Car accidents are certainly stressful enough without having to worry about finding an auto collision repair shop you can trust. And if you’ve been involved in a car accident, you need just that—a good body shop that will make your truck, mini-van or car look like new again and restore it to pre-accident condition.
There are many car collision shops to choose from, including auto body shops in Solano County that serve the major cities of Vallejo, Vacaville, Fairfield, Suisun City and Benicia, as well as the smaller towns in the Bay-Delta region. For most people, choosing an auto collision repair shop is a mystery. So how do you find a body shop that will do it right? One you can trust to install a new windshield, straighten the frame, apply new auto paint and everything in between. That’s why good information is the key. It will give you the confidence to make an informed decision. Read the following articles for more in-depth information.
Why Trust Diamond Certified Auto Body Shops Rated Highest In Quality?
Only the best auto body shops in Solano County are Diamond Certified. These shops have earned the award by scoring Highest in Quality in the most accurate and rigorous ratings process anywhere. Most companies can’t pass this test. That’s because thousands of local auto collision center customers have been interviewed, and only auto body shops that pass all of the credential-based ratings and score highest in customer satisfaction (90 or higher on a 100 scale), earn Diamond Certified. And you’re backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee.
Since all research is performed by live telephone interviews that substantiate only real customers are surveyed, you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews. And the Diamond Certified program cuts out mediocre and poorly performing companies by requiring such high marks to pass. If you want quality, you’ll have confidence in choosing Diamond Certified companies.
Know Your Rights
Most insurance companies have agreements, known as direct repair programs or DRP, with collision repair facilities in Solano County. While this seems like a convenient alternative to researching and choosing a shop on your own, this is one area where information is key. Why? Insurance companies often enforce strict limits on the repairs done at DRP shops that cause them to cut corners, including in the quality of the replacement parts and the time the shop spends on the repairs. If you’re not careful, you can end up getting an inferior repair job.
But whether the car accident was your fault or not, you have the right to choose your auto body repair shop after an auto crash. So your insurance company may recommend repair shops, but the final decision is always yours.
Remember, it’s vital that you choose a qualified automotive body repair shop for collision repairs for your car, truck or mini-van. This avoids conflict and may preserve your vehicle’s value. Body damage repairs that are done wrong the first time are often not reversible. This usually brings down the value of your vehicle and jeopardizes your safety. If you get poor repairs—even if another shop can repair the damage—you probably will have to pay for additional body work out-of-pocket since car insurance companies rarely pay twice for the same repairs.
Further Research on Solano County Auto Collision Centers
After you’ve been in an accident, you’re probably in a hurry to have the collision damage repaired at once. So you may be tempted to hastily choose among the auto body shops in Solano County that serve major cities including Vallejo, Benicia, Suisun City, Vacaville, and Fairfield, and all of the smaller towns in the Delta. However, it’s in your best interest to slow down and research a few local auto body shops to find the one that best serves your needs and does the best quality work the first time.
While it’s usually best to choose Diamond Certified companies because they’ve been rated Highest in Quality, that may not always be possible. However, if you’re unable to choose a Diamond Certified company, you can improve your chances of finding a decent auto body shop by checking out the California Bureau of Auto Repair website. While this site doesn’t have any customer satisfaction research, by looking up a shop’s name or license number, you'll be able to see if complaints have been filed with the state or the auto body shop’s license has been revoked.
Some auto body shops included in the larger Solano cities of Benicia, Suisun City, Dixon, Rio Vista, Vacaville, Vallejo and Fairfield have certified auto collision repair technicians on staff. These professionals tend to have more training and up-to-date information in the newest car body repair methods. There are even green auto body shops that have completed courses on environmentally responsible collision repair and auto painting services. Some are even green certified auto collision shops. If this is important to you, make sure to ask the auto body shops you’re considering for a list of qualifications and recent industry recognition.
Replacement Auto Body Parts and Automotive Body Insurance Requirements
Another factor to consider when researching paint and body repair shops is the quality of replacement parts each shop installs. Just as it’s your right to choose which body repair shop to hire for collision repairs, you’re usually entitled to choose the parts that are used. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are manufactured to fix your car exactly and may last longer than aftermarket parts. Refurbished and salvaged parts often come with no warranties since their safety and lifespan cannot be guaranteed.
