Does AAA Require You to Use Their Approved Shops?

No. AAA (CSAA) maintains a network of approved repair facilities, and their adjusters may direct you there. But California Insurance Code gives every driver the legal right to choose any licensed auto body shop for their repairs. AAA cannot make their approved network a condition of your claim — you are free to take your vehicle anywhere you choose, and they must cover the reasonable cost of repairs at that facility.

Step 1 — File Your AAA Claim

Report the accident as soon as possible. Contact AAA at 1-800-922-8228, through the AAA mobile app, or online at aaa.com. Have ready:

• Your AAA/CSAA policy number
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• The other driver’s name, plate, and insurance info if applicable
• Photos of all vehicle damage

AAA will assign a claim number and connect you with an adjuster. This is typically where they’ll mention their approved shop network. You don’t have to use it.

Step 2 — Your Rights Under California Law

California law is clear — your insurer must pay the reasonable cost of repairs at any licensed shop you choose. AAA/CSAA cannot:

• Require you to use an approved or preferred shop as a condition of coverage
• Refuse to cover repairs at an independent facility
• Pay below the reasonable market rate because you didn’t use their network

If an AAA representative implies you must use one of their shops, that is not accurate. Simply tell them which shop you’ve chosen.

Step 3 — Bring Your Vehicle to EV Central

Tell your AAA adjuster you’ll be taking your vehicle to EV Central at 718 Bryant St, San Francisco. We work on all makes and models — EVs, hybrids, and gas vehicles — and we handle AAA/CSAA claims directly. You won’t need to manage the paperwork, negotiations, or back-and-forth with the adjuster yourself.

Step 4 — Estimate, Approval, and Repairs

AAA will either send an appraiser or ask us to provide a written estimate. We document all damage, submit the estimate, and work directly with your adjuster to get it approved. If additional damage is found during teardown, we submit a supplement before proceeding — no surprises. Once approved, we complete the repairs.

Step 5 — Pickup

You pay your deductible when you pick up your vehicle. AAA pays us the remainder directly. That’s the whole process — handled end to end.

What AAA Covers That Many Drivers Overlook

• Rental reimbursement — if your policy includes rental coverage, AAA pays for a rental while your car is being repaired
• OEM parts — AAA defaults to non-OEM parts; if your vehicle requires OEM components, request it explicitly at the time you file
• Diminished value — California law gives you the right to claim the reduced resale value of your vehicle after a collision repair; AAA doesn’t advertise this, but it’s enforceable
• Towing — AAA’s roadside assistance is well-known, but confirm towing from the accident scene is covered under your specific policy

All Makes and Models — SF Bay Area Wide

EV Central serves drivers across San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, San Jose, Palo Alto, the East Bay, Peninsula, South Bay, and Marin County. We work on every make and model — Tesla, Toyota, Hyundai, BMW, Honda, Rivian, Ford, and more. If you have AAA insurance and need collision repairs in the Bay Area, we’re your shop.

Call us at (415) 881-1845 or stop by 718 Bryant St, San Francisco.