Auto body shops, sometimes called auto body repair shops or collision centers, focus on repairing the body of a vehicle. Auto body repair specialists restore dented panels, such as bumpers, fenders, and doors in addition to repainting exterior surfaces. While much of an auto body shop's work concerns a vehicle's appearance, specialists may also repair frame damage and replace windshields and other windows. Interior fixes include headliner, weatherstrip, and seat removal and replacement. Although frequently confused with one another, auto body shops and auto repair shops each focus on separate aspects of a vehicle. As discussed above, auto body shops concentrate on the structural elements. Mechanics in auto repair shops fix the mechanical and electrical components that allow the vehicle to work properly.

Where can I repair my car after an accident?

If the vehicle's hood, roof, trunk, bumper, or any other exterior panel is dented, an auto body shop repairs the damage and repaints the car's exterior surface. Mechanical and electrical repairs, such as brakes, power steering, and broken tail lights, are handled through an auto repair shop.

What do auto body shops do?

Auto body shops handle the balance and aesthetics of a vehicle. Technicians repair the sheet metal dents. They replace the car's damaged body parts, including doors, fenders, bumpers, and glass. Auto body shops also refinish the vehicle's exterior surface, matching paint to factory colors. Some shops can also repair a vehicle's frame.

What is collision repair?

After a collision, your vehicle may require both mechanical and body repair. A body shop can fix dents, replace parts like fenders and doors, and repaint a vehicle. A collision repair center, however, offers more extensive services, often repairing the mechanical and body damage caused as the result of an accident.

How much does collision repair cost?

Depending on the extent of damage, collision repair costs can range from as low as $50 to well into the thousands, according to insurance.com. Touching up minor scratches with paint may register on the low end of the cost spectrum, while repairing a bumper might incur a charge of $700, and repainting the entire vehicle could cost $7,000.

How do I estimate how much auto body work would cost?

If you've been involved in an accident, you might first want to begin by contacting your insurance company. It will arrange for an adjuster to evaluate the damage, and its representatives can often provide their insured with a list of approved body shops. Armed with the adjuster's findings, it's recommended you get several quotes before choosing a shop.

Do auto body shops do payment plans?

Each shop determines its own payment policies. Some auto body shops accept payment plans through their partnerships with specific lending agencies. You also have the option of using a credit card with most establishments. Another alternative is to take out a personal loan with a lending institution. Paying cash, however, may afford you some leverage for negotiating a discount.

Can I repair my own car after an accident?

Depending on your skill set and setup, you may very well be able to repair your own vehicle after an accident. You can use your insurance company adjuster's estimate or evaluate the damage yourself. If you are determining the required parts, it's important to include replacement estimates for what's visible as well as any ancillary parts, such as new wiring.

Can you sue an auto body shop?

If you document all communication and get a signed contract, it is possible to successfully sue an auto body shop for failing to complete competent work in the agreed time frame. However, recovering damages may prove more challenging. It might be in your best interest to try to reach a resolution with the business owner before threatening to sue.

Can an auto repair shop hold a car hostage for payment?

The shop has the legal right to put a garageman's lien on the vehicle until the bill is paid in full. If repairs are covered by insurance, the usual practice is for the shop to require the insured to pay the deductible before beginning necessary work.

Are dealership body shops better?

There are pros and cons to using a dealership or private auto body repair shop. While dealerships specialize in repairing specific vehicles, their technicians are required to meet strict deadlines that could jeopardize the quality of the final product. Private shops can be more cost-effective and detail-oriented than dealerships; however, it pays to research their trustworthiness and quality.

Do you tip an auto body shop?

Since body shops build labor costs into their invoices, there's no need to include a tip. It is a nice gesture to add a little more if the shop did an exceptional job, or it provided a good deal.

What does an auto body technician do?

An auto body technician's job description includes reviewing damage reports and preparing cost estimates. They inspect vehicles for structural damage and remove, repair, or replace body parts, including fenders, bumpers, doors, and hoods. Technicians prepare the repaired surface and apply the new finish.

What do you need to work at an auto body shop?