If you did not cause the accident, immediately tell the auto body shops that you want OEM parts installed. If the accident was your fault, ask the vehicle collision centers about your specific case. There may be wording in your insurance agreement mandating use of aftermarket parts, refurbished (repaired) auto parts or salvage parts. However, it may be worth paying the difference between aftermarket parts and OEM parts to get better quality auto body parts installed.
If you live in the Bay-Delta region in the smaller cities of Allendale, Collinsville, Cordelia, Elmira, Birds Landing, Green Valley or Nut Tree, your insurance company may want you to bring your wrecked car, truck or minivan into a local auto body collision shop for an auto body repair estimate. Luckily, because of their ability to tow in wrecked or totaled vehicles, car body shops in larger cities may be able to provide auto body repairs rather than leaving you stranded. For example, auto body repair shops in the Vallejo area of Solano County can also serve areas including Bucktown, Liberty Farms, Maine Prairie, Scandia and Travis AFB.
Many auto body shops will even offer to handle insurance paperwork for you. This can be a valuable timesaver, so ask the auto body shops you’re interviewing if they have experience working with insurance companies.
Solano – Auto Body
- The following companies have earned and maintained a Diamond Certified Rating
- The Certification Process
- Company Information
- Contact Information
- Areas Served | Services | Key Brands
Serving all of Solano County including Fairfield, Vacaville, Suisun City, Vallejo, Benicia, Dixon, Rio Vista, Cordelia, Collinsville and Green Valley.
Services include collision repair, car and truck refinishing, insurance claim services and auto damage restoration. Brands include Ozone Waterbourne and Standox... License 246220 | DCID7075523887
A truck that has sustained major collision damage waits in the lot of a Diamond Certified auto body shop to be repaired. You'll be confident when choosing one of the collision centers listed above because each has been rated Highest in Quality and has earned Diamond Certified. For more information on how to choose and work with a good auto body shop in Solano County, read the following articles. Photo: Phil's Auto Body (2011)
By DIAMOND CERTIFIED PROGRAM STAFF WRITERS
Topic: Finding High Quality Auto Body Shops in Solano County
VALLEJO — You are the customer. If your goal is to choose an auto body shop that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified auto body repair shop. Each has been rated Highest in Quality in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top-rated auto body collision center and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:
1) Accuracy: All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed, so you'll never be fooled by fake reviews.
2) Statistical Reliability: A large random sample of past customers is surveyed on an ongoing basis so the research results you see truly reflect a Diamond Certified company’s top-rated status.
3) Full Disclosure: By clicking the name of a company above you'll see the exact rating results in charts and read verbatim survey responses as well as researched articles on each qualified company.
4) Guaranteed: Your purchase is backed up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you can choose with confidence.
Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.
More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality in customer satisfaction–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified program eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.
Before driving or towing your vehicle to an auto body shop for repairs, talk directly with the shop owner or service manager. You may want to write down the body shop representative’s answers and take note of any strengths, weaknesses and impressions that may influence your decision. The questions you ask and the responses the auto body mechanics give will help you make the best choice in an auto collision repair facility.
Questions to ask Auto Body Shop Owners on the Phone:
- Do I want a Diamond Certified company that is rated best in quality and backed by the Diamond Certified Guarantee?
- Does your vehicle body repair shop work on my make and model (i.e. Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda, Lexus, BMW, Ford, GM, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, etc.)?
- Do you specialize in the sort of auto body repair work my vehicle needs (i.e. fender repair, repainting, frame damage, windshield replacement, auto upholstery repair)?
- How do you price auto body repairs and auto painting services (i.e. hourly charges or a flat fee?)
- Does your shop give written estimates?
- What certifications do your technicians hold for vehicle collision repair?
- Does your auto body shop have courtesy cars or rental vehicles available while my car is in your auto body shop?
- Will you cooperate with my car insurance company? If so, can the insurance appraiser come to your collision repair shop to write the claim?
- Will you use new or used parts to repair my car’s damage?
- What auto paints brands do you recommend (PPG auto paint, BASF Waterborne, DuPont auto paints, Dupli-Color, Valspar, Sherwin-Williams vehicle paint)? Why do you use those particular car paint brands?
- Will you install my new windshield?
- Are your auto body mechanics covered by workers' compensation and liability insurance?
- What kind of warranty do you offer on body repairs and auto paint?
- How long has your auto body shop been operating?
When interviewing car collision repair facility technicians in person, use questions like these to get the answers you need to make the best decision.
- Has your company earned and maintained a Diamond Certified rating?
- How long will my vehicle collision repairs take?
