Choosing the Best Auto Body Shop

Steph Terry • February 17, 2023

Choosing the Best Auto Body Shop

Finding the best auto body shop for your vehicle can seem overwhelming at first. With so many options available, choosing the right one is often a challenge. However, when choosing an auto body shop, there are a few key factors worth considering. Here are some tips to help you select the best auto body shop for your unique needs.

1. Research Local Body Shops

Reputation is everything in the auto repair industry. Always ask friends and family which local shops they recommend for repairs. Consider reading online reviews and keeping an eye out for any industry awards or certifications. The best auto body shops will gladly provide proof of their certifications, qualifications, and references.

Any reputable auto body shop should be able to prove years of high-quality past work. Remember to check each shop’s website to see if their services and prices fit your needs. It’s also important to ask if they can work with any make and model, as some shops won’t be able to. This will help you further narrow down your list of potential choices.

2. Look at Their Certifications

Each auto body shop is different, but a common way to find the best one is through their certifications. The industry-standard accreditation for collision centers is the Gold Class Collision Repair certification from I-Car. This award verifies that an auto body shop’s technicians have gone through specialized training for their roles. Gold Class Shops like ours maintain annual technician training to ensure each vehicle gets the best service possible.

There are other certifications that auto shops can receive from auto manufacturers. They show that the manufacturer recommends this auto body shop to their customers, and that they only use qualified automotive parts and tools. For example, we’re a Subaru Certified Collision Center and proud member of the GM Collision Repair Network and the Ford-Certified Collision Network.

3. Check Insurance Coverage and Warranties 

Before taking your vehicle in for repairs, always review your automobile insurance coverage. It may only cover repair work from certain auto body shops in your area. Plus, you may even qualify for discounts if you use a preferred provider within their network. Ask about their financing options or payment plans if you don’t have comprehensive insurance coverage.

If you plan to file an insurance claim for the repair work, then make sure the auto body shop agrees to work closely with your insurance company. Not only will this ensure that they’re able to complete all necessary repairs correctly, but it also means they’ll be able to work directly with your insurer on billing matters. Also, ask if they offer warranties on their service, as this can give you added peace of mind and financial protection.

4. Look at Their Facilities

Once you’ve found a potential auto body shop, take some time to visit their facility before making any commitments. Notice how clean and organized it is. Keep an eye out for any safety protocols they may have, such as dust control systems or respirators for employees.

Don’t forget to ask about their warranty policy. This will tell you a lot about their confidence in the services they offer. Finally, see if they provide free estimates before committing to any repairs so there are no surprises down the line when it comes time to pay your bill.

Find the Best Body Shop Today

Looking for the best auto body shop doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Taking some time to research potential shops and inspect them yourself can save you time and money in the long run. With a little effort, you can ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly by highly qualified technicians no matter the make, model, or extent of its damage.

We at Morrow are here for all your auto body repair needs. We’d be more than glad to provide our Gold Class services for your vehicle to get you back on the road with confidence. Please feel free to give us a call or text, or fill out our contact form to get started today.

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Preparing Your Vehicle for Fall: Maintenance Tips

September 4, 2025

As the vibrant colors of fall emerge and temperatures begin to dip, it's a reminder that winter isn't far behind. Changing seasons bring wet leaves, early morning frost, and shorter daylight hours, all of which can affect driving conditions. Preparing your vehicle now is key to staying safe and avoiding accidents. While routine maintenance is important, accidents can still happen. That’s where Morrow Collision Center comes in, offering expert collision repair to restore your vehicle if the unexpected occurs. 1. Check Your Tires and Brakes With cooler temperatures, tire pressure can drop, reducing traction on wet leaves or frost-covered roads. Inspect your tires for tread depth and wear, and make sure they’re inflated to the recommended PSI. Brakes are equally critical, autumn roads can be slippery, and functioning brakes reduce stopping distances. If your brakes show signs of wear or make unusual noises, schedule an inspection. Morrow Collision Center can repair any collision damage caused by brake-related incidents, keeping your vehicle safe and reliable. 2. Inspect Windshield Wipers and Lights Rain, fog, and early frost make visibility a priority. Replace worn wiper blades and refill washer fluid with a formula suitable for colder weather. Also, check all exterior lights like headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are fully functional. Poor visibility is a common factor in fall fender benders, and addressing these issues early helps prevent accidents. If a collision does occur due to visibility issues, Morrow Collision Center provides fast, professional auto body repair to get your car back in top condition. 3. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Exterior Fallen leaves and early frost can damage paint and trap moisture against your vehicle. Regular washing and waxing protect your car’s finish and prevents corrosion. Minor dings and scratches from autumn hazards can be repaired quickly with paintless dent repair at Morrow Collision Center, preserving your vehicle’s value and appearance. 4. Check Fluids and Battery Cooler weather can affect your car’s battery and essential fluids. Test your battery to ensure it holds a charge, and top off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. A weak battery or low fluids can contribute to accidents if your car stalls unexpectedly. In case an accident does happen, Morrow Collision Center offers comprehensive collision repair services, including frame straightening, bumper repair, and auto glass replacement. 5. Common Fall Accidents and How to Handle Them Even careful drivers may encounter minor collisions in the fall. Wet leaves, slippery roads, and poor visibility increase the risk of: Fender benders in parking lots or at intersections Sideswipes from tight lanes or crowded streets Rear-end collisions in traffic or during sudden stops Morrow Collision Center is equipped to handle all types of collision damage, restoring vehicles safely and efficiently. Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure repairs meet factory standards, and we work with all major insurance companies to simplify the claims process. 6. Plan for the Unexpected Even with preventive measures, accidents happen. Keep your vehicle documentation, insurance information, and emergency contacts handy. If an accident occurs this fall, having a reliable collision repair partner like Morrow Collision Center ensures your car is returned to you quickly and safely, often with rental car assistance through our Hertz Preferred Partner program. Conclusion Fall driving brings beautiful scenery but also extra hazards. By inspecting tires, brakes, lights, and fluids, you can reduce the risk of accidents. However, collisions can still occur, and when they do, Morrow Collision Center provides expert repair services, including paintless dent repair, auto glass replacement, bumper repair, and full-frame restoration. Trust our certified technicians to restore your vehicle and get you back on the road safely this fall. Contact us here!

