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.

Do I have to call the police for a minor accident?

In Maryland, you must call the police for accidents involving injury or significant property damage. For very minor parking lot incidents with no injury, you can exchange information and report to your insurance directly — but calling police is always safer.

How long do I have to file an insurance claim?

Most policies require prompt notification — usually within 24–72 hours. The sooner you file, the easier everything else is.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

Your uninsured motorist coverage (required in Maryland) covers your damages. File the claim through your own policy.

Should I get my car towed or drive it home?

Only drive if it's clearly safe — no fluid leaks, no airbag deployment, no structural damage, lights working. When in doubt, tow.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Maryland

Safety First

Injuries, then hazards

Call Police

Always — get the report number

Document Heavily

Photos, witnesses, conditions

Don't Admit Fault

Maryland contributory negligence

File the Claim

Same day if possible

Choose Your Shop

Your legal right

1. Safety first

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. If the vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, move them safely to the shoulder. Turn on hazard lights.

2. Call the police

In Maryland, call the police for any accident involving injury, fatality, or property damage. Get the responding officer's name, badge number, and incident report number — you'll need it for your claim.

3. Document everything

Photograph all damage (close-ups and wide shots), the scene, license plates, the other driver's license and insurance card, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact info from witnesses. Don't post about the accident on social media.

4. Don't admit fault

Maryland is a pure contributory negligence state — if you're even 1% at fault, you may be unable to recover from the other driver. Be polite, be factual, but don't apologize or admit fault to anyone except your own attorney or insurance.

5. File your insurance claim

Call your insurance company as soon as you're safe. Most carriers have 24/7 claim lines and mobile apps that walk you through photo documentation. Get your claim number — you'll need it at the body shop.

6. Choose your body shop

Maryland law gives you the right to choose any body shop, regardless of what your insurance recommends. Bring your claim number to Airpark Auto Collision and we handle the rest — estimates, supplements, parts approvals, direct billing.