- If you can’t complete all of the collision repairs in your shop, will you sub out the work to other shops? If so, do I get a say in which shop you choose? Will their work be covered by warranties?
- What contact information do you have for me and what do you need in order to reach me with updates about my car’s body repairs?
- Is there anything I can do to make the collision repairs go easier and faster?
You can read Diamond Certified reports on all certified companies, including verbatim survey responses, at www.diamondcertified.org. And you’ll never have to worry about being fooled by fake reviews, because all research is performed by live telephone interviews with a large, random sample of real customers. All Diamond Certified auto body collision shops have undergone this ratings process; one most other companies can’t pass. So if you want quality from a vehicle body shop, you’ll have confidence when choosing among Diamond Certified companies.
You’ll need to conduct some research of your own if you can’t find a Diamond Certified vehicle collision shop within reach. Good shops should be willing to give you a list of recent customers you can call as part of this process. Remember, references provided by body shops are not equal in value to the large sample of random customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That’s because shops cherry pick their references and are likely giving you a list of just a few satisfied customers, rather than a random selection.
If your do decide to call references, specifically ask for a list of the shops’ 10 most recent customers (to help avoid them giving you only customers they know were satisfied). Ask the former clients wide-ranging questions about their experience with the shop’s personnel as well as detailed questions about the car body repairs. Some questions you may want to ask include:
- Were you satisfied with the performance of _(company name)_?
- What type of car body repairs or auto paint repairs did the auto body shop do for you?
- If you live in a smaller Bay-Delta region town such as Birds Landing, Cordelia, Nut Tree, Scandia or on Travis AFB, was your auto body shop willing to tow your car or truck to their collision repair garage?
- Did they work with you to get the auto body repairs done exactly as you wanted them?
- Did this auto body shop have good communication?
- Were you pleased with the turn-around time?
- Do you feel the price was fair for your auto collision repairs?
- Did the auto body shop help deal with your auto insurance company?
- Did the shop provide you with shuttle service or a loaner car?
- Would you go back to this body shop again if your car, truck or van were in a crash?
Your selection determines how smoothly your repairs go and the value and quality of your vehicle after the work is done. Vehicles are often our second largest expense after our homes, so this isn’t a decision to take lightly.
Review the notes you’ve taken from your interviews with local auto body shops and collision repair customers. To determine if one stands out, pay attention to the following items:
- Is there a stand-out auto body shop in Solano County that satisfies your requirements for scheduling, body repairs and part preferences?
- Is the shop you are selecting willing to work with your insurance company while still providing the best outcome?
- Does the service writer at the auto body shop communicate clearly and effectively?
- Is the auto body shop as devoted to getting your car back to pre-accident condition as you are?
- If the answers are yes, you can feel confident setting up an appointment with the auto body shop.
If you've found the body shop that meets your needs, here are a few things you can do to get accurate estimates and the quality service you expect.
Meet with the service writer and discuss the repairs. Remember, the goal of every good auto body shop is to fully repair collision damage. Your vehicle should look and drive like it did before the accident.
When you, your repair facility and your insurance company agree on the repairs needed, the shop must provide you with a written estimate before the work begins. By law, all estimates must include the total projected cost for all auto body parts and labor, an itemized list of required body parts, and whether the parts installed are new or used. Confirm any warranties at this time, as some auto body shops only guarantee specific parts (such as new or OEM auto body parts) or auto body paints.
Your agreement with the shop is final when you sign the estimate or work order. Never sign a blank or incomplete estimate. The collision shop must get your approval before making any changes to the work orders and estimates, so be sure to give the auto body technicians the phone number where they can reach you at all times. Return their calls promptly to keep your repairs on schedule and ensure that you get your vehicle back in on time.
You play a big part in the success of your automobile's repair when you take your van, minivan, truck or car into a body shop. While it's the shop staff’s responsibility to perform a thorough and complete repair job on your car, there are a few simple steps you can take to be a good customer:
- Remember, a friendly smile goes a long way!
- Be clear and upfront with the auto body repair shop representative. Let them know what the problem is, what outcome you’re expecting from the vehicle collision repairs and specific ways they can satisfy your expectations.
- Before you leave your car, truck or van at an auto body shop, repeat your expectations and goals, and go over your understanding of the agreement with the auto body repair technicians. Breakdowns in communication cause most problems with auto repair shops. By being clear about their expectations and yours, you will avoid most conflicts.
