Your rights in Maryland
- You choose the shop. Your insurer and its adjusters, appraisers, and agents can't require you to have your car appraised or repaired at a particular shop.
- A recommendation must come with a disclosure. If they recommend a shop, they must tell you that you don't have to use it.
- No pressure tactics. They can't intimidate, coerce, or threaten you into using a particular shop.
- You can get a second opinion. If you disagree with your insurer's estimate, you can get an estimate from a different shop. If you still can't agree with your own insurer on the amount, your policy may give you a right to appraisal. See Right to Appraisal in our Insurance Claims FAQ.
These protections come from the Maryland Insurance Article, Section 10-503, and guidance from the Maryland Insurance Administration. If you feel pressured, you can contact the Maryland Insurance Administration at 1-800-492-6116.
What you might hear, and what it means
"If you use your own shop, you may have to pay out of pocket."
Your policy pays for the repairs your car needs, whichever shop you choose. Insurers base their estimates on their own labor rates and parts choices, so a complete, proper repair sometimes costs more than the first estimate, at any shop, network or not. When that happens, we document what your car needs and work it out with your adjuster first. If there's ever a difference you'd be asked to pay, we'll tell you before the work is done, not at pickup.
"Our network shops come with a lifetime guarantee."
Many reputable independent shops offer one too. Slade backs its metalwork and paint with a Limited Lifetime Warranty for as long as you own your vehicle. When you compare any guarantee, ask who stands behind it (the shop or the insurance company), what it covers, and whether it still applies if you change insurers.
"We can't guarantee work done outside our network."
Your repair is guaranteed by the shop that does the work. Our written warranty is yours no matter which insurance company you have, and our I-CAR Gold Class training means your repair follows the manufacturer's procedures.
"It will be faster at one of our shops."
A network shop may be able to start without waiting for an insurance appraiser. But repair time depends mostly on the damage, parts availability, and approvals. We work with every major insurer, send your adjuster the estimate and photos directly, and keep you updated by text or email throughout your repair.
What is a direct repair (network) shop?
Many insurers have direct repair programs, often called DRP or network shops. These are independent shops that sign agreements with an insurance company. The insurer refers customers to the shop, and in return the shop typically agrees to the insurer's terms, which can include labor rates, parts choices, estimating guidelines, and targets for repair time and cost.
Many network shops do good work. It just helps to know who the shop has agreed to work with. When you choose your own shop, that shop works for you, and its job is to repair your car the right way. Slade isn't a direct repair shop for any insurance company. We work for you, and we work with every major insurer.
Questions to ask any shop
- Do you follow the manufacturer's repair procedures for my vehicle?
- Are your technicians trained and certified to current industry standards?
- Who decides how my car is repaired: the shop, the insurer, or the manufacturer's procedures?
- Will you scan my car and calibrate its safety systems after the repair?
- Who backs your warranty, and does it depend on my insurance company?
How Slade answers. At Slade, we follow the manufacturer's repair procedures for every make and model. We're an I-CAR Gold Class shop with OEM certifications from six automakers. We scan and calibrate your car's safety systems, and our Limited Lifetime Warranty comes from us, not from your insurer.
What to say when your insurer calls
You don't need to explain or argue. Just say:
"I've chosen Slade Auto Body & Paint in Pikesville to repair my car. Please contact them at 410-484-6377."
We'll take it from there: we'll contact your adjuster, schedule any inspection, and keep you updated. Already started a claim or an estimate somewhere else? You can still choose us. Call and we'll help you make the switch.
Keep a copy handy
Download our one-page Know Your Rights handout to keep in your glove box or share with family. It includes what to say when your insurer calls.
Last updated November 2026