Do you feel confident using a safe and effective body shop after an accident? Ensure you make the right decision for your vehicle repair by using these tips below!
Shops that prioritize safe, quality repairs are frequently OEM-certified. This certification is a strong indicator of a shop’s commitment to repair integrity.
Why would a collision shop not be OEM certified?
1. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) certification is costly.
- To maintain their certification, OEM-certified repair shops are required to invest in the latest, manufacturer-specified technology and equipment. Since vehicles are complex and expensive machines, the necessary repair equipment is also costly—an investment not all shops are willing to prioritize.
2. OEM certification requires hard work.
- Maintaining certification necessitates that our teams remain proficient in the latest recommended repair methods. We ensure compliance with quality standards through regular training classes and inspections of team procedures, which requires a significant investment of time, resources, and skilled personnel.
3. Big branded insurance companies often don’t financially support full OEM-recommended repair guidelines.
- Mainstream insurance companies often prioritize cost savings, which can lead them to recommend parts and procedures that compromise the integrity and safety of your vehicle’s repair. Furthermore, these companies may steer customers toward body shops willing to overlook proper standards. This financial incentive compromises the entire customer experience. We strongly recommend working with a local agent to review your policy and confirm it covers new, safety-tested parts.
Here are 4 important questions to ask your shop if it’s safe:
- “Are you recognized by my vehicle’s manufacturer as factory certified, and do you have proof of this OEM certification?” Shops with OEM certification commit to regular inspections and strict repair metrics that guarantee safe, quality repairs aligned with your vehicle’s original engineering and design.”
- “Can you provide a detailed explanation of what is being done to my car, including which part you are replacing and the type of replacement part you are using?”
- “What is your repair warranty?” Auto Body Xperts confidently offers a lifetime warranty on all collision repairs. A reputable body shop must stand behind its work, which is the foundational reason for seeking OEM certification. Shops that adhere to these approved repair methods can guarantee optimal results for their customers. We advise caution when using any facility that uses USED or AFTER-MARKET parts. Compromising your vehicle’s advanced safety systems with ill-fitting or substandard parts is a risk no professional shop should take. Long-term parts degradation and empty promises reflect a collision center that does not prioritize people or their safety.
- “Will you provide proof of which safety systems you have properly calibrated after completing the repairs?” To ensure proper functionality, the team should document and verify all required calibrations in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Furthermore, any external calibration company must exclusively use OEM-approved equipment and procedures, as other diagnostic systems are not subject to the same regulatory and safety testing standards.
Your life depends on the quality of your collision repair—care about it! At Auto Body Xperts, we leverage over 75 years of experience to ensure you choose the right, safest repair path. We are here to help you navigate this process and stay safe! Contact us Today to start your collision repair process!