- Ask your service writer if you should call to check on the progress of your vehicle body repairs or if he will call you with updates.
- Be sure your service writer a phone number where they can reach you at all times while your car or truck is in for vehicle body repairs. Your repairs will move along more smoothly if your service writer can reach you for any necessary updates or authorizations for car body repair work.
- When your body shop contacts you, return calls promptly.
- Pay for the car body repairs on time.
How does being a good customer benefit you? Automotive body repair facilities appreciate customers who are straightforward, honest and easy to work with. Your “good customer” behavior helps set the tone for your interaction and creates an environment favorable to a good relationship. Things may well go smoother and problems may be more easily resolved if you go into the process with a positive attitude.
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When the work is completed, all body shops are required by California law to give you a written invoice that details all the work done. This invoice must include:
- The name and physical address of the collision repair shop and their registration number.
- A list of all auto body work performed.
- An itemized list of all replaced parts. This list must state whether the parts were new, used, salvaged, reconditioned, or rebuilt.
- The total auto collision repair cost, including the amount due for labor.
- Any applicable hazardous waste disposal fees and the shop’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) number.
It’s smart to compare the written invoice to the final work. Ask your auto body repair specialist to explain the repairs, and check them against the invoice. Your shop should be willing to show you what auto body parts have been replaced and give you special instructions for maintaining your collision repairs and new auto body paint. If you have questions about what was done or how the work was completed, this is the time to ask.
View/PrintBefore you leave the auto body shop, confirm any warranties. Not all car body repair shops in Solano County back up their work. But if the shop you’ve chosen does guarantee their work, they should give you a written warranty. Look for the following information:
- The shop’s name and physical address.
- Exact terms of the warranty coverage, including whether the shop will repair or replace unsatisfactory parts or give you a refund if you file a warranty claim.
- Terms of and limitations on the car body repair warranty. Exclusions must be in writing.
- Your responsibility if you need to redeem your warranty for vehicle body repairs (if you have to pay for labor, agree to used parts or pay a prorated amount).
- If auto body repair warranty coverage is transferrable to the new owner if you sell your vehicle.
Most common types of collision repairs are available within the following Solano County cities. Read the paragraphs below for the definition of each type of car body repair.
Automotive Painting
Auto body shops provide automotive painting for collision damage repairs and to restore vehicles including cars, trucks, vans and minivans. A new coat of paint can change the look of your vehicle by allowing you to repaint your vehicle a new color or cover damaged areas that have obvious dents, scratches, chips and auto paint dings.
Auto Body Repair
Auto body repairs are repairs to the exterior of vehicles. This may include dent repair, auto door replacement, body scratch repair, auto crash repair and fender repair. Serious car body damage can result from vehicle collisions, car accidents and even acts of vandalism. Auto body repair shops in Solano County offer bumper repair and replacement, auto painting and scratch and dent repair to refurbish vehicles involved in auto crashes and collisions.
Auto Collision Repair
This type of auto body repair restores vehicles after collisions and auto crashes. Usually, auto collision repairs include frame straightening, auto body work and automotive painting to cover dents, scratches, dings and crumpled auto body exteriors.
Vehicle Dent Repair
Whether from a fender-bender or a careless passerby, car dents are a nuisance. Auto body repair shops can pull minor dents to make your car, truck, van or minivan look like new. Some automobile dent repairs may require car repainting depending on the severity of the damage. Some body shops even provide paintless dent repair.
Auto Paint Repair
Automotive painting facilities offer paint matching, auto paint chip and scratch repair, vehicle paint touch-ups and spot painting. Auto paint repair is best used to cover minor auto paint scratches, chips and flaking. Major auto body damage from an auto wreck or car accident is best repaired by hiring a shop to do automotive paint restoration to larger areas of your truck, van or car rather than simple auto paint repairs.
Mobile Auto Body Repair
Mobile auto body and paint repair companies bring the auto body shop to you. These body shops are at times more convenient than traditional auto collision centers. Mobile auto body repair shops provide minor auto body repairs, dent removal and auto paint repair services at your home or place of work. Some mobile body repair shops offer same-day service for your car, minivan, truck or van and will cooperate with your insurance company.
Custom Auto Body Work
Customization is available for new vehicles (usually with custom body kits) and vintage or classic vehicles (also known as auto body restoration). Custom auto body work may take the form of chop jobs (modifying the original frame or body of your car, truck or van) or customized auto paint that takes your vehicle beyond stock auto paint colors.
