4 Common Auto Body Repair Myths

After you experience a car accident, it is natural to want the best help possible to repair your vehicle's body. However, several myths about auto body repair can get in the way of finding an honest and reliable business. Here are four common myths that many car owners believe when they search for a reputable auto repair service for their vehicles.



1. You Must Use the Repair Shop Your Insurer Recommends

This narrative is a typical auto body repair myth often perpetuated by insurance companies. The truth is that you are not required to use the repair shop your insurer recommends. As the policyholder, you have the right to choose who you would like to repair your vehicle. Your insurance company may have a preferred repair shop they recommend, but you have the final say in who works on your car.

2. Only a Dealer Can Repair Your Vehicle Properly

The truth is that any certified auto body shop can repair your vehicle properly, regardless of whether it is a dealership or an independent shop. Dealerships often use the same equipment and materials that independent shops use, so the repair quality should not be any different.

The main advantage of taking your vehicle to a dealership is that they may have more access to resources and parts, which could save you time. However, many auto body shops can now source original parts from suppliers that also provide parts for dealers. Also, independent shops are often cheaper and may offer just as good of a repair job.

Ultimately, it is up to you to research and decide which shop is best for you and your vehicle, whether it’s the dealership or an independent mechanic.

3. A Repair Shop Cannot Fully Restore Your Vehicle

With the right tools and expertise, a professional auto body repair shop can often repair and restore a vehicle to its original condition or even better. Auto body repair technicians are highly trained and certified to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) guidelines to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

Additionally, most major auto repair procedures are specific to the vehicle, allowing the technicians to repair the car exactly as the manufacturer would want. This framework ensures that the vehicle is brought back to its original condition.

This myth usually relates to the idea that a repair shop cannot fully restore a damaged frame. This is also untrue, as a professional auto body repair shop can often repair and restore a damaged frame to its original condition. With the right tools and expertise, a repair shop can often straighten and reinforce the frame and replace any damaged parts as necessary.

4. Your Insurance Company Will Handle the Entire Bill

Insurance companies can help cover the cost of repairs, but they do not always cover the full amount. Insurance companies typically have a deductible that you must pay out-of-pocket before they cover any repairs, especially if you were the cause of the accident. Additionally, insurance companies may not cover certain items or may only cover certain types of repairs.

In some cases, the policyholder may be responsible for additional parts or labor costs that the insurance company does not cover. Policyholders should understand their coverage and work closely with their insurance company and auto body shop to ensure they can cover all costs.

A good quality repair shop can offer you the services you need and still satisfy your repair needs. Visit us at Coats Auto Body & Paint if you require a body shop in Raleigh, Garner, or Clayton. Contact us today for a free estimate on your car’s repairs.