Tips for Finding a Good Auto Body Shop

Tony Mers • June 21, 2019

Each year in the United States, there are roughly 6 million car accidents. Of those 6 million accidents, an estimated 72% of car crashes result in property damage. If you own a vehicle, the chance that at some point you will need car repairs after an accident may be greater than you think.

Distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding are the three leading causes of car accidents in the US. If you find yourself in need of an auto body shop, it's important to choose a reputable collision repair shop. There are several things you should consider before choosing an auto body shop.

Research Shops Beforehand

Sites like Angie's List and Google Reviews are extremely valuable resources for getting a better idea about a shop’s quality. These sites allow users to rate and review different shops. However, be mindful that you take the online reviews with a "grain of salt". You’ll want to pay attention to well-written reviews, rather than angry one-liners like "worst mechanic ever" since even the best business will end up with an unsatisfied customer every now and again. One good way to find reputable body shops is to ask for recommendations in your area via social media.

Consider Word of Mouth Reputation

There may be quite a few shops in your area, and it may be difficult to know which shops do the best work. But chances are that you will fare much better by choosing a shop that your friends, family or acquaintances recommend. This way, you can be assured that you are trusting your auto repair to a shop that has a solid reputation for good workmanship, and is known for satisfying its customers.

Compare Estimates

Before you choose a body shop, you should get estimates from multiple shops in your area. This will allow you to compare numbers and find the best shop to fit your budget. Keep in mind, that an estimate is just that, an estimate of cost based on labor hours and parts cost. So the bottom line may vary from the mechanic's original estimate depending on the extent of the damage and how long it takes them to repair it. Price may not be the most important factor to consider, but nobody wants to pay more than they have to for car repair.

Choosing the Right Auto Body Shop

Ideally, you should start shopping for a body shop before you need one, but things don't always go as planned. However, you will be able make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic. Ask your friends and family what shops they recommend, and be sure to visit each shop if possible before making a decision.

When you consult with the body shops, be sure to ask if the shop can work on your vehicle's make and model, especially if you drive a foreign import or a less common domestic model. You should also ask how long the shop has been in business. The longer the shop has been in operation, the better the chance that they do good work. Professional shops of a high caliber will have courteous, helpful mechanics and staff who are willing to answer all of your questions.

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Why Ignoring Small Dents Can Lead to Bigger Problems

January 30, 2026

It is an awful feeling when you walk out to your car after a long day and see a small dent on your passenger door. While it may appear to be just a cosmetic issue, you should still get it fixed, because ignoring small dents can lead to bigger problems for your vehicle. Don’t let small dents on your car go untreated; let's talk about why you need to tackle these issues ASAP. Rust Loves Chicago Winters We all know the drill here in the Windy City. We have beautiful summers, sure, but we also pay the price with brutal winters. And what comes with winter? Salt. Tons of it. Your car’s paint job acts as a suit of armor protecting the metal body underneath. Even a minor dent often comes with microscopic cracks in the paint—sometimes too small to see with the naked eye. Once that seal is broken, moisture and road salt sneak in. They settle against the bare metal and start a chemical party you definitely don’t want to host. Oxidation begins immediately. By the time you notice bubbling paint or that tell-tale orange stain a few months later, the rust has already been eating away at your door panel from the inside out. Resale Value Takes a Nosedive For many people, maintaining their car is a valuable part of purchasing a new vehicle. When that day comes, curb appeal is everything. Used car buyers (and dealership appraisers) will judge your car by its exterior appearance. If they see a vehicle riddled with door dings, bumper scrapes, and ignored scratches, they see a car that wasn't cared for. They assume that if you didn't care enough to fix the outside, you probably didn't care about the rest of it either. It lowers the perceived value instantly. Maintaining your car’s body and its paint is an investment in your future trade-in value. Paint Damage Spreads Like a Virus When a dent or scrape compromises the integrity of the paint, the surrounding paint loses its grip. High-pressure car washes, wind, and temperature fluctuations cause the paint to flake away from the initial injury site. A scratch the size of a quarter can grow into a patch the size of a softball over a couple of seasons. It’s Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think Here is the good news: fixing these things early is surprisingly affordable. Modern body shop technology is amazing. For many small dings where the paint isn't cracked, we can use techniques that massage the metal back into place without spraying a drop of paint. River North Collision Repair offers paintless dent repair in Chicago to fix minor dents. Regardless of what nicked your door, we can help remove the dents and maintain a seamless look for your vehicle. Don’t Wait for Problems Don't let minor dents turn into a big nightmare. Save your future self the headache (and the cash). Swing by River North Collision Repair for your quick and easy repairs. Because driving a car you’re proud of? That’s a feeling you can’t put a price on.