Choosing the Best Auto Body Shop

Steph Terry • February 17, 2023

Choosing the Best Auto Body Shop

Finding the best auto body shop for your vehicle can seem overwhelming at first. With so many options available, choosing the right one is often a challenge. However, when choosing an auto body shop, there are a few key factors worth considering. Here are some tips to help you select the best auto body shop for your unique needs.

1. Research Local Body Shops

Reputation is everything in the auto repair industry. Always ask friends and family which local shops they recommend for repairs. Consider reading online reviews and keeping an eye out for any industry awards or certifications. The best auto body shops will gladly provide proof of their certifications, qualifications, and references.

Any reputable auto body shop should be able to prove years of high-quality past work. Remember to check each shop’s website to see if their services and prices fit your needs. It’s also important to ask if they can work with any make and model, as some shops won’t be able to. This will help you further narrow down your list of potential choices.

2. Look at Their Certifications

Each auto body shop is different, but a common way to find the best one is through their certifications. The industry-standard accreditation for collision centers is the Gold Class Collision Repair certification from I-Car. This award verifies that an auto body shop’s technicians have gone through specialized training for their roles. Gold Class Shops like ours maintain annual technician training to ensure each vehicle gets the best service possible.

There are other certifications that auto shops can receive from auto manufacturers. They show that the manufacturer recommends this auto body shop to their customers, and that they only use qualified automotive parts and tools. For example, we’re a Subaru Certified Collision Center and proud member of the GM Collision Repair Network and the Ford-Certified Collision Network.

3. Check Insurance Coverage and Warranties 

Before taking your vehicle in for repairs, always review your automobile insurance coverage. It may only cover repair work from certain auto body shops in your area. Plus, you may even qualify for discounts if you use a preferred provider within their network. Ask about their financing options or payment plans if you don’t have comprehensive insurance coverage.

If you plan to file an insurance claim for the repair work, then make sure the auto body shop agrees to work closely with your insurance company. Not only will this ensure that they’re able to complete all necessary repairs correctly, but it also means they’ll be able to work directly with your insurer on billing matters. Also, ask if they offer warranties on their service, as this can give you added peace of mind and financial protection.

4. Look at Their Facilities

Once you’ve found a potential auto body shop, take some time to visit their facility before making any commitments. Notice how clean and organized it is. Keep an eye out for any safety protocols they may have, such as dust control systems or respirators for employees.

Don’t forget to ask about their warranty policy. This will tell you a lot about their confidence in the services they offer. Finally, see if they provide free estimates before committing to any repairs so there are no surprises down the line when it comes time to pay your bill.

Find the Best Body Shop Today

Looking for the best auto body shop doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Taking some time to research potential shops and inspect them yourself can save you time and money in the long run. With a little effort, you can ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly by highly qualified technicians no matter the make, model, or extent of its damage.

We at Morrow are here for all your auto body repair needs. We’d be more than glad to provide our Gold Class services for your vehicle to get you back on the road with confidence. Please feel free to give us a call or text, or fill out our contact form to get started today.

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Understanding Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

