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's the most important question to ask a body shop?

Ask about the warranty and get it in writing. A shop willing to back its work for the life of the vehicle is confident in its quality. Close behind: what parts they'll use and whether ADAS calibration is included.

How do I know if a shop is qualified to repair my car?

Ask about I-CAR training and manufacturer-specific certifications. Newer vehicles use materials and safety systems that require current, specialized training to repair correctly.

Is the cheapest estimate the best deal?

Not necessarily. A low estimate sometimes omits calibration, uses lower-grade parts, or skips hidden-damage inspection. Compare what's actually included, not just the bottom-line number.

Do I have to use the shop my insurer recommends?

No. Maryland law lets you choose any licensed body shop. Insurers can suggest a network shop but cannot require it.

Questions to Ask a Body Shop Before Repairs

Warranty

What's covered, in writing

Parts

OEM, aftermarket, or recycled

Calibration

Included and to OEM spec

Written Estimate

Itemized, with timeline

Certifications

I-CAR and manufacturer training

Insurance Handling

Direct supplement management

What warranty do you offer, and on what?

Ask exactly what's covered and for how long. A reputable shop stands behind its workmanship — Airpark Auto Collision offers a lifetime warranty on paint and refinish work and a written warranty on body and structural repair for as long as you own the vehicle. Get the terms in writing.

What kind of parts will you use?

Will the repair use OEM, certified aftermarket, or recycled parts — and does that match what your insurance authorized? A good shop tells you precisely what's going on your car before the work starts, and lets you upgrade to OEM if you'd rather pay the difference.

Do you perform ADAS calibration in-house?

If your vehicle has driver-assistance sensors, ask whether calibration is included and how it's done. A shop that glosses over calibration — or leaves it off the estimate to look cheaper — is cutting a safety corner. The procedure should follow your manufacturer's specification.

Can I get a written estimate and timeline?

Insist on an itemized written estimate and a realistic timeline before authorizing anything. Vague verbal quotes and 'we'll figure it out as we go' are red flags. You should also confirm the shop will handle insurance supplements directly if hidden damage turns up.

Are your technicians trained and certified?

Ask about I-CAR training and manufacturer certifications. Modern vehicles use high-strength steels, aluminum, and bonded structures that require specific, current training to repair safely. Certifications are a signal the shop invests in doing the job right.

Questions to Ask Before Repairs