What you need to know about collision repair
Written for consumers who aren't car people. No jargon, no advertiser influence — just straight information to help you navigate one of the most stressful things you'll deal with.
Consumer-guidance
How to Evaluate a Collision Repair Shop
Not all body shops are the same. Here is how to tell the difference between a shop you can trust and one that will cost you more than the repair.
How to File a Complaint About Your Collision Repair
If your repair went wrong or your insurer treated you unfairly, you have real options. Here is how to escalate — and which path to take first.
What Does 'Certified' Mean? (And What It Does Not)
Shops use 'certified' in a lot of different ways. Some of it means something. Some of it is just marketing. Here is how to tell the difference.
Insurance & Claims
Diminished Value: What It Is and How to File a Claim
After your car is repaired, it is worth less than before the accident. That loss in value has a name — and in many cases, you can claim it.
DRP Shops vs. Independent Shops: What Consumers Should Know
Your insurance company has a list of preferred shops. You are not required to use them. Here is what the difference actually means for your repair.
What Is a Total Loss and How Does It Work?
When an insurance company says your car is 'totaled,' there is a specific process behind that decision — and you have options in how it plays out.
Your Rights in a Collision Repair Insurance Claim
Your insurance company has real obligations — and you have real rights. Here is what you need to know before you let anyone touch your car.
Repair-process
How to Read a Collision Repair Estimate
An estimate can be two pages of codes and numbers that mean nothing to most people. Here is a plain-English guide to what you are actually looking at.
OEM, Aftermarket, and Used Parts: What Is the Difference?
The parts on your estimate are not all equal. Here is what each type means for your repair, your warranty, and your car's value.
Why Your Repair Estimate Changes: The Supplement Process
Your estimate was $2,400. Now the shop is saying $3,800. Here is why that happens, and what you should — and should not — worry about.
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