So, you’ve just been in a fender bender on I-285. You’re safely off to the side of the road, and you’ve exchanged insurance information. What’s your next move? It’s time to think about auto body repairs.
- Call your insurance company’s “preferred” body shop
- Drive home and hope that dent will buff out
- Google “best body shops near me” and pick the first result
If you choose any of these options, you may think you’re taking the right next step after an accident, but you’re possibly setting yourself up for a costly mistake.
If you live and drive in Atlanta, making the wrong decision about your auto body repairs in those first moments after a collision can lead to:
- Hidden damage that goes unrepaired
- Shoddy work that impacts your vehicle’s value
- Safety systems that aren’t properly recalibrated
- Insurance headaches that drag on for months
- Repairs that don’t last
At Atlanta Auto Collision Center, we see drivers walk into our auto body shop every day with the same story: they tried to get post-accident repairs at another shop – and ended up paying more to fix problems that should have been addressed correctly the first time.
As a trusted paint and body shop serving Metro Atlanta, we know exactly what it takes to get collision repairs done right. And that starts with knowing how to best hand auto body repairs after an accident.
Modern Auto Body Repairs Aren’t What They Used To Be
There was a time when accident repairs meant popping out dents and covering up dings. But modern vehicles are sophisticated machines packed with safety systems, specialized materials, and computer networks that would have put the first moon landing to shame.
To get your car fixed after an accident, you need to know what might need to be fixed and who to trust with your wheels.
When you bring your vehicle to our auto body shop in Atlanta, we’re not just looking at the visible damage. That means we look at the key elements of your vehicle that might hide deeper damage.
Advanced Safety Systems
Unless you’re driving an ancient (okay, rare) car from decades past, your car is essentially a computer on wheels. Even a “minor accident” like a fender bender can end up throwing these systems completely out of alignment:
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Multiple airbag systems
- Collision avoidance technology
- Lane departure warnings
- Backup cameras and sensors
Specialized Materials
Your vehicle isn’t just made of simple steel anymore. Most cars that come into our Atlanta auto shop are built of a mix of materials:
- High-strength steel
- Aluminum panels
- Carbon fiber components
- Special alloys
- Advanced composites
Each of these requires specific repair techniques and expertise to fix properly – and using the wrong repair method on these materials can compromise your vehicle’s structural integrity (putting you in a worse place than when you drove in.)
Computer Diagnostics
The best collision repair isn’t about eyeballing damage anymore – it requires sophisticated diagnostic equipment and expertise to ensure every system functions correctly. When you bring your vehicle to our paint and body shop, our team will work to make sure each element of your car’s “brain” is working at its best.
This can include complete computer system scans, sensor calibration checks, electronic system verifications, and more. Our goal is to make sure every part meant to keep you safe on the road is intact and working – even if the paint job looks clean.
How to Pick the Right Body Shop After An Accident
What Do Their Certifications Really Mean?
Every auto body shop will tell you they’re certified, but what really matters is the type and level of certifications. At Atlanta Auto Collision Center, we maintain manufacturer-specific certifications and continually update our training to handle the latest vehicle technologies – so you can trust that your repairs will work and last.
Do They Have the Right Equipment for The Latest Vehicles?
Modern vehicles require modern solutions. When searching for “best body shops near me,” ask about their diagnostic equipment and repair technology. This means:
- Up-to-date computer diagnostic systems
- Modern frame measuring equipment
- Advanced paint-matching technology
- ADAS calibration equipment
What’s Their Policy on Parts?
The parts your body shop uses matter more than you might think. Quality shops should be upfront about their parts policies – whether they use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket parts and why. At our auto body paint shop, we prioritize OEM parts when they’re crucial for safety and proper function, and we’ll always explain our recommendations.
How Well Do They Communicate With Customers?
When your car is in the shop, you want updates on how the process is going. Good repair work starts with good communication. Pay attention to how the shop handles your initial inquiry:
- Do they take time to explain the repair process?
- Are they transparent about timelines and costs?
- Do they provide regular updates?
- Can they clearly explain technical issues in simple terms?
Is the Shop Conveniently Located?
While you shouldn’t choose an auto body shop near me based solely on location, convenience does matter. Look for a shop that offers nearby local pick and delivery options, as well as rental car assistance if repairs may take longer.
What Does Their Quality Control Process Look Like?
A reputable paint and body shop should have a rigorous quality control process. At Atlanta Auto Collision Center, every repair goes through multiple inspection points before the vehicle is returned to the customer. Ask about the inspection process, quality guarantees, and warranty coverage.
What Do Other Local Customers Say About Them?
Want to really know who is the best shop in Atlanta for auto body repairs? Look at the customer reviews. A shop’s reputation in the community speaks volumes – and you can often learn a lot about what to expect from honest online testimonials.
Don’t stop there, though. Look beyond basic online reviews and:
- Ask for references from long-term customers
- Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau
- Look for community involvement
- Seek recommendations from local dealerships
How Do They Handle Insurance Claims?
A quality body shop should have experience dealing with insurance companies and can help navigate the claims process. They should work directly with insurance adjusters and provide all the proper documentation. They should also help to give you an idea of what you might expect for repair pricing – and help advocate for repairs on your behalf.
Making The Right Choice For Your Vehicle’s Future
Remember: The cheapest auto body shop is rarely the best value. Quality repairs from experienced professionals can save you thousands in the long run by preventing future problems and maintaining your vehicle’s value.
At Atlanta Auto Collision, we’ve built our reputation as a trusted paint and body shop by delivering quality repairs to every customer who walks through our doors.
Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender bender or major collision damage, our certified technicians have the expertise, equipment, and experience to get your vehicle back on Atlanta’s roads safely.
Don’t wait until after an accident to start looking for “best body shops near me.” Save our number today, and know that you’ve got a trusted partner ready to help when you need it most.
