If you’ve been living in California for any length of time, you know it is an automobile enthusiast’s state with countless automotive businesses and car culture opportunities. The Los Angeles area alone is home to nearly 3,000 auto body shops, many of which are well-established businesses. Whether you drive a Lexus or a Maserati, you are sure to find at least one repair center that accepts your vehicle.
If you need auto body repairs now, how do you choose the right shop for your car? With numerous options available, finding a reliable place to restore your vehicle after a collision or fender bender can feel overwhelming.
The first step is to determine what type of body shops are in your area. Most fall into brand-certified body shops and general auto repair shops. Learn about the differences between each type of auto repair center, their pros and cons, and which you should choose.
What Is a Brand-Certified Body Shop?
A brand-certified auto body shop, also simply known as a certified repair center, has official approval from a car brand or manufacturer. Depending on the brand, an auto body shop may also be called an “approved body shop,” “certified collision repair center,” or other similar terminology.
For example, McLaren refers to a repair shop approved by the automaker as a McLaren Approved Bodyshop. Rivian’s approved body shops are officially referred to as Rivian Certified Collision Centers.
A body shop can only become brand-certified after passing a stringent certification program. When it does, it typically becomes part of that automaker’s network of approved auto body shops and service centers.
For some brands, such as Rivian or Tesla, visiting an approved shop is the only way for an owner of each brand to receive legitimate service, maintenance, and repairs. In addition to manufacturer-approved repairs, certified auto body shops also provide more services to their customers, such as assistance with insurance claims.
What Is a General Auto Repair Shop?
A general auto repair shop is an establishment that provides automotive repairs without being specifically trained or approved by a particular automaker. While it can handle a wide range of repairs for cars, trucks, and SUVs of any make and model, it is not explicitly recognized or approved by a particular automaker.
While a general auto repair shop can say it works on cars of specific brands or makes, it is generally not allowed to use terms such as “approved” or “certified” to describe its business.
For example, a general auto repair shop may advertise that it works on Aston Martins, but if it hasn’t received an Aston Martin certification, it cannot claim to be an Aston Martin Factory-Authorized Body Shop.
While a non-brand-certified auto body shop can be certified in other ways by organizations such as I-CAR and ASE, they may not necessarily be recommended by your car’s manufacturer or your insurance provider for repairs.
Differences in Training and Expertise
While talented mechanics and auto repair technicians can be found in both types of auto body shops, there are fundamental differences in the type and amount of training they receive.
You can generally expect the staff at a brand’s certified repair center to be familiar with the automaker’s repair process and techniques. They receive continuous, updated technician training and education materials to service that brand’s latest models and trim levels. If the automaker uses specific materials or components, you can expect them to know brand-specific parts repair or replacement techniques.
For example, technicians at a certified Mercedes-Benz repair shop attend the German automaker’s MB RISE educational program, which includes hands-on training and familiarization with Mercedes-Benz materials, technology, diagnostics, and advanced driver-assistance systems repair techniques.
While a general auto body shop can have similarly trained and educated technicians, there is no guarantee. Most non-certified repair shops have generally trained and qualified mechanics who may not necessarily have brand-specific knowledge. Consequently, they cannot guarantee that the repairs they offer are up to the automaker’s standards.
Parts, Equipment, and Technology Differences
Below is a table breaking down the main differences for the customer between certified and non-certified repair shops:
| Criteria | Certified Auto Body Shop | Non-certified Repair Shop |
|---|---|---|
|
Genuine Parts |
Automakers provide certified auto repair centers with more than just training and familiarization with their latest models. They often allow access to their Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts catalog, letting the shop order genuine parts and components. For instance, if you need replacement Lamborghini components for your Huracan after an accident, a certified Lamborghini repair center will order genuine Lamborghini parts to restore your beloved car to its original performance. |
A general auto body shop is not guaranteed to have access to any specific brand’s OEM parts. Instead, they may rely on third-party, recycled, or reclaimed equivalents, which provide no guarantee of quality, fit, or compatibility. While they may be able to order and install aftermarket parts for cheaper, there is no guarantee of equivalent quality. |
|
Diagnostics Tools |
Brand certification gives more than access to OEM parts; it also provides the certified auto body shop with access to the manufacturer’s diagnostics tools and equipment. For example, a certified Bentley repair center gains access to Bentley ODIS, the official Bentley dealership diagnostics tool. |
Non-certified shops are not guaranteed to have automaker-specific diagnostics tools or the requisite software licenses to use them. |
|
Parts fit and Compatibility |
Certified repair centers have access to genuine parts and the training and expertise to install them correctly, ensuring perfect fit and compatibility. For instance, if your Cybertruck’s unique exoskeleton and body panels were damaged in an accident, a certified Tesla shop is the best place to get them replaced using genuine Cybertruck body panels and components. |
The expertise of a non-certified repair center depends entirely on the individual skills of its technicians and staff members. They may not be trained or certified to install or replace all parts for your make and model. |
|
Vehicle Resale Value |
If you intend to sell your vehicle later, getting it repaired at a certified auto body shop can increase its resale value, especially if OEM parts were used. Prospective buyers may consider these repairs to be evidence of better care and maintenance. |
Vehicles repaired at a non-certified repair shop get no guarantees of getting a higher resale value. It depends on the shop’s individual reputation and the buyer’s preferences. |
|
Vehicle Warranty and Repair |
Getting repairs at a certified auto body shop will generally not void your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty. Most automakers’ warranty programs, from Toyota to Rolls-Royce, may even recommend a certified auto body shop in your area instead of a dealership or official repair center. |
Collision repairs or modifications performed at a non-certified repair shop carry the risk of voiding your warranty, especially if the shop uses aftermarket parts. |
|
Auto Repair Cost Comparison |
Repairs at a certified auto body shop are typically higher due to the cost of better-trained labor and higher-quality OEM components. However, these repair costs are also more consistent because they follow manufacturer recommendations. You are unlikely to experience large price differences from one certified shop to the next. |
The cost of repairs at a non-certified repair center varies significantly. While the average cost is lower, it depends on the shop’s reputation, expertise, access to parts, and attention to quality. |
Visit Harry’s Auto Collision and Schedule Professional Repairs
Harry’s Auto Collision has helped luxury vehicle owners in the Los Angeles area keep their beloved vehicles on the road for over five decades. We are fully certified by top industry organizations like I-CAR and ASE and a certified repair center for multiple world-renowned automakers.
Our manufacturer certifications include Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Lexus, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Rolls-Royce, and Tesla.
Contact us now to schedule a service or visit us in Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks.
