No. A Pennsylvania auto-damage appraisal must include a written statement that there is no requirement to use any specified repair shop. That rule is in 31 Pa. Code § 62.3, which governs appraisals of motor vehicle damage. Your insurer may share information about facilities, but the choice of a body shop is yours. O’Hara and Sons Automotive does auto body and collision repair at 7350 Wissinoming St, Philadelphia. Call (267) 995-0203, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM.
What does the appraisal have to tell me?
Under § 62.3(b), the written appraisal must include, among other things:
- The dollar amount of the appraisal, and a statement that costs above it may be the owner’s responsibility.
- A statement that there is no requirement to use any specified repair shop.
- A description of the repairs known at the time, including labor, parts, painting or refinishing, and sublet work.
- Incidental charges known at the time, including towing and storage.
- The date, if any, after which the insurer will not be responsible for towing or storage charges.
- If aftermarket crash parts are used, a statement that says so.
An appraiser also may not name a repair shop without disclosing that you are free to use any shop. If you want a second opinion, the rules allow another licensed appraiser to reappraise the damage.
How do I start a collision repair?
- Make the car safe. If it cannot be driven, ask where it is stored and how long the insurer covers towing or storage. If it needs to move, our sister company O’Hara & Sons Towing shares our yard.
- Get your claim details together. Claim number, adjuster contact and any appraisal or estimate.
- Take photos of all damage.
- Call the shop you choose and describe what happened, which areas were hit and whether the car can move.
- Ask for the plan in writing, and for what happens if hidden damage turns up once panels come off.
For more, read our insurance claim guide and the pages on auto body and collision repair and auto paint.
Sources and notes
- 31 Pa. Code § 62.3, Applicable standards for appraisal: https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/031/chapter62/s62.3.html
- This is general information, not legal advice. Rules in other states differ. Last checked: October 24, 2026.
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O’Hara and Sons Automotive, (267) 995-0203, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–6 PM, 7350 Wissinoming St, Philadelphia, PA 19136. Insurance claim guide · Contact
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Still wondering about something? Call (267) 995-0203, Mon–Fri, 8 AM–6 PM.
Can my insurer require a specific body shop?
The Pennsylvania appraisal rules require the written disclosure that there is no requirement to use any specified repair shop. If you are told otherwise, ask for it in writing and contact your insurer or the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
What if the repair costs more than the appraisal?
The appraisal must warn that costs above the appraised amount may be the owner’s responsibility. Ask the shop what happens if more damage is found, and talk to your insurer about supplements.
Can I get a second appraisal?
The rules say they do not prevent the subsequent appraisal or reappraisal of damage by a different licensed appraiser.
Does O’Hara and Sons Automotive do collision repair?
Yes, see auto body and collision repair. Call (267) 995-0203 to talk through your car’s damage. We do not give estimates on this website.
Does O’Hara and Sons Automotive work with my insurer?
Call us with your claim details and ask. We do not list insurance programs on this site.
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