After you've been in an accident, you may be worried about your car and wonder whether you'll ever be able to drive it again. You might even be concerned about taking it to a collision repair shop because of persistent myths about the process. Here are the truth about three collision repair shop myths, so that you can feel more confident that you'll be able to get your car back on the road.

You Have to Use the Auto Body Shop Your Insurance Company Recommends

When you file a claim with your insurance company, they will tell you how much of your repair costs they are willing to cover. They will also recommend a number of collision repair shops for you to go to. However, you are under no obligation to go to any of those repair shops; you can research shops in your area and have your vehicle fixed at any repair shop you like.

You may have to pay a bit more for some costs out of your own pocket if you use a repair shop that your insurance company doesn't recommend, but that can be worth it, to get your car repaired properly at a reputable shop of your choosing.

The Initial Estimate is All the Insurance Company Will Pay

If your car is already in the shop and you're informed that the cost will be higher than first estimated, you may worry that the insurance company will not cover the new charges. However, supplemental estimates are often done after the full extent of the damages to your car are known. Your insurance company will be notified by the repair shop, and may be willing to work with you to pay the higher cost.

Your Car Isn't Going to Be the Same

You may have heard that you shouldn't expect too much when you get your car fixed after an accident, because your vehicle won't be the same as it used to be. However, that simply is not true. If you choose the right auto body shop and they use the right parts, you have every reason to believe that your car will be in excellent condition when you get it back.

Now that you know the truth about some of the myths surrounding collision repair, you don't have to be so worried when you take your car in for auto body work. Keep in touch frequently with the mechanics at the collision repair shop you choose (such as Unlimited Collision), so that you don't have any surprises along the way.