Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. Between dealing with injuries, filing police reports, and coordinating with insurance, the last thing you need is a complicated repair process. That’s where State Farm’s Select Service Shop program comes in. Designed to simplify and streamline auto body repairs, this network of pre-approved repair facilities offers policyholders a convenient, worry-free way to get their vehicles back on the road.
This article provides a comprehensive look at State Farm Select Service shops—what they are, how they work, their benefits and limitations, and everything you need to know before choosing where to repair your vehicle.
What Are State Farm Select Service Shops?
State Farm Select Service shops are independent auto body repair facilities that have entered into a contractual agreement with State Farm Insurance. These are not State Farm-owned or operated shops. Rather, they are third-party businesses that meet specific performance, quality, and administrative standards set by the insurance company.
The program, originally launched in 2005, evolved from State Farm’s earlier “Service First” program. While Service First focused primarily on building relationships with repair shops, Select Service shifted toward a performance-based model that emphasizes quality, efficiency, and competitive pricing.
Today, the Select Service network includes thousands of repair facilities across the United States, though the program is not available in Rhode Island or Massachusetts.
How Select Service Shops Are Selected
Not every auto body shop can become a Select Service provider. State Farm employs a rigorous selection process to identify high-performing repair facilities in each local market.
Local State Farm management evaluates shops based on several criteria:
- Quality of workmanship and customer satisfaction
- Efficiency metrics, including cycle time (how quickly repairs are completed)
- Competitive pricing compared to other local shops
- Proper equipment and trained, certified personnel
Shops that qualify for the program must agree to specific terms in their Select Service agreement. These include commitments to quality standards, timely repairs, and adherence to State Farm’s claims processes. Once accepted, shops are continuously monitored through a scoring system that ranges from 0 to 1,000, evaluating their performance on key indicators like parts usage, labor costs, and repair quality.
This performance-based approach creates healthy competition among Select Service shops, encouraging continuous improvement that ultimately benefits policyholders.
Key Benefits of Using a Select Service Shop
Choosing a Select Service shop offers several significant advantages for State Farm policyholders.
1. Streamlined Claims Process
Perhaps the biggest benefit is convenience. When you take your vehicle to a Select Service shop, the repair facility handles the estimate, communicates directly with State Farm, and completes the repairs—all in one place. You don’t need to wait for a separate adjuster inspection before repairs can begin.
The process involves five simple steps:
- Choose a Select Service repair shop
- Schedule an appointment for an estimate
- Approve the estimate and authorize repairs
- Pay your deductible directly to the shop (if applicable)
- State Farm pays the bill when authorized repairs are complete
2. Guaranteed Completion Date
Select Service shops provide a guaranteed completion date for your repairs. This means you know exactly when your vehicle will be ready, eliminating uncertainty and helping you plan accordingly.
3. Limited Lifetime Warranty
All repairs performed at Select Service shops come with a limited lifetime warranty on workmanship and materials. This warranty remains in effect for as long as you own the vehicle, providing long-term peace of mind. While individual shops may offer their own warranties, the State Farm-backed guarantee adds an extra layer of protection.
4. Direct Payment to Shop
You don’t have to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement. State Farm pays the Select Service shop directly for covered repairs. You only need to pay your deductible.
5. Additional Convenience Services
Many Select Service shops offer pickup and delivery of your vehicle upon request. Some even provide a thorough cleaning—washing and vacuuming your car—after repairs are complete.
Your Rights: You Choose the Repair Shop
A critical point that every State Farm policyholder should understand: you have the legal right to choose any repair facility you want. State Farm cannot require you to use a Select Service shop.
State Farm explicitly states on its website:
- “You have the ability to select a repairer of your choice that meets your vehicle repair needs.”
- “Only you can authorize repairs to your vehicle.”
- “We’re prohibited from requiring repairs be done at a specific automotive repair shop.”
However, there is a trade-off. If you choose a shop outside the Select Service network, you forfeit the program’s benefits—specifically, the guaranteed completion date, the lifetime warranty, and the streamlined direct-payment process. You may also need to obtain your own estimate from State Farm before scheduling repairs.
The PartsTrader Mandate: What Shops Need to Know
For repair facilities in the Select Service program, one of the most significant requirements has been the PartsTrader mandate. Implemented nationally, this requirement forces Select Service shops to use the PartsTrader online platform for sourcing and ordering parts for State Farm claims.
Prior to this mandate, shops had the freedom to purchase parts from their preferred local vendors—relationships built over many years. Now, they must request quotes and order parts exclusively through PartsTrader.
Shop Perspectives on the Mandate
Reaction from repair shop owners has been mixed. Some appreciate that PartsTrader provides transparency and competition among parts suppliers, noting that shops using the platform have increased their margins by approximately 3.5%. Others express frustration with the lack of choice and occasional delays in receiving quotes.
