Guides
Guides
Body work, explained before you commit
These guides answer the questions we get on the phone every week — repair timelines, what PDR can and cannot fix, ceramic coating versus film, what work costs in Massachusetts and how insurance applies. New guides are added as topics are published.
Collision & accident repair
The collision repair process, typical timelines, and how insurance applies after an accident.
How does collision repair work? Step-by-step
A step-by-step walkthrough of the collision repair process, from initial damage assessment through structural repair, painting and final inspection — what to expect at each stage, and how long each step typically takes.
Read the full guide → · See our collision repair service →
How long does collision repair take?
Typical timelines for minor, moderate and major collision repairs in Massachusetts, and the factors that stretch or shorten them — parts availability, hidden damage found on strip-down, and insurance approval.
Read the full guide → · Timelines in our FAQ →
Does insurance cover auto body repair?
What auto body work insurance typically covers, how your deductible applies, and what to do when filing a claim — both collision and comprehensive coverage, written for Massachusetts drivers.
Read the full guide → · Insurance questions answered →
Dent repair
Paintless methods, and how the options compare on hail-damaged vehicles.
What is paintless dent repair?
PDR removes dents by massaging the metal back to shape from behind the panel with specialised tools — no sanding, filling, priming or repainting, so the factory paint is never disturbed. The guide covers which dents qualify, how it compares to body-filler repair, cost ranges and typical repair times.
Read the full guide → · Our PDR service →
Hail damage: PDR vs. traditional repair
A side-by-side comparison for hail-damaged vehicles — cost, finished quality, timeline and the insurance considerations specific to Massachusetts hailstorms.
Read the full guide →
Paint protection & coating
Coating versus film, and what professional application actually costs here.
Ceramic coating vs. paint protection film
Durability, cost, maintenance and appearance compared side by side, with guidance on which option suits which driving conditions — daily highway miles, garage-kept weekends, or a leased car you hand back.
Read the full guide → · Ceramic coating → · Paint protection film →
How much does ceramic coating cost in Massachusetts?
Pricing broken down by vehicle size, coating grade and preparation required, what moves the number in the Massachusetts market, and what a professional application should include.
Read the full guide →
Choosing the right shop
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620 × 420
Applies to every service
How to choose an auto body shop
What to look for when selecting a shop — certifications, equipment, warranty policy, insurance partnerships and the questions worth asking on the first call. Written for Massachusetts vehicle owners comparing local options, and it applies to collision work, dent repair, painting and protection alike.
- Certifications and the equipment actually on the floor
- Written, itemised estimates you can take elsewhere
- Warranty terms — ours is lifetime on workmanship
- Whether the shop deals with your adjuster directly