Vehicle collisions typically cause auto body damage that requires repair. According to IBISWorld, the United States had over 85,190 shops providing customers with local auto body repairs in 2023. If your vehicle recently sustained damage due to a collision or another cause, you'll need the services of one of those shops. Here are four qualities to look for in an auto collision service.

1. Quality Service Experience

You should ensure a body shop has been in business for several years and has a record of providing customers with quality service. The longer a body shop has been working on local vehicles, the more likely it will do good work that has enabled it to stay open and profitable for many years. You don't want your vehicle to be one of the first that a relatively new auto collision service repairs. An experienced shop should also have plenty of experience doing similar work on other vehicles.

2. Access to OEM Body Parts

Factory body parts enable local auto body repairs to fully restore your vehicle, which is important if insurance pays for repairs. If you financed your vehicle, the lienholder might require factory body panels and other parts instead of cheaper aftermarket parts that aren't the same quality as those used to build your vehicle. When you choose an auto collision service that can get OEM body parts, it makes everything easier.

3. Excellent Paint Tools and Skills

Auto body work often requires paint to make your vehicle look its best. A shop should have a very clean and well-ventilated paint area in which to paint your vehicle. They should also use digital matching to make sure your vehicle gets the seamless finish you're looking for. If the shop is I-Car Gold Class-rated, then you can trust they'll be able to provide an unmatched level of quality.

4. The Ability to Straighten Damaged Frames

Auto collisions sometimes cause frames to bend and make it impossible for vehicles to drive in a straight line. A vehicle with a bent frame is unsafe to drive and will be totaled by an insurer if it's impossible to fix. A good auto collision service should be able to straighten a damaged frame when possible and make it safe for further use. Then, the rest of the work can be completed efficiently.

Car collisions affect many individuals who drive throughout adulthood. After a collision, your vehicle needs to have the best possible service to restore it to like-new condition. Call or visit Top Notch Collision today to learn more and schedule local auto body repairs for your vehicle.