Do I have to use the body shop my insurance recommends?

No. Maryland law gives you the legal right to choose your own collision repair shop. Your insurance company cannot require you to use one of their 'preferred' or 'direct repair' shops. Airpark Auto Collision works with every major insurance carrier — GEICO, State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Progressive, Nationwide, Liberty Mutual, and more — and we handle all the paperwork on your behalf.

Is collision repair at Airpark Auto Collision covered by a warranty?

Yes. Every collision repair at Airpark Auto Collision comes with a written lifetime warranty on our workmanship — for as long as you own the vehicle. Paint, body, and refinish work are all covered.

How long will my collision repair take?

Timelines depend on the severity of the damage and parts availability. Minor dent and bumper repairs are typically completed in 2–4 days, mid-level collision repairs in 1–2 weeks, and major structural or frame repairs may take 2–4 weeks. We provide a written timeline with your estimate and keep you updated throughout the repair.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes. Free written collision estimates are available any time during business hours — walk in, schedule online, or send photos for a quick remote estimate. There's never an obligation to book.

Do you use OEM parts or aftermarket parts?

We use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts whenever your insurance policy allows. If your policy specifies aftermarket or recycled parts, we'll tell you upfront and use only certified-quality parts that meet manufacturer specifications. You always have the option to upgrade to OEM at your own expense.

Will the repaired paint match my car's original color?

Yes. Our paint mixing system uses computerized color-matching to your vehicle's exact factory paint code, and our painters blend new finishes into adjacent panels so the repair line disappears. We work with single-stage, two-stage, three-stage, pearl, and metallic finishes.

Can you fix my frame after a major accident?

Yes. Airpark Auto Collision has a computerized frame and unibody alignment system. We measure, pull, and verify every structural repair to manufacturer tolerances before any panel goes back on. If a vehicle is not safe to repair, we'll tell you honestly.

Do you handle the insurance claim for me?

Yes. We work directly with your insurance carrier — submitting estimates and supplements, negotiating part choices, and billing the insurance directly. In most cases, you only pay your deductible at pickup.

Will my advanced safety features (ADAS, cameras, sensors) work after the repair?

Yes. Airpark Auto Collision recalibrates forward-collision cameras, blind-spot radar, parking sensors, and lane-keep assist systems whenever the repair affects them. Your safety features will work exactly as the manufacturer designed.

Do you provide a rental car while my vehicle is in the shop?

If your insurance policy includes rental reimbursement, we'll coordinate a rental for you directly. Without rental coverage, we can refer you to nearby rental partners.

Where is Airpark Auto Collision located?

We're at 7615 Rickenbacker Dr, Suite C in Gaithersburg, MD 20879 — just off Snouffer School Road at Montgomery County Airpark. We serve drivers from Gaithersburg, Laytonsville, Montgomery Village, Kentlands, Olney, Damascus, Germantown, and Rockville.

Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM, closed Sunday. Call (301) 908-0606 or schedule online any time.

Can you work on all makes and models?

Yes. Airpark Auto Collision services all makes and models — domestic, foreign, and luxury vehicles. From daily drivers to high-end imports, our technicians have the training and equipment to restore your vehicle to factory finish.

Is the cheapest body shop the right choice?

Almost never. The cheapest quote usually means thinner paint, aftermarket parts, no warranty, or skipped frame measurement. Aim for fair pricing with documented quality.

How do I check if a shop is actually I-CAR or ASE certified?

Ask to see certificates. I-CAR Gold Class shops are also listed publicly at i-car.com. ASE certifications are issued to individual technicians and can be displayed on their work area.

Should I get multiple estimates?

If you want to compare, yes — but most insurance claims only require one estimate. Comparing 2–3 shops gives you a sense of pricing and approach.

How to Choose a Body Shop in Maryland | Airpark Auto Collision

Lifetime Paint Warranty

In writing

I-CAR / ASE

Third-party certifications

Frame Measuring

Computerized

Downdraft Booth

Clean finish

Real Reviews

4.5+ stars, dozens

Direct Billing

All carriers

Honest Parts Policy

Tell you what's in

Written Estimates

Itemized, no surprises

1. Written lifetime warranty on paint

Ask if the shop warranties its paint and refinish work in writing for as long as you own the vehicle. Reputable shops do. If you only get verbal assurance or a 1-year warranty, that's a flag.

2. I-CAR or ASE certifications

I-CAR Gold Class for collision repair, ASE certifications for technicians. These are objective third-party credentials — anyone can call themselves a 'certified shop,' but real certifications are auditable.

3. Computerized frame measuring equipment

Modern unibody vehicles must be measured against factory specs after any structural repair. If a shop doesn't have a frame rack with computerized measuring, they can't restore your vehicle to spec.

4. Downdraft paint booth

A downdraft spray booth pulls air down past the vehicle, carrying overspray and contamination away from the finish. Side-draft or no-booth jobs almost always show dust nibs and runs.

5. Real Google reviews

Read the reviews — including the negative ones — to see how the shop handles complaints. A shop with 4.5+ stars and dozens of reviews is more reliable than a shop with no reviews or a few suspiciously perfect ones.

6. Direct billing to all insurance

Working directly with your carrier saves you weeks of back-and-forth. Ask whether the shop bills insurance directly or makes you pay first and seek reimbursement.

7. Honest parts policy (OEM vs. aftermarket)

Ask what kind of parts they use and whether you can upgrade. A good shop will tell you exactly what your insurance is authorizing and quote any upgrade up front.

8. Clear written estimates

Every estimate should be itemized, written, and reviewed with you before any work starts. Hand-scribbled numbers or vague verbal quotes are not acceptable.