Auto body repair: frequently asked questions

Cosmetic repairs (dents, single-panel paint) typically take 3 to 5 business days. Moderate collision damage with panel replacement and paint blending runs 1 to 2 weeks. Major structural repair, especially when waiting on parts, can take 3 to 4 weeks or more. We provide a realistic timeline at estimate, and we update you if parts delays extend it.

If the accident wasn't your fault, usually not. Not-at-fault claims typically don't affect your premium. If you were at fault, rates can go up at renewal, depending on your carrier, your history, and the claim amount. A single at-fault claim on an otherwise clean record usually has a modest impact. Don't skip filing a legitimate claim; the financial consequence of unfiled claims (especially if injuries surface later) can be much larger.

OEM parts are built by the same supplier that made your car's original parts, to factory specifications. Aftermarket parts are third-party copies, and quality ranges from excellent to significantly worse. For structural parts, safety components, and anything that affects crash performance, we strongly prefer OEM. Insurance often approves aftermarket for non-critical cosmetic parts; you can usually pay the difference for OEM if you prefer.

No. In Massachusetts, you have the legal right to choose any licensed auto body shop. Your insurer can suggest shops but cannot require you to use one.

If the repair estimate exceeds the vehicle's actual cash value (minus salvage), the insurer will typically declare the vehicle a total loss and pay you the ACV. You can either accept the payout, or pay the difference to repair and keep a salvage title. We'll give you an honest opinion about whether repair or total loss is in your interest.

Most collision policies include rental coverage at a daily rate ($30 to $50 is typical, but check your policy). We coordinate rentals directly and can deliver a rental to you via flatbed at the same time we tow your damaged vehicle.

A standard Massachusetts policy covers: bodily injury and property damage liability (for damage you cause), personal injury protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist, collision (damage to your own car in an accident), and comprehensive (theft, vandalism, weather, glass). Glass claims in Massachusetts are generally deductible-waived under comprehensive. Your specific coverages and limits are listed on your declarations page.

You do. The deductible is the amount you agreed to pay before insurance coverage kicks in. It's deducted from the insurance check. If another driver was at fault and their insurance is paying, your deductible is usually waived (they pay the full cost).

When hidden damage is discovered during disassembly (common in moderate-to-major collisions), the shop submits a supplement to the insurer for the additional work. The insurer approves it, often after sending an adjuster out to verify. You're not responsible for supplement amounts; they're between the shop and the insurer.

Not typically. Partial reassembly is rarely safe or practical, and paint needs uninterrupted cure time. If there's a specific reason you need the vehicle (emergency, important event), tell us and we'll tell you honestly what's possible.

Yes, if the shop recalibrates the sensors after the repair. We do this in-house as part of every repair that affects ADAS. Skipped calibration is a common corner-cut at lower-quality shops, where the systems may appear to work but have the wrong aim, making them unreliable.

A minor fender bender with single-panel damage usually runs $1,500 to $3,500. Moderate collision damage with multiple panels is typically $4,000 to $10,000. Major damage with structural work, airbag deployment, and ADAS recalibration often exceeds $15,000 and can reach $30,000+ on newer or premium vehicles. Your actual cost depends on the specific damage, parts, and labor hours needed.