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.

What is forward collision warning calibration?

It's the process of precisely re-aiming the camera and/or radar sensor that powers a vehicle's forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems, required after any repair that could have shifted the sensor's position.

Do I need calibration after a front bumper repair?

If your vehicle has forward collision warning and the bumper houses a radar unit (common on most vehicles with adaptive cruise control), yes — bumper removal or replacement is one of the most common triggers for required FCW calibration.

What's the difference between static and dynamic calibration for FCW?

Static calibration uses fixed targets in a controlled shop environment. Dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle on the road at specified speeds while the system recalibrates. Many vehicles require one, the other, or both depending on the manufacturer's procedure.

How do I know if my calibration was done correctly?

Ask for the post-calibration scan report. A properly completed calibration shows a confirmed 'complete' or 'successful' status from the scan tool, not just a cleared warning light.

Will insurance pay for forward collision warning calibration?

Yes. It's a standard, OEM-required, insurance-recognized line item on qualifying repairs. We include it on the written estimate and coordinate approval with your adjuster.

How long does forward collision warning calibration take?

Typically a half-day to a full day, depending on whether your vehicle needs static calibration, dynamic calibration, or both.

Forward Collision Warning Calibration Explained

Camera + Radar

Both must be aimed to factory spec

Required After

Bumper, windshield, radiator support repair

Static Calibration

In-shop with OEM target boards

Dynamic Calibration

Road-based relearn, OEM speed/route specs

Verified, Not Assumed

Post-calibration scan confirmation

Insurance Covered

Standard line item on qualifying claims

How forward collision warning actually works

A forward-facing camera (usually mounted near the rearview mirror) and, on many vehicles, a radar unit behind the front bumper or grille emblem, continuously measure the distance and closing speed of vehicles ahead. When the system calculates an imminent collision, it warns the driver and, on AEB-equipped vehicles, can apply the brakes automatically. The entire system depends on the camera and radar being aimed to a precise factory angle — off by even a degree, and the system can misjudge distance by several feet at highway speed.

When FCW calibration is required

Manufacturers specify recalibration after windshield replacement (camera is mounted to or near the glass), front bumper repair or replacement, radiator support repair, headlight assembly replacement (on vehicles with headlight-integrated sensors), wheel alignment adjustment, and any front-end structural repair. If your repair touched any of these areas and your vehicle has forward collision warning, plan for calibration as a required step, not an optional extra.

Static calibration for FCW

Static calibration is performed with the vehicle parked on a level surface in a controlled space. We position OEM-specified calibration targets at exact measured distances and heights in front of the vehicle, then run the manufacturer's calibration sequence with a scan tool while the camera and/or radar re-learns its reference points against those targets.

Dynamic calibration for FCW

Some vehicles require a dynamic, road-based relearn in addition to or instead of static calibration — driving at a specified speed range on a road with clear lane markings while the system recalibrates in real time. We follow the exact OEM procedure and speed/road requirements for your specific make and model; a generic or rushed dynamic calibration is one of the most common ways a system passes a scan-tool check while still being misaligned in practice.

Confirming the calibration worked

After calibration, we run the scan tool's post-calibration verification and, where the manufacturer specifies it, confirm system status codes indicate a fully successful calibration rather than a partial or failed one. We document the results in your repair paperwork.

Forward Collision Warning Calibration