Bumper Replacement and Bumper Repair
Bumper repairs to fix bumper dents, damage from fender-benders, and bumper tears and scrapes is a common request of car collision customers. Bumper repair often includes bumper dent removal, sanding and repainting. Bumper replacement is the process of removing and replacing entire bumpers that have been too badly damaged in a car crash for minor bumper repairs.
Auto Upholstery Repair
Auto upholstery repairs are a popular way to improve the comfort and appearance of cars, trucks and minivans, and enhance their trade-in and resale value. Car body repair shops that offer auto upholstery repairs are knowledgeable about battings and materials that change the comfort and appearance of your vehicle’s interior.
Auto Frame Repair & Vehicle Frame Straightening
Much more serious than the average dent, scratch or sideswipe, vehicle frames bent in collisions and car accidents require straightening in order to drive correctly. Bent vehicle frames that are not straightened can cause uneven wear on the car or truck and make it more vulnerable in an accident. Only licensed auto body repair shops have the equipment and expertise to straighten vehicle frames after a collision or car accident.
If questions and conflicts occur with your mechanic, it’s important you know what to do. If you ever have a disagreement with your local collision repair shop, remember these tips when talking with the service manager or auto body shop owner:
- Remain calm and polite with the car body shop employees and representatives.
- Know your rights. California’s Automotive Repair Act entitles collision repair customers to written estimates for all auto body repairs and auto body painting, detailed invoices, and the return of replaced auto parts if you request them.
- Explain the problem, and request from the service writer a specific outcome you see as fair.
- If possible, let the auto body shop representative know you’re willing to compromise and negotiate a mutually-beneficial agreement.
- Record your complaints in writing and take photographs of the work you're concerned about. You’ll want proof of your claims if you can't reach a satisfactory outcome by dealing directly with the auto body repair shop.
The Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee
You’ll feel confident choosing Diamond Certified collision repair shops. That’s because all Diamond Certified companies are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. If the auto body shop is Diamond Certified and you can’t resolve an issue directly with them, contact the mediation department at info@diamondcertified.org or call 800-738-1138.
Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified Auto Body Repair Shop?
A: At a time when you most need assurance of a job well done, Diamond Certified helps you choose an auto body repair shop with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only auto collision repair shops rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with in-depth and ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified auto body shop for your vehicle repair.
Q: My insurance company gave me a list of auto body repair shops in Solano County. Do I have to use their shops or do I have a choice of where to get my car’s body repaired?
A: While your insurance company can suggest car body shops, you have the final decision on where you want to take your vehicle for collision repairs. Your obligation is simply to take your car, truck, van or minivan to the body repair center you prefer and contact your insurance company to let them know where your vehicle is.
Q: I was in an accident. Do I have any say in what parts are used to repair my vehicle?
A: Auto body shops have a variety of different quality materials and parts they can use to repair vehicles damaged in collisions. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are the most expensive body parts for the shop to use, so many automatically install used parts, refurbished parts or even salvaged parts to cut down costs. But you do have a choice. If you caused the accident, wording in your insurance coverage may require the body shop to install used, remanufactured or salvage auto body parts in your vehicle. However, you may have the option to pay the difference for OEM parts instead. Talk to your car body shop’s service writer and your insurance company about your specific situation. If the accident was not your fault, you can tell your chosen vehicle collision center what quality parts to install. Ask for OEM auto body parts that will restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition in terms of safety and value.
Q: My insurance company wants me to bring my car to their claims center for an appraisal. Do I have to do this?
A: Insurance companies can ask you to bring your vehicle in to their claims center before taking it to an auto body repair garage, but it is not a requirement. You may take it to them for an appraisal if you wish, but you are under no obligation and may leave your car, truck or minivan at your preferred auto body repair center and request that your insurance company inspect it at the shop.
Q: Can my chosen auto body shop help me negotiate with my insurance company?
A: Most car body shops are happy to help you navigate confusing insurance claims paperwork. In fact, many will work directly with the insurance company to process your claims, limiting and even avoiding any work on your part. If this is important to you, ask the body shops you’re considering if they offer that service before you drop your vehicle off.
Q: What is an auto body repair deductible?
A: The deductible for auto body repair is a specified amount of money that you are obligated to pay before your insurance company will pay on your collision repair insurance claim. The deductible amount is determined by the terms of the policy that you and your agent decided on when you arranged to insure your car, van, minivan or truck.
Q: Can auto body repair shops save me from having to pay all or part of my deductible?
