Quick answer: Yes. In Ontario, you have the right to choose the collision repair shop that repairs your vehicle. Your insurance company may have preferred or recommended repair facilities, but the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) specifically identifies choosing your own repair shop as one of your rights as an auto insurance consumer.
For drivers in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Milton and the surrounding GTA, this means you can select a collision centre based on factors that matter to you—such as manufacturer certifications, repair procedures, parts, equipment and experience—not simply because a particular shop was suggested during the insurance claim process.
Do I Have to Use the Body Shop My Insurance Company Recommends?
No.
According to Ontario’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, auto insurance consumers have the right to “choose a repair shop, tow operator or vehicle rental company.” Consumers also have the right to prompt and fair handling of their claim and reasonable repair of a damaged vehicle.
Your insurance company may have a network of preferred repair facilities and may recommend one during the claims process. That does not mean you have to select that particular facility.
You can tell your insurer which repair facility you want to use and provide the shop’s information as part of your claim.
The important distinction
Choosing your own collision centre does not mean every repair or cost is automatically approved under your insurance policy.
Your insurer still determines what is covered under your policy and claim, while the collision repair facility prepares an estimate and repair plan for the damage.
That’s one reason choosing a repair centre experienced in communicating with insurance companies can make the process considerably easier.
What Should I Look for When Choosing a Collision Repair Shop?
Modern collision repair involves far more than straightening a panel and matching paint.
Today’s vehicles may contain:
- Advanced high-strength steel
- Aluminum structures
- Carbon-fibre components
- Cameras and radar sensors
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Manufacturer-specific joining and welding methods
- Complex paint systems
- Vehicle-specific structural repair procedures
When choosing an Oakville collision repair facility, ask whether the shop has the training, equipment and manufacturer information required for your particular vehicle.
1. OEM and manufacturer training
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.
Manufacturer-certified or manufacturer-trained collision facilities follow repair procedures designed specifically for vehicles from those manufacturers.
Budds’ Collision in Oakville has factory-trained technicians and specialized repair capabilities for brands including BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Audi and Subaru, among others.
2. Parts used during the repair
Ask which parts will be used before repairs begin.
Ontario’s consumer-protection rules require a written repair estimate to identify whether installed parts will be new, used or reconditioned and whether they are supplied by the original equipment manufacturer.
At Budds’ Collision, repairs use genuine OEM parts rather than aftermarket substitutes.
3. Ability to repair modern materials
Some vehicles require specialized facilities and equipment.
For example, aluminum must be repaired differently from traditional steel. Dedicated equipment and procedures can be necessary to prevent contamination and correctly restore the vehicle’s structure.
Budds’ Collision maintains specialized aluminum repair capabilities, manufacturer-specified equipment and OEM-trained technicians at its Oakville facility.
4. Insurance claim experience
A good collision centre should be able to document damage, prepare a detailed estimate and communicate with your insurer when additional repairs are discovered.
Budds’ Collision works directly with insurance providers and can coordinate the estimate and repair process with the insurer when required.
Can My Insurance Company Refuse to Pay Because I Chose My Own Shop?
Simply choosing your own repair facility does not eliminate your rights under your Ontario auto insurance policy.
FSRA expressly lists choosing a repair shop among the rights of Ontario auto insurance consumers.
However, insurance coverage and choice of repair shop are two different questions.
Your insurer can still review:
- Whether the loss is covered
- Your deductible
- The extent of covered damage
- The repair estimate
- Labour operations
- Parts and repair procedures
- Whether damage is related to the insured accident
If there is a difference between the collision centre’s repair plan and the insurer’s initial estimate, the shop may communicate with the insurer and provide documentation supporting additional required work.
Do I Need My Insurance Company’s Approval Before Getting an Estimate?
You can contact the collision centre of your choice for an estimate.
At Budds’ Collision, estimates are available by appointment at its Oakville facility. Once the vehicle has been assessed, the team can prepare a repair plan and work with the insurance provider if the repair is being handled through a claim.
Before authorizing substantial repairs, however, you should notify your insurer promptly after an accident and follow the requirements of your policy and claims process.
What Rights Do I Have When an Ontario Repair Shop Gives Me an Estimate?
