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Know Your Rights

Your Right to ChooseYour Auto Body Shop

Don’t let your insurance company tell you where to take your car. Pennsylvania law protects your right to choose — and we’ll fight to make sure you get the repair you deserve.

Learn about illegal insurance steering practices and your rights as a vehicle owner in Pennsylvania

Illegal steering is against Pennsylvania law.

Protect Yourself

What Is Illegal Steering?

When an insurance company insists you use their “preferred” or “recommended” repair shop, that’s called steering — and it’s against the law in Pennsylvania.

Insurance adjusters may tell you that you “have to” use their network shop, that your claim won’t be covered otherwise, or that repairs will take longer if you go elsewhere. These are pressure tactics — and none of them are true.

You have the legal right to take your vehicle to ANY licensed body shop of your choosing. Period. The insurance company must work with the shop you select.

Pennsylvania Law Protects You

Under Pennsylvania regulations, no insurer may require that repairs be made in a specific repair shop. You are free to choose your own — and your coverage cannot be reduced for doing so.

Follow the Money

Why Insurance Companies Try to Steer You

It all comes down to cost — theirs, not yours. Understanding their tactics helps you protect your vehicle and your wallet.

"Preferred Shops" Cut Costs — Not Quality

Insurance companies negotiate deals with "preferred" repair shops. These shops agree to use cheaper aftermarket or counterfeit parts and accept lower labor rates. The savings go to the insurance company — not to you.

Aftermarket Parts Compromise Your Vehicle

Generic aftermarket and counterfeit parts may not fit as precisely, rust more quickly, or perform as safely as genuine OEM parts from your vehicle's manufacturer. Your car deserves parts that were engineered for it.

Preferred Shops May Cut Corners

To meet the insurance company's cost targets, preferred shops sometimes skip repair steps, use lower-quality materials, or rush the process. You may not notice immediately — but the problems will show up down the road.

Your Car Deserves Better

Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments. You deserve genuine parts, proper repair procedures, and a shop that answers to you — not the insurance company. As one of our customers said, "They kept State Farm from using counterfeit parts."

Paul Definis is a certified public adjuster who handles insurance negotiations for customers

Paul is an advocate for customers, and will go up against the insurance companies to get you the best parts, repairs, and service.

— Definis State Auto Body Customer

Your Advocate

How Paul Definis Fights for You

With a Penn State business degree and certification as a public adjuster, Paul doesn’t just fix cars — he fights insurance companies so you don’t have to.

Certified Public Adjuster

Paul holds a certified public adjuster license, giving him the legal authority and deep knowledge to negotiate insurance claims on your behalf. He knows every tactic they use — because he's seen them all.

Same Systems the Insurers Use

We use the exact same computerized estimating systems that insurance companies use. There's no room for lowball estimates when we're working from the same data they are.

Direct Negotiation with Adjusters

Paul goes toe-to-toe with insurance adjusters, speaking their language and backing up every repair with documentation. He doesn't settle until you get what your vehicle actually needs.

Insists on Genuine OEM Parts

When your vehicle calls for genuine manufacturer parts, Paul fights to ensure that's what you get — not cheap aftermarket substitutes that compromise fit, finish, and safety.

Handles the ENTIRE Claim Process

From the first phone call to final delivery, Paul manages every detail of your insurance claim. You don't have to spend hours on hold or argue with adjusters — that's his job.

Step by Step

The Claims Process

From the moment you call to the day you pick up your vehicle, we handle everything. Here’s how it works.

01

Call Us or Bring Your Vehicle In

After an accident, contact us immediately. We'll guide you through the first steps and arrange free towing if your vehicle isn't drivable.

02

Free Computerized Estimate

We use the same computerized estimating systems the insurance companies use — so there are no surprises and no lowball numbers.

03

We Contact Your Insurance Company

Paul handles all communication with your insurer, files paperwork, and manages every detail of the claim process on your behalf.

04

Negotiate for Proper Repairs

As a certified public adjuster, Paul negotiates directly with insurance adjusters to ensure you receive proper repairs using genuine OEM parts.

05

Expert Repair with Lifetime Guarantee

Our certified technicians perform every repair to the highest standard, backed by our lifetime guarantee on all workmanship.

06

Final Inspection & Delivery

We perform a thorough quality inspection before returning your vehicle — looking as good as the day you drove it off the lot.

Quick Reference

Know Your Rights

Pennsylvania law provides strong protections for consumers after an accident. Here’s what you need to know.

Most Important

Choose ANY Body Shop

Pennsylvania law guarantees your right to select any licensed body shop for your repairs. No insurance company can override this.

Challenge the First Estimate

You are not obligated to accept an insurance company's initial estimate. We'll review it and negotiate for what your vehicle truly needs.

Demand OEM Parts

For newer vehicles, you're entitled to genuine manufacturer parts — not cheap aftermarket knockoffs that compromise safety and fit.

Free Towing Available

We offer free towing to our shop. There's no cost to get your vehicle to us, even if it isn't drivable after an accident.

Rental Car Assistance

We coordinate rental car arrangements during your repair so you're never left without transportation.

We Deal with ALL Insurance Companies

State Farm, Geico, Allstate, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, USAA, Erie, and every other insurer. No matter who you’re covered with, we’ll handle the claim and fight for the repair your vehicle deserves.

Been in an Accident?Don’t Let Insurance Push You Around.

Call Paul Definis today. He’ll handle your insurance company, fight for genuine parts and quality repairs, and make sure you get what you’re entitled to. Free estimates, free towing, and a lifetime guarantee on every repair.

Serving Northeast Philadelphia, Holmesburg, Mayfair, Torresdale & surrounding communities since 1964