Answers to the most common questions about auto body repair, our quote-matching service, and what to expect.
Yes — completely free for car owners. You submit your request, get matched with local body shops, and compare quotes at no cost. Body shops pay a referral fee only when they win business. You never pay FindABodyShop.com anything.
Most body shops contact you within 24–48 hours. In high-demand areas or for urgent collision repair, you may hear back the same day.
Yes. We verify that every shop in our network is licensed, insured, and in good standing before they can receive leads. Many shops are also I-CAR certified or OEM-approved by vehicle manufacturers.
Absolutely not. You are under no obligation to choose any shop that reaches out. Take your time, compare quotes and credentials, and make the best choice for your situation. If no shop feels right, that's fine too.
Most shops in our network work with all major insurance carriers. When you contact a shop, let them know your insurer and they'll guide you through the claims process.
Just describe your situation in the form's message field. Body shops will assess the damage — often from photos you can share — and recommend the appropriate service. You can also use our AI chat widget for a quick preliminary answer.
You'll receive quotes from up to 3 pre-screened local body shops. Getting multiple quotes lets you compare pricing, warranty terms, and turnaround time before committing.
Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a technique for removing dents without repainting. Technicians use specialized tools to massage the metal back into shape from behind the panel. PDR works best for small to medium dents where the paint is not damaged — it's faster and less expensive than traditional repair.
A skilled body shop using quality materials and proper color-matching technology should restore your vehicle to a condition that matches the original paint and finish. Ask your shop about their paint matching process and warranty before proceeding.
Repair time depends on the severity of the damage. Minor dent removal or scratch repair may be done in a day. Major collision repair involving structural damage and multiple panels can take 1–2 weeks. Your shop will give you a timeline estimate upfront.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) certification means a body shop has been trained and approved to repair specific vehicle brands using manufacturer-approved procedures and parts. Examples include Ford QualifiedVehicle Modifier, GM Collision Repair Network, and Tesla Approved Body Shop.
Yes. Body shops will provide a written estimate before any work begins. Make sure to get estimates from multiple shops so you can compare total cost, parts quality, warranty, and timeline.
Still have questions? Use our AI chat widget or submit a quote request and a local shop will get in touch.