A: Honest auto body shops will never offer to do this. That’s because all insurance holders have a contractual obligation to pay their deductible before the insurance company pays the rest of the bill on every claim. This cuts down on insurance fraud. Some auto body repair shops do offer to bury the deductible or hide it in the cost of the repairs. However, car body repair shops that do this are committing insurance fraud, which is against the law. And customers who ask their auto body repair shop to hide the deductible or go along with this can also be held liable for insurance fraud. Even if your insurance company doesn’t catch you, asking your mechanic to bury the deductible in the cost of your auto body repairs is a mistake. Often times, auto body collision shops who agree to bury the deductible, will take shortcuts in your vehicle collision repairs, meaning your car or truck will lose value and may not be as safe in an accident. It also stands to reason that a collision center that cheats insurance companies may be willing to cheat customers as well.
Q: What if my auto body shop performs the collision repairs incorrectly? Can I get another auto body repair center to fix the bad vehicle repairs?
A: You should be very careful about who you hire to repair your auto body damage. That’s because once body collision repairs are done, they’re often very hard or impossible to reverse. That means that a body shop that does a poor repair job can actually end up causing your vehicle to be unsafe. It’s also important to note that insurance won’t pay for the same repairs twice, so even if you can find a repair shop willing and able to undo the shoddy auto body repairs, all costs will most likely come out of your pocket.
Below are terms and their descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your auto's repair from beginning to end.
aftermarket parts
Repair parts not made by the original manufacturer. Aftermarket body parts are made to fit and function the same as the original car parts, and they’re often less expensive than OEM parts. Some aftermarket auto body parts have been redesigned to increase the performance of your car, truck, van or minivan. Some auto parts stores sell wholesale auto body parts. These aftermarket auto body parts include car antennas, new vehicle bumpers, car mirrors, new car doors, auto fenders and fender flares, automotive grills, new car and truck hoods, hubcaps, replacement and new running boards, truck tailgates and truck tonneau covers.
Also known as: aftermarket parts, aftermarket auto body parts, functionally-equivalent auto parts, off-brand auto parts, off-make auto parts, performance aftermarket parts, aftermarket body parts, aftermarket autobody parts
auto body repair shop
An automotive repair shop that specializes in repairing the body, or outside, of vehicles. Auto body repair shops restore vehicles damaged in automobile accidents and those that have sustained damage to their exteriors due to vandalism, weather and corrosion.
Also known as: autobody repair shop, auto collision repair shop, auto body paint repair shops, collision auto repair shops, auto body repair services, automotive body repair facilities, collision centers, autobody shops
basecoat / clear auto paint
Automotive paint process in which the basecoat is highly colored and shows through the durable and glossy clear coat.
Also known as: basecoat clearcoat painting, base coat clear coat automotive paint, 2 part clear coat, urethane base coat
bumper repair
Auto bumpers are among the most important safety features of your vehicle. Bumpers are located on the front and back of all cars, trucks and mini vans, and they are designed to absorb the shock of a collision or car accident. Some bumpers are designed with crumple zones that flex and bend during a collision to provide better car accident protection. Bumper repair and replacement are common because of the frequency of major and minor car accidents that cause damage to the front and rear bumpers.
Chip Guard
ChipGuard is a chip resistant, protective coating applied to cars, trucks, minivans and vans to avoid paint chipping. Chip Guard is normally applied to the lower panels at the front of vehicles and near the tires. This clear car paint protector keeps automotive defends against stones, bugs and road debris that can damage your automotive finish.
Also known as: auto paint protector, auto paint protector guard, bumper guard, auto paint protector, automotive paint protection film
chipping
Auto paint is said to chip when stones and other debris cause the colored paint finish to break off in small pieces. Auto body paint shops can buff out and refill chipped areas with matching paint to make the damage invisible.
Also known as: auto paint chips, auto paint chipping
clear coat
Clear coat is the top layer of auto paint applied to add shine and protect the colored basecoat. A clear coat does not have pigment added to it, so the color of the auto paint basecoat shows through. PROFIX automotive paints, DuPont auto paint, PPG, ICI, BASF vehicle paints and Sherwin-Williams car paints are the more popular clear coat auto paint suppliers.
Also known as: clear coat paint, clear coat spray, car clear coat, auto clear coat, automotive clear coat, urethane clear coat, acrylic clear coat, epoxy clear coat, clear coat painting, enamel clear coat, base coat clear coat paint, lacquer clear coat, acrylic urethane clear coat
coat
Single layers of auto paint are referred to as a coat of paint.