The Role of OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts in Collision Repair

August 14, 2025

After a collision, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is what kind of replacement parts should be used to repair your vehicle. This often comes down to a choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket parts. While both options serve a similar purpose, they differ in quality, compatibility, and cost and the decision can have a lasting impact on your vehicle’s performance, safety, and value. At Morrow Collision Center, we’ve been restoring vehicles with precision and care for over 25 years. Based in Lincoln, NE, we help customers make informed decisions about their repairs and explain how the parts used can affect the outcome. In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts and why it matters in the collision repair process. What Are OEM Parts? OEM parts are manufactured by the same company that built your vehicle. These parts are made to match the exact specifications of the original parts installed at the factory. OEM parts are designed for perfect fit, function, and compatibility with your vehicle’s make and model. What Are Aftermarket Parts? Aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies and are not produced by the vehicle’s original manufacturer. These parts are typically designed to be compatible with multiple makes and models, and they vary in quality depending on the brand. Key Differences Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts Let’s take a closer look at how these two options compare in the context of collision repair: 1. Fit and Compatibility OEM Parts: Guaranteed to fit your vehicle precisely, minimizing the risk of misalignment or installation issues. Aftermarket Parts: May not always fit as precisely, especially if they’re designed for multiple vehicle types. This can lead to additional labor time or the need for modifications. 2. Quality and Performance OEM Parts: Match the quality and materials of the original components, offering consistent performance and safety. Aftermarket Parts: Quality can vary by manufacturer, and some may perform just as well, while others may wear out faster or not meet the same safety standards. 3. Warranty and Insurance Coverage OEM Parts: Often come with a warranty from the manufacturer and are more likely to be covered by your vehicle’s original warranty. Aftermarket Parts: May have limited or no warranty and could potentially void certain aspects of your factory warranty. At Morrow Collision Center, we work closely with your insurance company to determine what type of parts are covered under your policy. 4. Cost Considerations OEM Parts: Typically, more expensive due to the manufacturer branding and guaranteed fit. (If OEM Parts are preferred for better fitment and performance, the customer may be responsible for the additional out-of-pocket cost.) Aftermarket Parts: Usually more affordable, which can help lower out-of-pocket costs, especially if insurance doesn’t cover OEM. So, Which Is Better? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your vehicle’s age, your budget, insurance coverage, and personal preference. For newer or high-end vehicles, OEM parts may be worth the investment to maintain factory-level performance and value. For older cars or minor repairs, aftermarket parts may offer a cost-effective solution. At Morrow Collision Center, we walk you through your options and help you choose the parts that meet your needs, without sacrificing safety or quality. Why Trust Morrow Collision Center? Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Morrow Collision Center is a family-owned and operated shop known for quality workmanship, transparency, and customer care. Whether we’re using OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts, our I-CAR certified technicians ensure your vehicle is repaired to pre-accident condition with precision and integrity. We offer: Expert collision repair for all makes and models Limited Lifetime Warranty Paintless dent repair and full body work Frame straightening and unibody repair Help navigating insurance claims Free estimates and status updates throughout the repair Get Back on the Road with Confidence Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts can feel overwhelming, but with the right collision repair team on your side, it doesn’t have to be. At Morrow Collision Center, we explain your options clearly and stand behind every repair we perform. Contact us today!