Most people wind up in at least one automotive collision that requires repairs to fix the body and other components. According to Grandview Research, the global market for collision repair was more than $195 billion in 2022. With a global market that big, it’s no surprise that a country like the United States with so many vehicles also has a lot of service facilities for repairing auto body damage. Here are four things to look for in an auto body shop.

1. Certified Auto Body Repair

A certified auto body repair technician is essential for ensuring quality work is done. The technician will abide by acceptable industry and legal standards for repairing damage and helping make your car look new. Insurers are more likely to approve payments for work done by a certified auto body technician and repair shop.

2. Frame Wheel Straightening Services

An auto collision could damage the frame and knock the wheels out of alignment. Until fixed, it’s dangerous and likely illegal to drive a vehicle with a damaged frame on public roads. The shop should have a computer-assisted frame-straightening jig that enables it to precisely align the frame so that it's straight. Once the frame is straight, the shop can straighten the wheels so that your vehicle will drive and handle normally and safely.

3. Unibody Repairs

Many newer vehicles don’t have a separate frame and body. Instead, the body and frame are one continuous piece. Such vehicles have a “unibody,” which requires different types of repairs to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive after undergoing collision repairs. An auto body shop that has technicians who are certified and experienced at unibody repairs is the best option for fixing your unibody vehicle.

4. High-Quality Paint Booths

Automotive paints are not environmentally friendly and require ventilation and filtration to protect the outside air. A body shop should have a paint booth that effectively ventilates the paint as it is sprayed onto your car and captures any fumes or particles in filters that can be cleaned or discarded properly afterward. Once the paint is cured, it's safe for the environment and will look great after the auto body shop polishes and waxes the body.

If you need an auto body repair professional, contact Mike's Custom Auto Body. You can call, send a message, or visit our auto body repair shop to learn more and schedule services for your vehicle. We would be happy to inspect your vehicle and give you an estimate.