Find the Best Auto Body Repair Shops & Auto Painting in the Dublin Area
Finding the best auto body repair shops in the Dublin Area is much easier when you have all the necessary information. The following articles will provide everything you need to find the best auto body shops in the Dublin Area. Good auto collision repair centers in the Dublin Area are adept at dent repairs and can fix dings and crash damage or car repainting using the best car paint brands and newest auto painting techniques. Use the information below to find the best auto body repair shops in Dublin, Komandorski Village, Livermore and Pleasanton.
Updated November 17, 2009
Top 10 Auto Body Repair Shops in the Dublin, CA Area
| Dublin Auto Body |
|
(925) 833-9292 6920 Village Pkwy Pleasanton, CA 94568 |
Areas Served: Dublin CA, Livermore CA, Pleasanton CA, Komandorski Village
| Crown Body Shop |
|
(925) 828-6500 7544 Dublin Blvd Pleasanton, CA 94568 |
Areas Served: Livermore CA, Dublin CA, Pleasanton CA, Komandorski Village
| B & S Hacienda Auto Body Paint & Detailing |
|
(925) 847-8789 3687 Old Santa Rita Rd # 7 Pleasanton, CA 94588 |
Areas Served: Pleasanton CA, Livermore CA, Dublin CA, Komandorski Village, Dublin CA
| Parkway Body Shop |
|
(925) 828-8558 7130 Village Pkwy Pleasanton, CA 94568 |
Areas Served: Dublin CA, Livermore CA, Pleasanton CA, Komandorski Village
| Dent Extractors Hand Car Wash |
|
(925) 829-2020 7925 Dublin Blvd Pleasanton, CA 94568 |
Areas Served: Dublin CA, Livermore CA, Pleasanton CA, Komandorski Village
| Bostrom's Livermore Auto Body |
|
(925) 447-8523 2727 Old 1st St Livermore, CA 94550 |
Areas Served: Dublin CA, Pleasanton CA, Livermore CA, Komandorski Village
| West Coast Dents |
|
(925) 463-0855 3715 Old Santa Rita Rd # 5 Pleasanton, CA 94588 |
Areas Served: Pleasanton CA, Dublin CA, Livermore CA, Komandorski Village
Find the Best Auto Body Repair Shops & Auto Painting in the Dublin Area
Are you looking for good auto body repair shops in the Dublin Area? If you've been in an accident and need information about collision repair centers or if it's time for a new coat of automotive paint, the following information will help you find qualified collision repair mechanics to help fix your car and get you back on the road.
Check with Your Auto Insurance Company Before You Have Auto Body Repair Work Done.
Some may want to evaluate your car's body damage before Dublin Area auto body repair shops perform car repairs or auto painting. Some insurance companies can inspect your car at your auto body repair center, while others will ask you to bring your damaged car to a claim center.
Bill Miller, owner of Livermore Collision Center says that it's most important for vehicle owners to know their rights when it comes to auto body repairs. "Some insurance companies have special deals set up with auto body shops that give them the biggest discounts, often with lower quality repair work. Other times, the body shops agree to do certain things the insurance companies tell them to do, like uused parts instead of new parts, or cheap paint. Know your rights, so when your insurance company tries to claim you have to go to a certain shop, you'll know that's not true and the shop they have in mind is not the best deal for you."
Remember: your insurance company might recommend collision repair centers, but they cannot require you to have your car repaired at specific auto body repair shops. You have the right to choose the Dublin Area collision center you work with. Many good Dublin Area auto repair shops will work with your auto insurance company to negotiate claims for auto body repair and auto paint repair, saving you time and money.
Make Sure Collision Repair Shops in the Dublin Area Can Work on Your Type of Car.
Some auto body repair shops specialize in different makes and models or have expertise in certain types of auto body repair. If you own a less-common make or model of car, it might take special equipment to repair your car's auto body damage. Shops that are certified by car manufacturers have special training and the right equipment to fix your car.
If you need a professional car paint job, it is a good idea to call ahead to the top auto collision repair shops in Dublin Area as listed by the Prime Buyer's Report to be sure those auto repair shops can provide the car paint colors and auto restoration you need.
Get Estimates in Writing From Auto Collision Centers Around and In Dublin CA.
Visit a few Dublin Area auto body repair shops and get estimates for the auto body repairs you need. Make sure estimates cover the complete auto body repair job. When comparing estimates, make sure the estimates are quoting the same work. Keep in mind that cost isn't the only factor to consider. If an estimate from one auto body repair center seems too cheap, their body repairs might be lower quality or the estimate might not cover all of the needed auto body work, such as car paint or other auto restoration. If you have questions about the estimates, talk with the auto body collision shop owners or managers. Keep all of the paperwork from the auto body shops. Even through auto body shops should keep customer files, it is a good idea to have your own records.
Are the Auto Body Repair Technicians Certified?
Look for auto collision centers in the Dublin Area that have I-CAR or ASE Certified Technicians. These auto body specialists have special training and have passed certification tests. Some auto body repair technicians are also certified PPG auto paint or DuPont auto paint specialists.
You should feel comfortable talking with your auto body mechanics. They should listen to your concerns and answer your questions. If you feel rushed or don't get the answers you need, talk with other mechanics at different auto collision centers in the Dublin Area.
Ask What Auto Body Repair Parts the Auto Collision Centers in Dublin Area Use.
