Question 1

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

Accepted Answer

First, make sure everyone is safe. Call 911 if anyone is injured. Once the scene is secure, document everything — take photos of all vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible damage. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. File a police report even if the damage seems minor. Then call us. The sooner we're involved, the sooner we can get your tow arranged, get you into a rental, and start handling the insurance process on your behalf.

Question 2

Do I have to use the body shop my insurance company recommends?

Accepted Answer

No. This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there. You have the legal right to choose any collision repair shop you want — period. Insurance companies maintain "preferred" or "direct repair" shop lists because those shops have agreed to work under the insurance company's terms, which often means cutting corners, using cheaper parts, and rushing repairs. When you choose us, we answer to you, not your insurance carrier.

Question 3

Will my insurance company pay for repairs at your shop even though you're not on their preferred list?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your insurance policy covers the repair of your vehicle regardless of which licensed shop performs the work. If an adjuster tells you otherwise, or tries to steer you to one of their partner shops, that's a pressure tactic — not a policy requirement. We deal with every major insurance carrier and know how to navigate the process so you're not shortchanged.

Question 4

What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts?

Accepted Answer

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by the same company that built your vehicle. They match exactly in fit, finish, and performance. Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers and are typically cheaper — which is exactly why insurance companies prefer them. The problem is that aftermarket parts may not fit as precisely, can affect the look of the repair, and may compromise safety systems like crumple zones and airbag sensors. We use OEM parts whenever possible because your car was engineered as a complete system, and the repair should respect that.

Question 5

Will using OEM parts cost me more out of pocket?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. In many cases, we can successfully negotiate with your insurance company to cover OEM parts, especially when using aftermarket alternatives could compromise safety or the structural integrity of the repair. We advocate for the parts your vehicle needs — and we document everything to support that case with your insurer.

Question 6

How long will my collision repair take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the extent of the damage. A minor fender repair might take a few days, while a major collision involving structural or frame damage could take a couple of weeks or more. We'll give you an honest timeline upfront after inspecting your vehicle, and we'll keep you updated throughout the process. We don't rush repairs to hit an insurance company's target — we take the time to do it right.

Question 7

Can you help me get a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We'll help coordinate a rental car for you so you're not left without transportation. In most cases, the at-fault party's insurance covers your rental, and we can help facilitate that process. We handle this regularly and can often have you in a rental the same day.

Question 8

Do you offer towing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer free towing within 25 miles. If you've just been in an accident and your vehicle isn't drivable, call us and we'll get a tow to you. Don't let a tow truck driver take your car to a shop you didn't choose — once your car is at another facility, it becomes harder to move it and you lose leverage in the process.

Question 9

What happens if the insurance company's estimate is lower than the actual cost of repairs?

Accepted Answer

This happens more often than you'd think. Insurance adjusters frequently write initial estimates that undervalue the damage, sometimes without even seeing the vehicle in person. Once we get your car into our shop and begin the teardown, we often discover additional damage that wasn't visible during the surface-level inspection. We document everything with photos and detailed repair notes, then submit a supplement to your insurance company for the full cost. We handle this back-and-forth so you don't have to.

Question 10

Do you work on all makes and models?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our technicians are trained and equipped to repair all makes and models, from everyday commuters to trucks, SUVs, and luxury vehicles. Whether it's a Honda Civic or a BMW X5, we follow manufacturer repair procedures and use the right tools and parts for each specific vehicle.

Question 11

What does "repairing to manufacturer specifications" mean, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Every vehicle manufacturer publishes detailed guidelines for how their cars should be repaired after a collision. These procedures cover everything from how panels should be welded to which parts can be repaired versus replaced. Following these specifications ensures your vehicle is restored to its pre-accident level of safety and performance. Shops that skip these steps — often under pressure from insurance companies to reduce costs — can leave your car looking fixed on the outside while compromising its safety underneath.

Question 12

Will my car be safe to drive after a collision repair?

Accepted Answer

When repairs are done correctly — using proper procedures, the right parts, and qualified technicians — your car should perform exactly the way it did before the accident. That's our standard. We don't cut corners, and we don't sign off on a repair until we're confident the vehicle meets its original safety specifications.

Question 13

What if I'm not satisfied with the repair?

Accepted Answer

Talk to us. We stand behind our work and we'll make it right. Our reputation is built on doing repairs the right way and treating customers the way we'd want to be treated. If something isn't up to your expectations, we want to know about it and we want the chance to fix it.

Question 14

Can I get an estimate before committing to repairs?

Accepted Answer

Of course. We provide free estimates so you can understand the scope of the damage and what the repair will involve before making any decisions. Keep in mind that a full assessment often requires a partial teardown to see hidden damage, so the initial estimate may be adjusted once we get a closer look — but we'll communicate that clearly every step of the way.

Question 15

Do I have to pay a deductible?

Accepted Answer

If you're filing a claim through your own insurance policy (like in a not-at-fault situation where you're using your collision coverage), your deductible will apply. If the other driver is at fault and their insurance is paying, you typically won't have a deductible. We can walk you through how this works for your specific situation when you call.

Question 16

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Columbus and all of Central Ohio. Whether you're in Westerville, Dublin, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, or anywhere in the surrounding area, we're here to help.

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