Can I Choose My Own Body Shop After an Accident in California? Yes — and here's why it matters more than most drivers realize. After a car accident, most people are stressed, confused, and just want their car fixed as quickly as possible. Your insurance company calls, tells you to take your vehicle to their "preferred" or "approved" shop, and most drivers comply without question. But here's what your insurance company isn't telling you: in California, you have the legal right