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Do you offer a warranty on work performed at your shop?
Yes, we offer a lifetime warranty on paint for as long as you own your car. We also offer a 1-year warranty on parts.
Will International Collision Center work with my insurance company?
Yes, we will work with all insurance companies.
Do I need an estimate before selecting a body shop?
No. But it does help if you already have one from your insurance company. If not, we can write one.
How long will my repairs take?
The time limit depends on the extent of the damage.
How do I pay my deductible?
Deductible can be paid with credit card, cash, or debit card.
What is a direct repair shop?
A DRP Shop is one that is on an insurance company's network, kind of like a doctor's office.
Can you match the paint color?
Yes, we can match any color by using the manufacturer's color code on your vehicle.
Can I get other service work done on my vehicle while it's in the body shop?
Yes, we offer glass replacement, headlight restoration, alignments, and will try to accommodate you with other requests as well.
Do you have a service shuttle?
Yes, we can pick you up or drop you off.
Do you work with rental car companies?
Yes, and we have a program that allows us to update the status of your repair process with both your rental company and insurance company.
Do you use factory parts?
Yes
Can I drop my car off on Sunday?
Yes, if you make an appointment.
What do I need to bring with me when I come in for an estimate?
A smile!
What's included in a collision repair estimate?
Estimates detail visible damage, underlying structural issues, parts replacement costs, labor rates, and paint materials. Supplement estimates often follow once teardown reveals hidden damage like frame distortion or sensor mounting damage. Most insurers require documented pre-repair inspections before approving additional work.
How does frame damage affect vehicle safety after a collision?
Frame distortion changes how crumple zones absorb impact energy in future collisions, compromising occupant protection. Unibody vehicles depend on precise alignment to distribute crash forces correctly. Certified frame straightening restores factory geometry, which safety systems like airbags and stability control rely on to function as designed.
Can you repair aluminum body panels the same way as steel?
Aluminum requires different welding equipment, dedicated tools, and separate work areas to prevent galvanic corrosion from steel contamination. Technicians need manufacturer-specific training because aluminum behaves differently under stress and heat. Most shops can't repair aluminum without these certifications and isolated facilities.
What happens during paintless dent removal?
Technicians access the back side of dented panels and use specialized tools to massage metal back to its original shape without affecting factory paint. This works when paint isn't cracked and the dent hasn't creased the metal sharply. Door dings, hail damage, and minor body line dents typically qualify for this method.
Why do collision repairs sometimes take longer than the original estimate?
Hidden damage appears during disassembly-bent subframes, damaged sensors, or compromised welds invisible during initial inspection. Parts availability delays repairs when manufacturers backorder components or discontinued trim pieces require sourcing. Insurance supplement approvals add time as adjusters review and authorize additional work discovered mid-repair.
How do you match paint color on a repaired panel to the rest of the car?
Paint fades differently based on sun exposure, so technicians use spectrophotometers to measure actual vehicle color rather than relying on factory codes. Test panels are sprayed and compared under different lighting before applying final coats. Blending into adjacent panels hides any slight variation where new and existing paint meet.
Should you file an insurance claim for minor collision damage?
Compare repair cost to your deductible and consider how a claim affects your premium over the next three to five years. Damage under $1,000 often costs less than the premium increase for at-fault claims. Comprehensive claims for non-collision damage typically affect rates less than collision claims.
What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket collision parts?
OEM parts come from the vehicle manufacturer with identical fit, finish, and warranty as original components. Aftermarket parts are produced by third parties, cost less, but vary in quality and may fit imperfectly. Some insurers require aftermarket parts, though you can pay the difference to upgrade to OEM components.
How do modern safety systems complicate collision repairs?
Advanced driver assistance systems use cameras, radar, and sensors mounted in bumpers, mirrors, and windshields that require recalibration after removal or impact. Improper calibration causes lane-keeping, braking, and collision warning failures. Shops need manufacturer scan tools and calibration targets to restore these systems to factory specifications.
When does collision damage total a vehicle instead of being repairable?
Insurers total vehicles when repair costs exceed a percentage of pre-accident value, typically 70-75% depending on state regulations. Severe frame damage, flooded interiors, or airbag deployment combined with extensive body damage usually push costs past this threshold. Age and mileage lower the total-loss threshold since actual cash value decreases over time.
