What you need to know after the accident!
It is your choice where you have your vehicle repaired! No one can tell you where to go including the insurance company. That is called steering and it is illegal. They can give you a list of shops that they feel are qualified to do the repairs. You only need one estimate - from the company where you want your repairs done.
"Maryland law prohibits an insurer or an adjuster from requiring that a certain repair shop be used or from recommending a particular shop without notifying the claimant or the insured that their vehicle may be repaired by the auto shop of their choice."
Excerpt from A Consumer Guide to Auto Insurance distributed by the Maryland Insurance Administration:
If you are a claimant you are entitled to a rental car. You may have to ask for it in some cases.
If you are involved in an uninsured motorist claim you may only have a $250 deductible and you may be entitled to a rental car.
If you have questions or concerns about how an insurance company is treating you contact the:
Insurance Commission of Maryland
525 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
Attn: Property & Casualty Compliant Center
Phone# 1-800-492-6116
Fax# 1-410-468-2334