A high school diploma or GED is required to become an auto body repair technician. Although technicians can find employment in several shops with a vocational school certificate, other auto body repair jobs require an associate's degree.

How do I become a certified auto body repair technician?

Auto body repair technicians can obtain certification through The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence by passing an exam in each of the five certification areas. They also need to complete either two years of formal training and one year of work experience or two years of work experience.

How long is auto body school?

A certificate program through a vocational or trade school can be completed in approximately eight months. Community colleges and trade schools also offer an Auto Body Technology Associate Degree that consists of completing 63 to 70 credit hours of study and requires a two-year commitment.

How much do auto body and collision repair technicians make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for an auto body or collision repair technician in 2020 was $44,190 a year, or $21.24 per hour. The BLS estimates the lower 10% of those employed in the industry make approximately $13.51 an hour or $28,090 annually, while the upper 90% earn $37.12 hourly or $77,210 a year.

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Here Are The Top Auto Body Shops Near 20149

D&V Autobody is a family-owned business in Sterling that offers paintless dent and ding repairs, collision repairs, full-service painting, and general cosmetic repairs. The business is constantly investing in new technologies and new equipment to offer factory-quality, durable paint jobs with beautiful finishes. D&V Autobody completes all repairs and paint jobs to factory specification to ensure each vehicle’s safety and performance features are intact after all repairs are complete. The shop offers free estimates for repairs and has body work labor rates posted on its website.

(703) 661-8545

Sterling, VA 20166

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(703) 661-8545 Website

Euro Pros Collision Center in Gaithersburg specializes in automotive body repairs for European and Asian vehicle makes and models. Restoration services the shop offers include factory-grade welding services, paintless dent removal, auto glass repairs and replacement, upholstery refinishing, and custom paint jobs. The shop also offers vehicle detailing and electrical and mechanical repairs such as air conditioning repair and wheel alignments. Euro Pros Collision Center helps with rental car arrangements and offers a complimentary shuttle service as well as vehicle pick-up and delivery services within Montgomery County.

(301) 977-7475

Gaithersburg, MD 20879

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(301) 977-7475 Website

Jack’s Auto Body in Bailey’s Crossroads opened in 1989 and specializes in automotive body work and paint. Jack’s Auto Body examines vehicles thoroughly to make certain nothing was overlooked in any insurance company’s initial inspection. The shop then negotiates with insurance companies to make the repair process as stress-free and affordable as possible for the car’s owner. Jack’s Auto Body offers everything from dent and ding removal to frame and unibody straightening and replacement. After the shop’s technicians have completed the necessary welding and body work to restore the car’s pre-collision structure, Jack’s Auto Body uses top-grade equipment and paint products to match the vehicle’s exact paint color to make it look like nothing ever happened.

(703) 379-1118

Bailey's Crossroads, VA 22041

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(703) 379-1118 Website

T & J Auto Body Repair and Restoration in Arlington offers mechanical repairs, automotive body work, and paint services for foreign and domestic vehicles. The business can complete most minor repairs in one day and many others within three days. T & J Auto Body Repair and Restoration fixes dents, dings, cracked headlights, and much more. The shop uses color-matching technology along with its in-house computerized paint mixer to ensure a proper match with every paint job. The business has a hydraulic lift and uses a computerized diagnostic system to determine what repairs need to be made. T & J Auto Body Repair and Restoration offers services in both Spanish and English.

(703) 524-7619

Arlington, VA 22201

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(703) 524-7619 Website

Sterling Auto Service & Body Shop is a family-owned and –operated business in Silver Spring that opened in 1999. The shop’s technicians are Auto Service Excellence and Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair certified and offer a range of services including collision repairs, paint jobs, fiberglass repairs, and mechanical repairs. Sterling Auto Service & Body Shop handles insurance claims as well as self-pay repairs. Other services the shop offers include automotive glass replacement, decal replacements, oil changes, alignments, suspension work, tire replacement, battery replacement, air conditioning and heating repairs, and engine replacements. Sterling Auto Service & Body Shop offers a lifetime guarantee on all collision repairs.