Darrell Amberson, president of Operations at LaMettry’s Collision in Minnesota, told AutoInc. magazine: “The wait time for quotes continues to be a problem. It’s an inefficiency for staff members who can’t finish estimating or file handling in one step.”
PartsTrader has responded to feedback by reducing quote times from two hours to 30 minutes for smaller jobs and continuously updating the platform’s functionality.
Legislative Response
Concerns about insurer mandates have led to proposed legislation in several states, including Michigan and New York, that would prohibit insurance companies from requiring specific parts-procurement systems. These bills aim to preserve shop owners’ freedom to choose their vendors while maintaining their direct repair program relationships.
How to Find a Select Service Shop Near You
Finding a Select Service shop is straightforward. State Farm provides an online Repair Facility Locator tool on its website and mobile app.
To use the locator:
- Enter your address or claim location
- The tool identifies up to 50 repair shops within 75 miles
- Results are presented in order of performance on the Select Service program
- Each listing includes the shop’s hours of operation
You can also call your State Farm agent or claim associate at 1-800-SF-CLAIM (1-800-732-5246) for assistance.
Limitations and Exceptions
While the Select Service program offers many benefits, it’s not available in every situation.
Geographic restrictions: The program is not available in Rhode Island or Massachusetts.
Claim type restrictions: Some vehicle damage claims resulting from severe weather, fire, or theft may not qualify for the Select Service program. In these cases, you may need to work directly with a claims associate.
Out-of-network choice: If you choose a non-Select Service shop, you may be responsible for any amounts not agreed to by State Farm, including storage fees and rental expenses.
The Performance Scorecard: How Shops Are Evaluated
For shop owners and those curious about how Select Service shops maintain quality, State Farm uses a monthly scorecard system.
Each Select Service shop receives a score between 0 and 1,000 based on three core pillars:
- Quality – Customer satisfaction and repair standards
- Efficiency – Cycle time (how quickly repairs are completed)
- Competitive price – Labor rates and parts costs compared to local market
Importantly, State Farm does not set specific targets for these metrics. Instead, shops compete against one another, and the market determines what “good performance” looks like. Shops receive reports identifying their top three areas for improvement, allowing them to focus their efforts where it matters most.
George Avery, a former State Farm auto claims consultant, explained: “Continuous improvement is what we’re looking for… We want continuous improvement in that balance of quality, efficiency and competitive price.”
There is no minimum score that automatically removes a shop from the program. However, local management may use scores as one factor when deciding whether to continue a relationship.
Photo Estimating: A Digital Alternative
For minor damage, State Farm offers a Photo Estimate option that doesn’t necessarily require visiting a Select Service shop.
Photo Estimate is available when:
- Damage is external and minor
- You want to use a shop outside the Select Service network
- You still have access to your vehicle
Using the State Farm mobile app, you take guided photos of the damage and submit them. State Farm provides an initial estimate and payment within 48 hours. After receiving payment, you decide how to handle repairs—whether at a Select Service shop, your preferred shop, or even not at all.
Photo Estimate is not available in Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
The Evolution of Select Service
The Select Service program has continued to evolve since its 2005 launch. Key developments include:
- 2005-2006: Transition from Service First to Select Service, reducing the network from 20,000 to approximately 10,300 shops
- 2009: Updated agreement introducing environmental responsibility requirements and balanced indemnification clauses
- 2010: Launch of the performance scoring tool (0-1,000 scale)
- 2015: National PartsTrader mandate for parts procurement
Each iteration has aimed to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness for policyholders while maintaining fair treatment of repair facilities.
Tips for Policyholders
Before deciding where to repair your vehicle, consider these practical tips:
- Get multiple estimates – Even if you plan to use a Select Service shop, you can compare estimates from different facilities.
- Ask about the warranty – Confirm the specific terms of the limited lifetime warranty and what it covers.
- Understand your deductible – You are responsible for paying your deductible regardless of which shop you choose.
- Document everything – Take photos of the damage before repairs begin and keep copies of all estimates and authorizations.
- Contact State Farm if issues arise – If you experience a problem with repairs at a Select Service shop, contact State Farm immediately for assistance.
Conclusion
State Farm Select Service shops represent a well-established approach to streamlining auto body repairs after an accident. For policyholders who value convenience, guaranteed timelines, and lifetime warranty protection, the program offers clear advantages. The direct payment process eliminates financial hassles, and the network’s quality standards provide confidence in repair workmanship.
However, it’s essential to remember that you always have the choice of where to repair your vehicle. State Farm cannot force you into a Select Service shop. If you have a trusted local mechanic or body shop outside the network, you are free to use them—though you’ll need to handle estimates and claims differently.
For most policyholders, the Select Service program delivers on its promise: faster, easier, and more reliable auto repairs. As with any insurance-related decision, take time to understand your options, ask questions, and choose the path that best meets your needs.
After all, the goal is simple: getting you back on the road safely, with minimal stress and maximum peace of mind.
