If you’ve been in a collision and you’re a Nationwide Insurance policyholder, you may be wondering whether you’re required to use one of their recommended shops. The answer in California is clear: no. You have the legal right to choose any licensed auto body shop — and that includes EV Central in San Francisco.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Does Nationwide Auto Insurance Cover?

Nationwide auto insurance policies typically include:

• Collision coverage — damage from accidents with other vehicles or objects
• Comprehensive coverage — theft, fire, weather, and vandalism
• Rental reimbursement — a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop (if included in your policy)
• OEM vs. aftermarket parts — California law requires disclosure if non-OEM parts are used; you have the right to request OEM parts on newer vehicles

Check your declarations page or contact Nationwide directly to confirm your specific coverage.

California Law Protects Your Right to Choose

Under California Insurance Code Section 758.5, no insurance company — including Nationwide — can force you to use a specific repair shop. They can suggest preferred shops, but the choice is always yours.

What this means:

• You can bring your vehicle to any licensed shop in California
• Nationwide is required to work with your chosen shop
• Your shop cannot be penalized for not being in the Nationwide network

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you’re being steered toward a specific shop, you have every right to go where you trust.

How to File a Nationwide Collision Claim in the Bay Area

• Report the accident — Call Nationwide at 1-800-421-3535 or file online at nationwide.com
• Get your claim number — You’ll need this to share with your repair shop
• Choose your shop — Bring your vehicle to EV Central or any Bay Area shop you trust
• Inspection & estimate — Nationwide will schedule an adjuster visit or virtual photo estimate
• Repairs begin — Once the estimate is approved, your shop gets to work
• Pay your deductible — Due at the shop when you pick up your vehicle
• Pick up your vehicle — Nationwide settles the remaining balance directly with the shop

EV Central Works With Nationwide — and All Major Carriers

At EV Central, we handle Nationwide claims regularly. Our team manages the paperwork, communicates with adjusters, and keeps you updated every step of the way. We work on all makes and models — gas, hybrid, and electric.

Cities we serve: San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Fremont, Palo Alto, Daly City, South San Francisco, Hayward, Redwood City, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and the greater SF Bay Area.

Ready to Get Started?

📍 718 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA
📞 (415) 881-1845
🌐 evcentralservice.com

Call us or stop by — we’ll take care of the Nationwide claim process so you can focus on getting back on the road.