Ontario’s consumer-protection rules provide several important protections when having a vehicle repaired.
Generally, a repair facility must provide a written estimate unless you decline the estimate and authorize a maximum amount you are willing to pay.
A written estimate must include information such as:
- A description of the repairs
- The parts being installed
- Whether those parts are new, used or reconditioned
- Whether OEM-supplied parts are being used
- Parts pricing
- Labour costs
- The total estimated charge
In most circumstances, the final repair bill cannot exceed the estimate by more than 10% without additional authorization.
Ontario consumer-protection rules also generally provide a minimum warranty on repair parts and labour of 90 days or 5,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, although repair facilities may provide additional warranty coverage.
Does Choosing an OEM-Certified Collision Centre Matter?
It can—especially with newer vehicles.
A collision can affect components you cannot see from outside the vehicle. Behind a bumper or body panel may be sensors, impact structures, wiring, brackets and other systems that need to be inspected as part of the repair.
Vehicle manufacturers publish specific procedures covering items such as:
- Structural measurements
- Welding and joining methods
- Panel replacement
- Aluminum repairs
- Corrosion protection
- Refinishing
- Sensor removal and installation
- Scanning and calibration
Choosing a shop with appropriate manufacturer training, equipment and repair information can help ensure those procedures are followed.
What If My Car Is Towed After an Accident in Oakville?
If your vehicle cannot be driven safely, you still have the right to choose a tow operator and repair facility under Ontario’s auto insurance consumer protections.
You do not have to make a rushed repair decision simply because your vehicle has already been towed somewhere.
Before authorizing repairs, make sure you know:
- Where your vehicle is being taken.
- Whether you have authorized repairs or only towing/storage.
- Which collision centre you want to perform the repair.
- Whether your insurer has been notified.
Budds’ Collision provides 24-hour towing and accident assistance for Oakville-area drivers at 905-845-1441.
Choosing a Collision Repair Shop in Oakville
If you’ve been involved in a collision in Oakville or the western GTA, you don’t have to base your decision solely on the first repair shop suggested to you.
Consider the shop’s:
- Manufacturer training and certifications
- Experience with your make and model
- Structural repair capabilities
- Aluminum and advanced-material repair equipment
- OEM repair procedures
- Parts policy
- Insurance claim experience
- Warranty and customer support
Most importantly, remember the simple answer:
In Ontario, you have the right to choose your collision repair shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own collision repair shop in Ontario?
Yes. FSRA lists choosing your own repair shop as one of your rights as an Ontario auto insurance consumer.
Do I have to use my insurance company’s preferred body shop?
No. Your insurer may recommend a repair facility, but Ontario consumers have the right to choose their repair shop. Your insurance company will still assess coverage and the repair costs associated with your claim.
Will insurance still cover my repair if I choose my own body shop?
Choosing your own collision centre does not by itself remove your insurance coverage. What the insurer pays depends on your policy, deductible, the circumstances of the loss and the approved repair costs.
Can I get an estimate before deciding where to repair my car?
Yes. Getting an estimate can help you understand the visible damage and proposed repair process. Budds’ Collision offers drive-in appraisals by appointment at its Oakville collision centre.
Can I ask whether OEM parts will be used?
Yes. Ontario’s repair-estimate requirements include disclosure of whether installed parts are new, used or reconditioned and whether parts supplied by the original equipment manufacturer will be used.
Where can I get a collision repair estimate in Oakville?
Budds’ Collision is located at 2071 South Service Road in Oakville, Ontario and offers collision estimates by appointment. The facility serves drivers from Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Milton, Hamilton and surrounding areas.
Need a Collision Repair Estimate in Oakville?
After an accident, choosing where your vehicle is repaired is an important decision—and the choice is yours.
Budds’ Collision provides certified collision repair in Oakville for all makes and models, including advanced structural, aluminum, paint and OEM-focused repairs. Our team can inspect the damage, prepare an estimate and communicate directly with your insurance provider when required.
Book an estimate with Budds’ Collision in Oakville or call 905-845-1441 for collision repair and 24-hour towing and accident assistance.
This article provides general information about collision repair and auto insurance in Ontario and is not legal or insurance advice. Coverage and claims decisions depend on the terms of your individual insurance policy.
