3 Tips to Identify an Experienced Auto Body Shop

Tony Mers • March 26, 2019
auto body shop

In a recent survey, it was found that an estimated 77% of vehicles are in need of auto maintenance or repairs. Taking care of your vehicle should be at the very top of your priority list because neglecting to do so could result in wasted money down the line and even put you and everyone else on the road at risk.

Simply letting anyone work on your vehicle, however, isn't always a great idea. Unfortunately, there are some auto body repair services that aren't able to provide consistent and adequate service when it comes to auto maintenance.

Here are some great ways to tell whether or not the auto body shop you're working with did the repair job correctly:


  1. Research their reputation -- "A reputable repair facility will go through everything with you, walk you through all the steps they took," said Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists. "Good shops will even touch up bolts under the hood that have been scratched while being repaired."

    If you think the repair facility doesn't have a history of being reputable, you might want to look elsewhere.

  2. Mismatched pain colors -- Auto paint shops often rely on simply punching in the factory paint code, which is about 95% of matching color and consistency. However, the remaining 5% needs to be done by professionals who know what they're doing. You should examine other vehicles and look the paint for runs or imperfections like hair specks or dirt trappings -- if you're not satisfied, find somewhere else to go.

  3. The vehicle doesn't look right or function properly -- The easiest way to tell that you're not working with an experienced auto body shopis to take a look at all the cars being worked on. If you notice tire misalignments, suspension issues, or noticeable wear and tear problems, that's a big red flag.

If you do notice that your vehicle is more damaged than before or some other major issues are going on, there are a few things that you should do next:


  • Document everything.

  • Make them aware of the issues.

  • Request a refund or promise of delivery.

  • Consider contacting an attorney.

  • Do more research before going anywhere else for repair work.

The best way to avoid these common problems, however, is to work with an experienced, credible, and legitimate auto body shop from the get-go. If you want to work with a trust auto shop in Chicago, head to River North Collision Repair today!

Auto body technician wearing a respirator spray paints a masked SUV inside a brightly lit automotive
October 30, 2026
Can a body shop paint over metallic car paint? Learn how professionals prepare surfaces, match metallic colors, and restore your vehicle's appearance.
A woman with long brown hair wearing a tan coat and using a silver laptop at a round table.
October 26, 2026
An auto repair quote includes much more than replacement parts and labor. Learn what else a repair quote includes and what to expect before authorizing repairs.
A person wearing white gloves polishing the front of a dark car with a yellow rotary buffer beside i
October 21, 2026
Ignoring a car dent can lead to rust, paint damage, and costly repairs over time. Protect your vehicle's value and appearance with timely dent repair.
A black car with illuminated rear lights parked indoors beside another black car on a wet shop floor
October 13, 2026
Car bumper damage can result from collisions, parking accidents, and harsh weather. Learn the common causes and when you need professional repairs.
A person wearing a respirator spraying paint on a masked vehicle inside a work bay with tools mounte
By River North Collision Repair • September 24, 2026
Can a body shop match original factory paint? Find out how professional paint matching and blending help create a smooth, consistent vehicle finish.
A woman wearing sunglasses and a patterned scarf leaning against a black car inside an auto service
By River North Collision Repair • September 17, 2026
Spot common signs of pothole damage, from tire problems to dents, vibrations, and uneven wear. Know when your car may need professional repairs.
A black SUV with open doors parked inside an auto service bay with hoses, bins, other cars, and over
September 15, 2026
Looking to repair or replace your car? Before deciding which option works for you, consider repair costs, your vehicle's value, the damage, and safety.
A person wearing gloves using a polisher on a gray car panel with yellow tape along the window edges
September 3, 2026
Car paint damage from accidents, vandalism, or weather may qualify for insurance coverage. Learn what factors can affect your claim and repair costs.
August 27, 2026
Foggy headlights can reduce visibility and affect your vehicle’s appearance. Find out what causes cloudy lenses and how professional repair can restore clarity.