The Art of the “Invisible” Auto Body Repair

There are few good things about needing auto body repairs, nor about the fender benders, collisions, and other unfortunate circumstances that make them necessary. Besides the obvious risk of injury, the lost time chasing repairs and rental cars, and the hassle of having to figure out the insurance claims process, there are also the financial challenges. Even with the best car insurance coverage, you may have to pay a deductible. And, once your vehicle has been in an accident, the risk exists that its value could be significantly reduced. The good news is that the quality of collision damage repair after the accident can make a world of difference.

What is an Invisible Car Repair?

The concept of the “invisible” car repair is simple, although elusive. An invisible repair is one that is done so well, with such high quality materials and workmanship, that even you can’t tell the vehicle was ever damaged. You may think this means simply matching the existing paint color and finish, but it is much more than that. To be truly invisible, the damage must be repaired flawlessly on the outside, but also on the inside. Using today’s technology, many repair shops can match factory paint. But a truly invisible car repair uses high quality, original manufacturer’s replacement parts and complies exactly to the manufacturer’s specifications for your vehicle. Body damage repairs use the best of modern technology and materials, and are performed by trained, experienced service professionals. In other words, everything about the restoration is perfect, and the vehicle both looks and functions just as it did before the accident.

How Do I Find High Quality Collision Repair?

Many collision damage repair shops claim to use high quality materials and deliver flawless results, but how do you know if it’s true? How can you tell which one will make good on the promise of an invisible damage repair job? Start by asking friends, coworkers, or other trusted sources for recommendations. You won’t have a lot of time to figure this out, assuming you need to get your vehicle under repair as quickly as possible, but don’t rush the process too much. Look for a locally owned shop with history in the community. Chain or franchise shops can be qualified too, but a local small business stakes its future survival on its reputation. Ask smart questions about important issues like warranties, and the materials and equipment that will be used on your vehicle. Do they use manufacturer’s parts and specifications and do they have the technology necessary to do the job right? Are the service technicians trained, experienced, and appropriately certified? Will the shop handle your insurance claim for you? Are the customer service staff members helpful, courteous, and professional?

Finally, trust your instincts. You don’t have to know a lot about the auto body industry to know when you’ve found the right shop for your repairs, as long as you know which questions to ask. Don’t hesitate to tell the collision repair technician that you want – and expect – an “invisible” repair. If they don’t understand what you mean, you may not be in the right place!