How do I choose a collision repair shop?

You do. New York's DFS says: "you retain the right, pursuant to the Insurance Law, to choose which shop will repair your damaged vehicle."

New York's DMV says a registered shop displays a sign outside reading "Registered State of New York Motor Vehicle Repair Shop" and a valid DMV registration certificate inside. The DMV has a "Find a DMV-regulated Business" service to check.

New York's DMV says: "Ask your family, friends, and co-workers for advice on reliable repair shops in your area," and "Do not be afraid to ask questions."

Consumer Reports says to get an estimate "that includes recalibration" of any affected sensors or cameras, and to "make sure the facility has the equipment needed for proper calibration." It also says larger repairs may warrant a second opinion. Equipment differs from shop to shop, and whether a shop does calibration itself or sends it out is for that shop to say.

They are two different things.

• ASE certifies technicians, not businesses. ASE says a technician needs at least two years of qualified work experience and a passing test for each certification, and has to retest every five years. ASE suggests asking the service professional to see their credentials.
• I-CAR Gold Class is a training recognition for a shop. I-CAR says collision repair businesses earn it by meeting its training standards: four required roles (estimator, refinish technician, structural technician and non-structural technician), each at ProLevel 2 or higher, plus annual training credits. I-CAR's page makes no guarantee of repair outcomes.

This page does not say which shops hold either one.

New York's DMV says that if you ask, the shop must give you a written estimate. The shop may not charge more than the estimate, or do work, without your permission. If you ask in writing before work starts, you can have replaced parts returned.

These ten questions come from the Massachusetts Auto Body Association, a shop owners' group in another state, so treat them as one view, not a standard. They are reworded here in plain words.

1. Will you repair my car according to the automaker's procedures, even if insurance does not fully cover it?

2. Are you independent, or do you have a direct repair relationship with an insurer?

3. What certifications do you hold, such as automaker certification or I-CAR Gold Class?

4. Will you use automaker, aftermarket or recycled parts, and why?

5. Do you do the required calibrations for safety systems (cameras, sensors, braking) yourselves, or send them out?

6. Will I get a detailed written repair plan, explained to me?

7. Do you have the equipment for modern materials, such as aluminum, high-strength steel and electric vehicles?

8. What does your written warranty cover?

9. What happens if more damage is found during the repair?

10. Will you go over the finished repair with me before I take the car?

New York's DMV says to try the shop's management first. If that does not work, you can submit form VS-35 to the DMV. The DMV will not investigate until it has a completed VS-35, does not investigate anonymous complaints, and "cannot accept complaints against Repair Shops beyond the 90-day limit or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first)."