Auto Body Repair Questions Answered
Expert answers to the most common questions about collision repair, insurance claims, costs, and more.
Most auto body repairs take 3 to 5 business days for minor damage like dents and scratches. Major collision repairs involving structural work or parts ordering can take 1 to 3 weeks. Orlando Auto Body provides a detailed repair timeline at your free appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes, collision coverage on your auto policy pays for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, minus your deductible. If another driver was at fault, their liability insurance covers your repairs. Orlando Auto Body works with all major insurers and handles the entire claims process for you.
Paintless dent repair is a technique that removes dents without damaging the original factory paint. Technicians use specialized tools to carefully push the metal back into shape from behind the panel. Orlando Auto Body offers PDR for hail damage, door dings, and minor dents, saving time and cost compared to traditional body work.
Bumper repair costs typically range from $300 to $1,500 depending on the severity of damage and whether the bumper needs replacement. Minor scuffs and cracks can often be repaired for less, while full replacements with paint matching cost more. Orlando Auto Body provides free appointments at all three East Valley locations.
Yes, hail damage is one of the most common repairs we handle in Arizona. Small hail dents are typically repaired with paintless dent repair, while severe damage may require panel replacement and repainting. Orlando Auto Body works directly with your insurance company to restore your vehicle to pre-storm condition.
No. In Arizona, you have the legal right to choose any licensed body shop for your repairs regardless of what your insurance company suggests. Insurers cannot require you to use a specific shop. Orlando Auto Body advocates on your behalf to ensure a proper repair.
OEM parts are made by your vehicle manufacturer and are identical to the original parts on your car. Aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies and may vary in fit and quality. Orlando Auto Body uses OEM parts whenever possible and works with insurers to get them approved for your repair.
After an accident, file a claim with your insurance company and then bring your vehicle to a collision repair shop for a professional damage assessment. Orlando Auto Body provides free appointments at our Mesa, Scottsdale, and Gilbert locations and can write a detailed repair estimate for your insurer.
A properly repaired vehicle is restored to manufacturer safety specifications and is safe to drive. Certified shops follow OEM repair procedures to maintain structural integrity and airbag functionality. Orlando Auto Body backs every repair with a lifetime warranty on workmanship.
A diminished value claim compensates you for the decrease in your vehicle market value after it has been in an accident and repaired. Even with perfect repairs, a car with an accident history is worth less than an identical car without one. Orlando Auto Body can help you understand and pursue diminished value recovery in Arizona.
Modern shops use computerized spectrophotometers to scan your vehicle paint and create an exact color formula. The paint is then mixed and applied in a controlled spray booth for a factory-quality finish. Orlando Auto Body uses PPG and Axalta paint systems to ensure a seamless, invisible repair.
Yes, most scratches and paint chips can be repaired depending on depth. Surface scratches that have not penetrated the clear coat can often be buffed out, while deeper scratches require sanding, priming, and repainting. Orlando Auto Body offers scratch repair services at all three locations.
Ensure everyone is safe, call 911 if there are injuries, exchange insurance information, photograph all damage, and file a police report. You should then contact your insurance company and choose a collision repair shop. Orlando Auto Body can guide you through every step from the initial call.
Small dent repairs using paintless dent repair start around $75 to $150 per dent. Larger dents requiring body filler and repainting can cost $300 to $800 or more depending on location and size. Orlando Auto Body offers free assessments so you get an accurate quote before any work begins.
Any accident history can lower your vehicle resale value, which is why quality repairs matter. A certified shop using proper techniques and OEM parts minimizes the impact on value. Orlando Auto Body performs repairs to factory standards and provides documentation that supports your vehicle value.
Yes, modern unibody frames can be straightened using computerized measuring systems and hydraulic frame racks. The frame is pulled back to manufacturer specifications within millimeters of original tolerances. Orlando Auto Body has the equipment and certified technicians to perform structural frame repairs safely.
A supplement is an additional repair cost discovered after disassembly that was not visible during the initial estimate. Hidden damage behind bumpers, panels, or structural components is common in collision repair. Orlando Auto Body documents all supplemental damage with photos and works with your insurer to get it approved.
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest of your repair costs. For example, with a $500 deductible on a $3,000 repair, you pay $500 and insurance pays $2,500. Orlando Auto Body offers deductible assistance programs for qualifying customers.
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