Do I have to use a Direct Repair Shop recommended by the insurance company?

No. In the end, the choice is yours. The insurance company may tell you that the shop of your choice is not on their “approved” list of shops and that they may not be able to efficiently handle your claim due to your selection of a certain shop, but do not be intimidated by this. It is your right to choose whatever shop you want to repair your vehicle.

If by chance you pick a bad shop, and they mess up your repairs, it is you against the body shop. The insurance company is only liable to pay for the original repair, it will not warranty how those repairs are made, whereas if you had gone to one of the insurance company’s direct repair facilities, then they would have to get involved.