Auto body shop delaying repairs after insurance payout, refusing to deal with insurer. What are my options? Location: Texas.

I’m in Texas and looking for legal guidance on an auto body repair situation.

My vehicle (2014 Honda Civic) was dropped off at an out-of-network body shop after an accident. Insurance (State Farm) approved the estimate and paid the shop 4 weeks ago. The car has now been at the shop for about one month total (2 weeks waiting for approval + 3 weeks after payout).

Key issues:

•	The shop repeatedly promised completion “by end of week” for several weeks.

•	Last week, the shop claimed they “found additional damage,” but never submitted a supplement to insurance.

•	As of now, insurance confirms no supplement has been submitted, despite the shop saying additional work was needed.

•	When I asked about insurance contact, the shop owner said he “doesn’t want to deal with insurance anymore.” And will not submit supplement and eat the cot. 

•	The shop says all parts are on hand, yet the car has not materially progressed since last Friday.

•	I’ve been paying out of pocket for rental/Uber due to delays.

•	Insurance has advised that if the repair stalls, I can request a tow to a Select Service (DRP) shop, but warned I might be responsible for some reassembly costs if the current shop refuses to cooperate.

Current status of the car:

•	Front bumper painted but not installed

•	Fog lights not installed/wired

•	Clear coat not completed

•	Reassembly incomplete

My concerns/questions:

1.	Under Texas law, can a shop refuse to cooperate with the insurer after accepting an insurance payout?

2.	Can I authorize insurance to tow the vehicle out if the shop is stalling, and what rights does the shop have to block that?

3.	What liability does the shop have if they claim “additional damage” but fail to document or submit a supplement?

4.	If the next shop finds shortcuts, missing parts, or non-OEM substitutions, what remedies or reporting options exist in Texas?

5.	Is there risk to me if repairs were done outside the approved estimate without documentation?

I’m planning to visit the shop again and, if no progress is made, request an immediate tow through insurance.

Looking for general legal guidance on consumer rights. Location: Texas.