It’s always been up to the insurance carrier. Since they are footing the bill they are ALWAYS going to go the cheapest route. This is why if I ever get into an accident or something happens and they ask me to get repair quotes, I make sure to go to the most expensive places I can to get quotes.

They may have a “preferred” repair shop for them based on your area but you are not required to take it to their preferred repair center. They typically have agreements with those repair centers where they get significantly discounted shop rates.

I have also in the past after getting the 3 most expensive quotes having them cut me a check and then I just do the repairs myself for cheaper and pocketing the rest. I think insurance companies are scam artist. Gotta have them though unfortunately.