(301) 608-1433

Silver Spring, MD 20910

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(301) 608-1433 Website

LG Auto Body in Silver Spring uses the most current technologies and equipment to perform collision repairs and other automotive repair services. The shop’s owner is Automotive Service Excellence and I-CAR certified and personally completes quality control inspections on every vehicle that comes through the shop before it is returned to its owner. LG Auto Body works with all insurance companies to make the repairs process as easy as possible for its customers. The business offers free towing services for any vehicle within a 20-mile radius and a complimentary shuttle service to local metro stations, businesses, and homes for the convenience of its customers.

(301) 588-0301

Silver Spring, MD 20910

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(301) 588-0301 Website

Imperial Auto Body of DC is a family-owned business that uses factory-approved repair equipment and parts to restore customers’ vehicles to their original condition after any accident or collision. All of the shop’s technicians are I-CAR platinum certified and are required to renew their certifications a minimum of every two years, keeping them up to date in their training on current industry equipment and techniques. The shop itself is I-CAR gold certified and offers a lifetime guarantee on vehicle repairs.

(202) 882-4171

Washington, DC 20012

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(202) 882-4171 Website

Fine Line Auto Body is a complete automotive repair facility that has been serving Arlington and surrounding communities for more than 15 years. The business specializes in body and mechanical repairs, framework, and automotive paint jobs. The shop’s technicians are Automotive Service Excellence certified and offer quick turnaround times on repairs.

(703) 271-0200

Arlington, VA 22206

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(703) 271-0200 Website

NT Auto Body is a family-owned business in Alexandria with more than 40 years of experience in the collision repair industry. The business uses top-of-the-line equipment, employs Auto Service Excellence certified technicians, and is gold-certified by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. NT Auto Body offers frame and unibody repair, paintless dent repair, wheel repair, paint services, airbag replacement, and free estimates on all repairs. The shop also offers towing services 24 hours per day. NT Auto Body works with all insurance companies to make the repairs process hassle-free for each of its customers.

(703) 370-4242

Alexandria, VA 22304

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(703) 370-4242 Website

U.S.A. Motors Inc. in Washington specializes in automotive diagnostics, mechanical repairs, and body repairs. The shop uses top-of-the-line diagnostics equipment and factory parts to quickly and accurately diagnose and fix problems with customers' vehicles. U.S.A. Motors Inc. offers oil changes, brake repairs, engine repairs, transmission services, wheel alignments, and more. The business has coupons for services available on its website.

(202) 484-1200

Washington, DC 20024

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(202) 484-1200 Website

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Expert Answers To Common Questions:

Introduction
Where can I repair my car after an accident?
What do auto body shops do?
What is collision repair?
How much does collision repair cost?
How do I estimate how much auto body work would cost?
Do auto body shops do payment plans?
Can I repair my own car after an accident?
Can you sue an auto body shop?
Can an auto repair shop hold a car hostage for payment?
Are dealership body shops better?
Do you tip an auto body shop?
What does an auto body technician do?
What do you need to work at an auto body shop?
How do I become a certified auto body repair technician?
How long is auto body school?
How much do auto body and collision repair technicians make?

Introduction: Auto body shops, sometimes called auto body repair shops or collision centers, focus on repairing the body of a vehicle. Auto body repair specialists restore dented panels, such as bumpers, fenders, and doors in addition to repainting exterior surfaces.

While much of an auto body shop's work concerns a vehicle's appearance, specialists may also repair frame damage and replace windshields and other windows. Interior fixes include headliner, weatherstrip, and seat removal and replacement.

