Auto Insurance Claims: Pressure in comprehensive Claim, preferred shops, lifetime warranty

Question
I filed a comprehensive claim after a large cooler in another driver's lane caused him to run it over, it then flipped up and damaged my passenger side front bumper.  I spoke with Geico and I feel pressured to go with their express repair shop, and take the rental they have...their turn around time for repair is approxiamately 5 business days.  The trouble here is I am out of town visiting family.  She didn't give me any other options.  I feel suckered, there's no guarantee my vehicle will be ready if I agree to that, and I've had repairs done in one state...only to have the car fall apart once I got home.  Don't want to do that again.  The lady also says she wouldn't advise waiting until I got home because the quotes may be different.  Do I have any options here?

Answer
It's certainly your right to take the vehicle to any shop that you wish to.  I don't know why they are worried about price differences from state to state as that can be handled as a supplement in your home town.  

To me, if the car is drivable, it makes the most sense to have it repaired at home so there is no risk of messing up your trip due to part delays or hidden damage.

As far as using one of their preferred shops in general, it's usually a great way to go.  You get a nationwide, lifetime warranty from the insurance company and if their shop screws up and causes delays, the extra rental is on them.  

Good luck!