Also known as: paint coat, paint layer, layers of auto paint
corrosion
Corrosion happens to the bodies of metal vehicles when the metal is exposed to oxygen and water. Some corrosion appears as rust and causes visible degradation of metal surfaces. Auto paint helps curb corrosion and offers protection against water and oxygen.
Also known as: auto body rust, auto body deterioration, weathering, oxidation, car corrosion
dent repair
Auto body shops offer dent repair for trucks, vans, cars and minivans. Auto dent repair is a method of removing car dents by pushing or hammering them out from the underside of the vehicle. Vehicle dent repair is effective for large and small dents, and may or may not require the application of fresh auto paint depending on the severity of the dent and the condition of the paint surrounding it.
Also known as: paintless dent repair, auto dent repair, car dent repair, dent auto repair, mobile dent repair, bumper dent repair, automotive dent repair, door dent repair, hail dent repair, scratch and dent repair
direct repair program
DRP insurance programs are usually an agreement between auto body shops and auto insurance companies. These DRP repair shops agree to repair collision damage using a standardized set of rules and procedures including repair techniques, parts and materials used, warranty coverage and billing practices in exchange for the insurance company directing customers to their cooperating direct repair program body shops.
Also known as: DRP, direct repair programs
drying
New auto paint must undergo drying, where it hardens and becomes a protective coating on the vehicle. Air drying takes place when paint is applied and exposed to air at normal temperatures. Force drying and low-bake are the terms for the process of drying auto paint at low and medium temperatures. High-bake auto paint drying occurs when the air is heated to accelerate drying.
edge-to-edge repair
Edge-to-edge repair is a complete autobody repair for trucks, cars, minivans and vans. This type of auto body repair requires the removal and replacement or restoration of an entire vehicle panel. This is the opposite of car body touch-up or spot repairs, which are possible for damaged auto body panels and auto paint when only a small area is damaged, chipping or removed.
enamel auto paint
A clear or colored topcoat automobile paint that has a shiny finish is called enamel vehicle paint. Enamel auto paints are available in gloss or semi-gloss finishes. Popular brands of enamel auto paint include those by PPG, DuPont, Maxx 2K and DupliColor.
Also known as: urethane enamel paint, auto body paint, auto paints, touch-up paint, lacquer auto paint, acrylic enamel auto paint
fender repair
Van, truck and car fenders are the auto body panels located on the sides of the vehicle in front of the doors. Vehicle fenders serve aesthetic and practical functions. Fender-benders are a common, yet minor auto accident that damages the fenders of vehicles as a result of a collision. Some modern cars and trucks are designed with fenders that are easily replaced because fender benders are so common.
gloss
Gloss is the term used to describe how shiny or reflective vehicle paint is. Matte, semi-gloss and glossy are the common levels of reflectivity found in auto body gloss paints.
Also known as: high gloss paint, semi gloss paint, gloss painting, enamel gloss paint, acrylic gloss paint, water-based gloss paint
like kind and quality (LKQ)
Salvaged auto body parts removed from one vehicle and installed on another are often denoted as LKQ on estimates and invoices for auto body repairs. These car body parts rarely come with warranties and are often much less expensive than new autobody parts. LKQ auto parts may be the best option for owners of rare or specialty vehicles that have a hard time finding new auto body parts for their van, car or truck.
Also known as: salvaged auto parts, used auto parts, refurbished auto parts, rebuilt auto parts, LKQ auto parts, car salvage, auto salvage parts
masking
Temporarily covering areas of vehicles that are not to be painted with plastic or tape. Masking should be done carefully to avoid overspray and uneven edges. However, most auto body repair shops agree that masking is not a proper substitute for removing parts of the vehicle such as car mirrors and auto door handles that can create gaps in the paint application that cheapen and weaken a new auto paint job.
Also known as: auto taping, pre-paint taping, pre-paint masking, masking for painting, mask-out paint, auto paint mask, car paint mask, car paint masking
OEM auto body parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Auto parts made by vehicle manufacturers including Ford, Chrysler, GM, Toyota, Honda and BMW. While they may cost more than aftermarket auto parts, OEM parts usually fit better, last longer and are covered by more extensive warranties.
Also known as: Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, stock vehicle parts, stock parts
primer
The first layer of an auto paint application is called primer. Auto primer is applied to an unpainted surface to protect the body of the vehicle and help the layers of vehicle paint adhere to the surface.