Although frequently confused with one another, auto body shops and auto repair shops each focus on separate aspects of a vehicle. As discussed above, auto body shops concentrate on the structural elements. Mechanics in auto repair shops fix the mechanical and electrical components that allow the vehicle to work properly.
Where can I repair my car after an accident?: If the vehicle's hood, roof, trunk, bumper, or any other exterior panel is dented, an auto body shop repairs the damage and repaints the car's exterior surface. Mechanical and electrical repairs, such as brakes, power steering, and broken tail lights, are handled through an auto repair shop.
What do auto body shops do?: Auto body shops handle the balance and aesthetics of a vehicle. Technicians repair the sheet metal dents. They replace the car's damaged body parts, including doors, fenders, bumpers, and glass. Auto body shops also refinish the vehicle's exterior surface, matching paint to factory colors. Some shops can also repair a vehicle's frame.
What is collision repair?: After a collision, your vehicle may require both mechanical and body repair. A body shop can fix dents, replace parts like fenders and doors, and repaint a vehicle. A collision repair center, however, offers more extensive services, often repairing the mechanical and body damage caused as the result of an accident.
How much does collision repair cost?: Depending on the extent of damage, collision repair costs can range from as low as $50 to well into the thousands, according to insurance.com. Touching up minor scratches with paint may register on the low end of the cost spectrum, while repairing a bumper might incur a charge of $700, and repainting the entire vehicle could cost $7,000.
How do I estimate how much auto body work would cost?: If you've been involved in an accident, you might first want to begin by contacting your insurance company. It will arrange for an adjuster to evaluate the damage, and its representatives can often provide their insured with a list of approved body shops. Armed with the adjuster's findings, it's recommended you get several quotes before choosing a shop.
Do auto body shops do payment plans?: Each shop determines its own payment policies. Some auto body shops accept payment plans through their partnerships with specific lending agencies. You also have the option of using a credit card with most establishments. Another alternative is to take out a personal loan with a lending institution. Paying cash, however, may afford you some leverage for negotiating a discount.
Can I repair my own car after an accident?: Depending on your skill set and setup, you may very well be able to repair your own vehicle after an accident. You can use your insurance company adjuster's estimate or evaluate the damage yourself. If you are determining the required parts, it's important to include replacement estimates for what's visible as well as any ancillary parts, such as new wiring.
Can you sue an auto body shop?: If you document all communication and get a signed contract, it is possible to successfully sue an auto body shop for failing to complete competent work in the agreed time frame. However, recovering damages may prove more challenging. It might be in your best interest to try to reach a resolution with the business owner before threatening to sue.
Can an auto repair shop hold a car hostage for payment?: The shop has the legal right to put a garageman's lien on the vehicle until the bill is paid in full. If repairs are covered by insurance, the usual practice is for the shop to require the insured to pay the deductible before beginning necessary work.
Are dealership body shops better?: There are pros and cons to using a dealership or private auto body repair shop. While dealerships specialize in repairing specific vehicles, their technicians are required to meet strict deadlines that could jeopardize the quality of the final product. Private shops can be more cost-effective and detail-oriented than dealerships; however, it pays to research their trustworthiness and quality.
Do you tip an auto body shop?: Since body shops build labor costs into their invoices, there's no need to include a tip. It is a nice gesture to add a little more if the shop did an exceptional job, or it provided a good deal.
What does an auto body technician do?: An auto body technician's job description includes reviewing damage reports and preparing cost estimates. They inspect vehicles for structural damage and remove, repair, or replace body parts, including fenders, bumpers, doors, and hoods. Technicians prepare the repaired surface and apply the new finish.
What do you need to work at an auto body shop?: A high school diploma or GED is required to become an auto body repair technician. Although technicians can find employment in several shops with a vocational school certificate, other auto body repair jobs require an associate's degree.
How do I become a certified auto body repair technician?: Auto body repair technicians can obtain certification through The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence by passing an exam in each of the five certification areas. They also need to complete either two years of formal training and one year of work experience or two years of work experience.
How long is auto body school?: A certificate program through a vocational or trade school can be completed in approximately eight months. Community colleges and trade schools also offer an Auto Body Technology Associate Degree that consists of completing 63 to 70 credit hours of study and requires a two-year commitment.
How much do auto body and collision repair technicians make?: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for an auto body or collision repair technician in 2020 was $44,190 a year, or $21.24 per hour. The BLS estimates the lower 10% of those employed in the industry make approximately $13.51 an hour or $28,090 annually, while the upper 90% earn $37.12 hourly or $77,210 a year.