Body Shop versus Collision Center

When an accident happens, it is never a fun experience. Body shops and collision centers exist to help take some of the hassle out of your life when this happens.

But what is the difference between the two shops? Let's start with body shops.

Body shops specialize in expert body repair. They can take a vehicle with a badly-crumpled fender and in a couple of days, return the vehicle to you so that you won't even notice that the fender was ever damaged. The skills and expertise of body shop personnel are amazing! Body shop personnel are experts in dent removal, fixing "dings," body part replacement, patching and rebuilding, and painting and finishing.

Many body shops have grown from neighborhood, "backyard" endeavors to reputable, professional businesses in one generation, and are often known and revered locally. It is not unusual for used and new car dealerships to have a body shop also for customers in need.

A body shop normally does not have the equipment or personnel to perform adjustments like alignments or frame straightening; these are simply not their areas of expertise. Body shops are eager to provide customers with estimates, both labor and materials, loaners, and fast, professional services.

Collision centers are often regional, or even national, enterprises that employ not only body shop experts, but experts in other repairs as well, like two- and four-wheel alignments, frame straightening, and engine repair. These shops boast about working directly with insurance companies to cut through red tape and repair your vehicle quickly. They also work with insurance companies to provide towing services so you don"t have to worry about how your vehicle will arrive at the repair shop, and rental car services so you have a vehicle to drive while repairs are being made to yours.

Collision centers have modern, high-tech, computerized equipment so they can handle even the worst, most complicated restorations. This includes engine, mechanical, and electrical diagnostic tools, electronic welding, and painting equipment. Many collision centers have A.S.E. (Automotive Service Excellence) and I-CAR (Inter-industry Council on Auto Collision Repair)-trained personnel that keep up-to-date by taking required courses in repair techniques and methods.

If a vehicle requires body repair, engine repair, radiator repair, frame straightening, or other extensive repair, contact a collision center. They can most likely take care of all of your needs without having to contract out any services like wheel alignment or a/c service.

If you have gotten into a nasty collision, whether it be a front-end, rear-end, or broadside body hit, contact a body shop for expert body repair.

Both body shops and collision centers are in business to provide you with fast, reliable, and expert service. So call for an estimate today.