notes. Never hesitate to ask questions of the insurance adjuster, claim representative, repair facility, or rental company. Be informed about the estimates provided, insurance coverage, liability obligations, etc. Take detailed notes regarding your claim number, contact names, number and email addresses. Make notes regarding anything you need to remember, or to document a conversation. Make a list of questions ahead of any phone calls you make so you're sure to ask them when you have the right person on the phone. Need assistance? Call us. We'll do all we can to answer your questions, or offer suggestions on where you may get your answers.

While processing an insurance claim can be clunky and time consuming, taking the right steps, asking the right questions, and being prepared can help the process along. Claims representatives, adjusters, rental companies and repair facilities work hard to address the needs of their customers, but it helps to have patience. You aren't the only customer or claim they are processing. While the world of microwaves, computers, and cell phones give us near instant results or answers, an automotive claim takes time.

Be patient.

Ask questions.

Take notes.

Did I mention, be patient?

Accidents Happen. Now what?

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 20:52:42 GMT

Critical tips for first steps after auto accident

Accidents happen, that's a fact. What happens next is important in making sure you are protected.

Naturally, if there are serious injuries, address those needs immediately. Call 911. Lives are way more important than property. The appropriate first responders will be dispatch including police, fire, ambulances, paramedics, and/or tow trucks. Let's hope you never face a situation so serious.

Many accidents leave the vehicle driving fine, but sporting a new black eye from the impact - not too pretty, but functional. When those incidents involve another vehicle, taking a few first critical steps can protect your pocket book and your investment. Perhaps you'll find the following tidbits of information helpful:

Always call the police, no matter how minor the incident. A police report protects both parties from one or the other filing a false damage claim. In addition, the responsible insurance company may need this official documentation to process the claim. The report also documents the time of the incident, which can be important depending on what caused the accident.

Take photos at the scene. These days, most cell phones have good camera features. Using it as a tool to document the incident is important. Take lots of photos - everything from the damage to all vehicles involved, overall impact angles, intersections, vehicle positions, etc.

Exchanging insurance information at the scene is fine, but not necessary with a police report. The officer dispatched to the scene should document the necessary information from all other drivers involved.

Be your own advocate. Contact your insurance as soon as possible to report the incident. Opening the claim does not mean your insurance has to pay the claim even if you are at fault. You maintain the option of paying out of pocket if that is your desire.

Never drive a vehicle that could be unsafe because of damages. If it's questionable, just don't. A tow bill is a small price to pay for safety - and may be paid by the insurance company or roadside assistance, depending on your policy.

Protect your investment and your safety by having your vehicle repaired professionally.

Know your rights. As a vehicle owner, you have the right for your vehicle to be repaired by the body shop of your choice. It is illegal and unethical for an insurance representative to require or sway you to choose a body shop from their "approved" or "preferred" list of shops. If you are unsure the best shop to choose, ask around. Locals know. Halter's Body Shop is pleased to have a solid reputation for providing excellent quality and exceptional craftsmanship. We also provide a written warranty on the work we perform and will stand behind our work for as long as you own your vehicle, baring any dings and scratches or wear and tear from use, of course.

Don't panic if there is a difference between insurance estimates and those written by the repair shop. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. It is very common, and generally easily addressed with the insurance company at the time of repair. If you don't know why an estimate is different, please ask.

Accidents happen no matter how many precautions we take, or how safe we drive. Knowing what to do can mean all the difference in making the claims process as painless as possible in an unpleasant situation.