Your Legal Right to Choose Any Auto Glass Shop

The Law Is on Your Side

Every U.S. state has regulations that prohibit insurance companies from requiring you to use a specific auto glass shop. Your policy covers glass repair and replacement regardless of which licensed shop performs the work.

What Insurers Are Required to Tell You

Under most state regulations, your insurer or their third-party administrator must:

1. Disclose that you have the right to choose any licensed auto glass shop
2. Not penalize you for choosing an independent shop — they cannot legally deny or reduce your claim
3. Provide a cost differential if a preferred shop can do the work for less, but they cannot require you to use them

What Often Happens Instead

When you call your insurance company about a windshield, you may be immediately transferred to a Safelite Solutions representative who:

• Assumes you will use Safelite and schedules a Safelite appointment without asking
• Does not mention that you can choose another shop
• Makes it feel inconvenient or complicated to choose an independent shop

How to Exercise Your Right

When you call your insurer to file a glass claim:

1. Ask: "Who is managing this claim?" If they say Safelite Solutions, you are speaking with a Safelite employee.
2. Say: "I want to use [your chosen shop name]. What do I need to do?"
3. If they push back, cite your state's freedom-of-choice regulations.
4. Get the claim number and contact your chosen shop directly.

Legislation Trends

Several states are passing or strengthening laws that require TPAs to disclose your right to choose at the start of every call. Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware consumers have increasingly strong protections. Know your rights before you call.