March 21, 2025

Modern vehicles are smarter and safer than ever, thanks to Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). Features like lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking help prevent accidents—but what happens when a vehicle equipped with ADAS is involved in a collision? The repair process has changed drastically in recent years, and it’s important for vehicle owners to understand ADAS and how these safety features impact collision repairs. What is ADAS? ADAS refers to a suite of safety technologies designed to assist drivers in avoiding accidents. These systems rely on sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor surroundings and react to potential hazards. Common ADAS features include: Lane Keep Assist – Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if drifting occurs. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Applies brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. Blind Spot Monitoring – Alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots. Adaptive Cruise Control – Adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert – Warns drivers of approaching traffic when backing up. Why ADAS Makes Collision Repairs More Complex When a vehicle with ADAS is involved in an accident, even a minor fender bender can disrupt these sensitive systems. Unlike traditional repairs that focused mainly on structural damage, modern collision repairs require precise calibration and diagnostics to ensure these safety features function correctly. 1. Specialized Repair Procedures Repairing ADAS-equipped vehicles requires manufacturer-specific procedures to prevent system malfunctions. A simple bumper replacement or windshield repair might seem straightforward, but if a radar sensor or camera is misaligned by even a fraction of an inch, it can lead to major safety risks. 2. Calibration is Critical After repairs, ADAS components must be recalibrated to ensure they function as intended. There are two types of ADAS calibration: Static Calibration – Performed in a controlled shop environment using specialized tools and targets. Dynamic Calibration – Requires driving the vehicle in specific conditions to reset ADAS sensors properly. Failing to calibrate ADAS systems correctly can cause them to malfunction or provide false warnings, putting the driver and others at risk. 3. Increased Repair Costs Due to the advanced technology involved, ADAS repairs can be more expensive than traditional collision repairs. The need for specialized equipment, software updates, and trained technicians means that repairing an ADAS-equipped vehicle often requires more time and expertise. How Morrow Collision Center Ensures Safe ADAS Repairs At Morrow Collision Center , we stay ahead of the curve by using the latest ADAS calibration technology. When you bring your vehicle to us, you can expect: Certified Technicians who understand the complexities of ADAS repairs. Advanced Calibration Equipment to ensure sensors, cameras, and radars are perfectly aligned. Manufacturer-Approved Repair Methods to restore your vehicle’s safety features. Thorough Post-Repair Testing to confirm that your ADAS systems work as intended. Trust Morrow Collision Center for Expert ADAS Repairs If your vehicle has been in an accident, don’t trust just any repair shop to get it back on the road safely. At Morrow Collision Center, we understand the intricacies of ADAS and ensure every car repair is done right. Contact us today to schedule your auto repair and let our experts restore your vehicle’s safety systems with precision and care.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Auto Collision Repairs?

February 27, 2025

When you're involved in a car accident, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: how much will it cost to repair my vehicle? The cost of collision repairs can vary significantly depending on multiple factors. At Morrow Collision Center, we believe in full transparency, so let’s take a closer look at what factors affect the cost of auto collision repairs. 1. The Extent of Damage One of the biggest factors affecting repair costs is the severity of the damage. Minor dents and scratches will cost significantly less than major structural damage . If essential components like the frame or suspension are affected, the repairs become more complex and expensive. 2. Type of Vehicle The make and model of your car play a big role in determining repair costs. Luxury and foreign cars often have specialized parts and materials that can be more expensive and timelier to replace. Additionally, newer models with advanced technology and sensors require specialized repair techniques, increasing labor costs. 3. Replacement Parts The choice between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket parts, or used OEM parts can impact the cost. OEM parts tend to be pricier but ensure a perfect fit , while aftermarket or used parts might be more affordable but may vary in quality and compatibility. Your insurance company may not cover the full price of NEW OEM parts, so be sure to check your coverage! 4. Labor Costs Labor charges differ from shop to shop and market area, and depend on the complexity of the repair. High-tech features, like adaptive cruise control or collision avoidance systems, require skilled technicians, which can raise the cost of labor. 5. Paint and Finish If your car requires a new paint job, the cost will depend on the quality of paint, the number of coats, and whether custom paint matching is necessary. Some finishes require more precision and may increase costs. There are many types of paint finishes such as metallic, pearl, gloss, matte, or flat coats. Be sure to do your research on which may suit your preferences and needs best. Morrow Collision Center is proud to offer the PPG MoonWalk® system , ensuring the highest level of finish and precision. This state-of-the-art paint mixing technology provides exact color matching and a smooth application, so whether you’ve had a minor fender-bender or a more significant collision, we’ll restore your vehicle to its pre-accident beauty with unmatched accuracy and efficiency. 6. Insurance Coverage Your insurance policy and deductible can significantly influence how much you pay out of pocket. Comprehensive and collision coverage can help reduce your expenses, but if you have a high deductible, you may still need to cover a portion of the repair bill. 7. Additional Repairs and Hidden Damage Sometimes, additional damage is discovered once repairs begin. Hidden damage behind panels or under the hood can lead to unexpected costs. A thorough inspection by a trusted collision repair center can help identify these potential expenses early on. Bring Your Car to Morrow Today & Get an Honest Estimate At Morrow Collision Center, we provide detailed estimates to help you understand the cost of your auto repairs. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure quality repairs, getting you back on the road safely and efficiently. Contact us or visit one of our locations today to get an estimate and let us take the stress out of collision repairs!