Understanding your auto repair rights in Iowa

After an accident, getting your vehicle repaired correctly is a top priority. Iowa law provides you with specific rights during this process. Understanding them can help you work with your insurance company more effectively.

Your right to choose a repair shop

You have the right to select the repair shop that will fix your vehicle. While an insurance company may recommend shops from its direct repair program (DRP), you are not obligated to use them.¹ This choice is a fundamental part of the repair process in Iowa. State law prohibits insurers from engaging in practices that unfairly restrict this choice.²

What is steering?

The term "steering" refers to an insurer using unfair methods to influence you to use a particular repair shop. Iowa law specifically forbids an insurer from using intimidation or coercion to direct your business to a preferred shop.² An insurer also cannot imply that your claim will be handled more slowly or settled for less if you choose your own facility.

Use of aftermarket parts

Insurance policies often allow for the use of aftermarket parts to control costs. These are parts not made by your vehicle's original manufacturer. Under Iowa law, a motor vehicle repair facility must disclose the proposed use of any aftermarket crash parts in a written estimate provided to the customer before repairs begin, and this estimate must clearly identify each such part.³ Your insurance company remains responsible for ensuring the repair restores your vehicle to its condition before the loss. A Massachusetts regulation specifies that aftermarket replacement parts must be at least equal in like kind and quality to the original equipment manufacturer parts regarding fit, quality, and performance.⁴

What if the initial estimate is too low?

It is common for a repair shop to find more damage after they begin work. When this happens, the shop will submit a "supplement" to the insurance company for the additional work and parts needed. The insurer is obligated to restore your vehicle to its pre-loss condition at no additional cost to you beyond the policy deductible.⁴ This means they must cover the costs for all necessary repairs, even if they exceed the initial estimate.

general information, not legal advice.

Sources

1. An insurer requiring a claimant to travel an unreasonable distance to obtain a repair estimate or to have the automobile repaired at a specific repair shop is prohibited. - https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/rule/11-19-2008.191.15.43.pdf

2. Iowa Code § 321B.6, 2025 - https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2025/321B.6.pdf

3. Iowa Code § 537B.4 - https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2025/537B.4.html

4. Massachusetts Division of Insurance, 2010 - https://www.mass.gov/doc/211-cmr-133-standards-for-the-repair-of-damaged-motor-vehicles/download