Also known as: base coat, auto paint primer
primer-sealer
Primer-sealer is the auto paint undercoat applied to seal underlying layers of paint and adhere the topcoat to the base.
primer-filler
Auto body damage to minivans, trucks, cars and vans is often disguised by primer-filler. It’s a colored material that evenly fills scrapes and gashes and acts as a primer to attract and hold the topcoats of paint to the vehicle body. Primer-filler is most often used on bumpers, car doors and vehicle body panels that have been damaged in car accidents and fender-benders.
putty
Used to fill auto body damage such as gaps and holes, auto putty is a plastic material that can be sanded and painted over. Auto body repair putty is generally used to hide car crash and vehicle accident damage to bumpers, car doors, bumper trim and auto side panels.
remove & install
Auto body parts that are not damaged can be removed and installed back on the vehicle after the other collision repairs are completed. This is usually referred to on estimates and invoices as Remove & Install or R&I.
remove & reface
Auto body parts that are damaged beyond repair are itemized as Remove & Reface, or R&R. These car, truck, minivan and van parts are replaced with new body parts.
salvage auto body parts
Auto parts taken from recycled vehicles are called salvage auto parts. These are often inexpensive auto repair parts, but they usually don’t come with warranties because they haven’t been repaired or altered so their reliability can’t be guaranteed. Salvage auto parts for trucks, cars and minivans are often a last resort for vehicle owners looking for hard-to-find parts for rare or older vehicles. Commonly salvaged auto body parts include car and truck bumpers, vehicle doors, car body panels and car mirrors.
Also known as: salvage auto parts, salvage car parts, salvaged parts, used auto parts, replacement parts, used car parts
sanding
Surface coatings on vehicles are often sanded using an abrasive process to provide better adhesion to topcoats of auto paint.
Also known as: grit sanding, wet sanding, disc sanding, belt sanding, car sanding, paint sanding, automotive sanding, finish sanding, refinishing
sealer
The undercoat of auto body paint, which improves the adhesion of the topcoat and seals existing painted surfaces to prevent damage and corrosion.
Also known as: auto sealant, auto paint sealant, auto paint sealer, auto sealants, acrylic sealer, spray sealant, sealcoating
spot repair
Spot repair is possible for damaged auto body panels and auto paint when only a small area is damaged, chipping or removed. Minivan, car and truck spot repair is generally much less expensive than edge-to-edge auto body repair, which requires the removal and replacement or restoration of an entire vehicle panel.
Also known as: auto paint ding repair, scratch repair, auto paint chip repair
topcoat
The final layers of auto body paint. Topcoat often includes UV light absorbers that protect the auto body paint underneath from fading.
Also known as: clear coat, lacquer clear coat, acrylic topcoat auto paint
touch-up
A localized auto body paint repair that only covers a small area. Touch up paint jobs usually hide nicks, dings, chips and scratches that occur on car hoods, vehicle doors, bumpers and fenders.
Also known as: scratch repair, scratch removal, auto touch up paint
used auto body parts
Auto parts that have been used and rebuilt, refurbished or reinstalled in another vehicle. Some of the most common used auto body parts installed on trucks, cars and mini vans include used car doors, vehicle hoods, auto bumpers, used trunk lids and vehicle hubcaps.
Also known as: refurbished auto parts, rebuilt auto parts, used car parts
The following industry associations and consumer agencies may have additional useful information about local body repair shops in and around Solano County.
American Automobile Association (AAA) (www.aaa.com)
Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM) (www.carcrash.org)
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) (www.aftermarket.org)
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) (www.autoserviceproviders.com)
Auto Body Parts Association (ABPA) (www.autobpa.com)
Automotive Composites Alliance (ACA) (www.autocomposites.org)
Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) (www.aiag.org)
Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) (www.a-r-a.org)
Automotive Service Association (ASA) (www.asashop.org)
Automotive Service Council (ASC) (www.ascca.org)
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (www.asecert.org)
California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) (www.autorepair.ca.gov)
California Autobody Association (CAA) (www.calautobody.com)
Independent Automotive Damage Appraisers (IADA ) (www.iada.org)
Independent Auto Body Association (IABA) (www.webspawner.com/users/complaints)
Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) (www.i-car.com)
Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) (www.mema.org)
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) (www.natef.org)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) (www.sae.org)
Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) (www.scrs.com)
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) (www.sema.org)
