Even a minor fender bender is stressful. You are dealing with insurance calls, maybe a rental car, and a vehicle that looks and feels wrong. In the middle of all that, you also have to pick a shop to fix it, and the quality of that repair affects how your car looks, drives, and holds up for years.
Here is how to find an honest auto body shop, what to ask, and how to read an estimate. (General information only; insurance rules and consumer rights vary by state and policy.)
Take a breath: you usually have a say
After an accident, your insurance company may suggest a “preferred” or “direct repair” shop. Those can be convenient and may streamline the claim. But in many places, you have the right to choose your own repair shop. Check your policy and your state’s rules, or ask your insurer directly: “Am I free to choose any shop I want?”
Whatever you decide, it helps to know the shop’s reputation rather than going with the first name you hear.
Step 1: Ask people who’ve had collision repair
Body work is visible, so people have strong opinions about it. Ask:
- Friends, family, and coworkers who’ve had a repair
- Neighbors with cars similar to yours
- Your regular mechanic, who often knows which body shops do careful work
- Friends of friends who were pleased with the result
Good follow-up questions: Does the paint match? Are the panel gaps even? Did the repair hold up? Was the shop clear about timing and cost? Did they handle the insurance back-and-forth well?
Step 2: Check credentials and registration
Requirements vary by state.
- State registration or licensing: Some states require auto body shops to register. (In California, the Bureau of Automotive Repair registers repair shops and provides lookup tools.)
- Training and certifications: Many technicians have I-CAR training or ASE collision certifications. Manufacturers may also certify shops to repair their vehicles, which can matter for newer cars with advanced safety systems.
- Equipment: Ask whether the shop can handle your type of vehicle, including aluminum bodies, EVs, or cars with driver-assistance sensors that may need recalibration.
- Insurance: Ask about the shop’s liability coverage for your vehicle while it’s in their care.
Step 3: Visit the shop and ask for an estimate
A written estimate should be detailed. You can get a few to compare, although many shops need to remove panels before they see the full damage.
Look for line items covering:
- Labor, including body, paint, mechanical, and frame work
- Parts, with a note on whether they’re new original-manufacturer parts (OEM), aftermarket, or used/recycled
- Paint and materials
- Sublet work, such as alignment or sensor calibration
- Fees and taxes
While you’re there, look around. Is the shop organized? Are other customers’ cars being treated with care? Do the staff explain things clearly?
Step 4: Understand parts and supplements
Two topics come up a lot.
Parts type: Your insurance policy may specify what kinds of parts it will pay for. Ask the shop and your insurer which parts will be used and why. Aftermarket and used parts aren’t automatically bad, but you should know what’s going on your car.
Supplements: Once the shop disassembles the vehicle, they may find hidden damage and request additional payment from the insurer. That’s common and not a sign of a bad shop. A good shop will explain what they found, show you photos, and keep you updated.
Step 5: Ask the right questions
- How long will the repair take, and what could delay it?
- Will you work directly with my insurance company?
- What parts will you use?
- Do you offer a written warranty on repairs and paint? For how long, and what does it cover?
- Will you recalibrate any safety sensors that were affected?
- Who will be doing the work, and are they trained on my vehicle?
- How will you keep me informed?
- Can I see photos of the damage and repair process?
Check the work before you pay
When you pick up the car:
- Inspect it in daylight if possible
- Check paint color and texture from different angles
- Look at panel gaps, trim, and lights
- Test doors, the hood, the trunk, windows, and electronics
- Review the invoice against the estimate and supplements
- Ask for the warranty in writing
- Point out any problems right away, before you sign off
If something looks off, speak up politely and specifically. A good shop wants to make it right.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign over your insurance claim or authorizations you don’t understand
- Promises to “waive your deductible” or offers that sound unusual; ask your insurer about the rules, since improper handling can create problems for you
- Vague estimates with little detail
- No warranty or reluctance to put it in writing
- Poor communication during the process
- Refusal to explain parts and repair decisions
- Unmarked or messy work areas that suggest rushed work
When to get a second opinion
If the estimate seems very high or very low, or the shop recommends replacing something that you think could be repaired, a second estimate is reasonable. Differences in approach, such as repair versus replace, often explain price gaps.
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FAQ
Do I have to use the body shop my insurance recommends?
In many places, no. Check your policy and local rules, and ask your insurer whether you’re free to choose.
What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts?
OEM parts are made by or for the vehicle’s manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are made by other companies. Ask the shop and your insurer which will be used on your car.
Why did the shop ask for more money after starting the repair?
Hidden damage is often found after disassembly. The shop typically submits a supplement to your insurer. Ask for photos and an explanation.
How long does collision repair take?
It depends on the damage, parts availability, and the shop’s schedule. Ask for an estimated timeline and updates as work progresses.
Should I get more than one estimate?
It’s a good idea when possible, but keep in mind that initial estimates can change once hidden damage is found.
Find a body shop your network already trusts
Download MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® on the App Store and Google Play, and see the pros your network already trusts. Learn more at my-pro.io or email hello@my-pro.io.