Does GEICO Let You Choose Your Own Auto Body Shop?

Yes — and under California law, they have to. GEICO operates a preferred repair network called Auto Repair Xpress (ARX), and their adjusters will often point you there first. But California Insurance Code gives every driver the legal right to choose any licensed auto body shop for their repairs. GEICO cannot make their preferred network a condition of your claim.

If you have GEICO and your vehicle was damaged in a collision, here’s exactly how to choose your own shop and make sure GEICO covers the full cost of repairs.

Step 1 — File Your GEICO Claim Immediately

Report the accident as soon as possible. You can file through the GEICO mobile app, online at geico.com, or by calling 1-800-841-3000. Have the following ready:

• Your GEICO policy number
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• The other driver’s name, license plate, and insurance info (if applicable)
• Photos of all vehicle damage and the accident scene

GEICO will assign a claim number and connect you with an adjuster. This is the point where they may suggest an ARX shop. You are not required to accept that recommendation.

Step 2 — Know Your Rights Under California Law

California law is clear: your insurance company must pay for the reasonable cost of repairs at any licensed auto body shop you choose. GEICO cannot:

• Require you to use an ARX or preferred shop as a condition of coverage
• Refuse to cover repairs because you chose an independent shop
• Pay less than the reasonable market rate for repairs at your chosen facility

If a GEICO representative tells you that you must use one of their shops, that is incorrect. Politely decline and tell them which shop you’ll be using.

Step 3 — Choose EV Central as Your Auto Body Shop

Tell your GEICO adjuster that you’ll be bringing your vehicle to EV Central at 718 Bryant St, San Francisco. We are a fully licensed California auto body and collision repair facility. We work on all makes and models — electric vehicles, hybrids, and gas cars — and we handle GEICO claims directly so you don’t have to manage the back-and-forth yourself.

Once you give GEICO our information, they’ll either send an appraiser to inspect the vehicle or ask us to provide a written estimate. Either way, we take it from there.

Step 4 — Get the Estimate and Approve Repairs

We’ll inspect your vehicle, document every area of damage, and submit a detailed repair estimate to GEICO. If GEICO’s appraiser and our estimate differ — which sometimes happens — we work directly with their adjuster to resolve the gap. You won’t be stuck in the middle.

Once the estimate is approved, we begin repairs. If we discover additional damage during the teardown process, we submit a supplement to GEICO before proceeding. No surprises on your end.

Step 5 — Pick Up Your Vehicle

When repairs are complete, you pay your deductible at pickup. GEICO pays us the remainder directly. That’s it — no chasing the insurance company, no paperwork on your end.

What GEICO Covers That Many Drivers Don’t Know About

• Rental reimbursement — if your policy includes rental coverage, GEICO will pay for a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired
• OEM parts — GEICO defaults to non-OEM parts; if your vehicle requires OEM components (common for EVs and newer models), request it explicitly and we’ll document it in the estimate
• Diminished value — California law entitles you to file a separate claim for the reduction in your vehicle’s resale value after a collision repair; GEICO doesn’t advertise this, but it’s a legal right
• Towing — covered if you carry GEICO’s emergency road service on your policy

Serving All Makes and Models Across the SF Bay Area

EV Central serves drivers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area — San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, San Jose, Palo Alto, the East Bay, the Peninsula, South Bay, and Marin County. Whether you drive a Tesla, Toyota, BMW, Honda, Rivian, Chevy, Ford, or any other make, we handle your GEICO claim from first call to final pickup.

Call us at (415) 881-1845 or visit 718 Bryant St, San Francisco to get started.