Do they use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacement parts? OEM parts are those made by the same manufacturer who made the part the car came with. Discount auto parts and salvage replacement parts might be cheaper, but they probably won't perform as well or last as long as OEM parts. Make sure the kinds of parts the auto body repair shops use are listed on the written estimate.
Time for Auto Body Repair and Car Paint Professionals.
As a driver, safety is always your number one concern. But while you're snugly cushioned inside, your car is absorbing the impact of every piece of road debris, every stray shopping cart and every runaway baseball. These little incidentals add up and eventually, they go beyond the "it'll buff out" phase. If your car's exterior is starting to deteriorate, it's time to visit an auto body professional. Highly trained in a variety of methods to retain the cosmetic integrity of your car, auto body mechanics can erase any degree of damage, from tiny pebble dings to near-total major collisions.
Good auto body repair shops throughout Dublin CA and the greater Dublin Area also provide car paint services, such as touch up paint and car scratch repainting. Good auto body painting shops in Dublin Area know the good car paint tips and the best car paint colors to use to make your vehicle look new again. The best automotive paint shops use car paint colors by PPG auto paints and DuPont auto paints for durable and warrantied auto paint repair.
Alameda County Auto Collision Centers Do More Than Dent Repairs in Dublin Area.
Dublin Area auto body shops that repair late-model cars, trucks, SUVs, new hybrids and vans can also restore classic cars or re-body vintage cars. More typical services offered by Dublin Area auto body shops include the initial structural damage repairs, such as pulling dents and repairing or replacing body parts. Car scratch repairs and car paint services are performed by sanding, applying primer, and expert paint matching the factory coat.
Dublin Area auto body shops can usually work on unibody vehicles and ladder-frame vehicles, but there are exceptions. Repairing vehicles specially constructed with aluminum requires additional I-CAR certification. Some auto body shops offer extras like shuttle services, complimentary towing, insurance repairs, and courtesy cars.
Dublin Area Auto Body Repair Shops Offer Many Parts and Materials.
The best auto body shops utilize many different parts, materials and tools to repair your damaged vehicle. Auto body shops in the Dublin Area can repair or replace nearly every exterior piece of your car or truck and apply expert touch up car paint or provide automotive painting that makes your car look new again. If your car's injuries go beyond the superficial, some auto body shops in theDublin, Komandorski Village, Livermore and Pleasanton and throughout the Dublin Area will repair the underlying structural pieces too, such as frames, subframes and energy-absorbing components.
Get Warranties and Guarantees From Auto Body Repair Shops in Dublin CA.
Good auto body repair shops in the Dublin Area will guarantee parts and labor. Make sure you get any guarantees and warranties in writing so there are no questions or surprises later.
Will the Good Auto Body Repair Shops in Dublin CA Provide Courtesy Cars?
Some auto collision repair shops in the Dublin Area offer rental cars or courtesy cars while your vehicle is in the shop for auto body repairs or auto paint repair. Find out ahead of time if you can count on a courtesy car or if it's up to you to rent a vehicle. Your insurance may cover the cost of rental cars.
Discuss Any Problems with the Best Auto Body Repair Shops in the Dublin Area.
If you feel unsatisfied with the auto body repair service, give the auto collision center a chance to make it right. Communication is important, so talk with the auto body shop owner or manager about any problems you may have experienced. Management at good auto repair shops in the Dublin Area will listen to your concerns and work to fix the problem. They should be concerned about making you happy and keeping your business. Honest auto body shops in the Dublin Area will take responsibility for the quality of their auto body repair work.
There are Many Choices of Auto Body Shops in the Dublin Area of Alameda County.
Certain auto body shops in Dublin CA and the greater Dublin Area stand out more than others, providing better customer service, better quality autobody repairs, top-notch car paint jobs and car restoration by skilled employees who have better attention to the task at hand.
The Prime Buyer's Report has evaluated a number of local autobody collision shops and listed them for easy inquiring. The Prime Buyer's Report lists these auto body repair shops in the Dublin Area: Dublin Auto Body, Crown Body Shop, B & S Hacienda Auto Body Paint & Detailing, Parkway Body Shop, Dent Extractors Hand Car Wash, Bostrom's Livermore Auto Body, West Coast Dents, Livermore Collision Center Inc. Other auto body shops that might still serve the Dublin Area include: .
Use Our Information to Research Auto Body Repair Shops in the Dublin Area of Alameda County.
The Prime Buyer's Report provides the most comprehensive information for choosing auto body shops in Dublin, Komandorski Village, Livermore and Pleasanton and throughout the entire Dublin Area. For a full list of auto body associations and media resources, check out the article "Resources for Auto Body in the Dublin Area."
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How to Choose the Best Auto Body Repair Shops in the Dublin Area.
Step 1: Describe Auto Body Damage and Desired Results to Dublin Area Auto Body Repair Shops
Explain what type of car accident you were involved in, providing as many details as possible. Also understand what you want the results to be. Do you want your car or truck body restored to "as new" condition, or upgraded with premium or performance parts? Does your car need a new coat of automotive paint, or will car scratch auto paint or touch up paint be enough? Be consistent in the way you present the information so all Dublin Area auto body shops will have an opportunity to bid the same job.
Step 2: Use This Information for a Q & A With Auto Body Mechanics in the Dublin Area of Alameda County
You can learn a lot by the questions you are asked before handing over the keys. Some auto body repair shops may want to hurry you in and out, but technicians at good auto body shops in the Dublin Area should have several basic questions, both about your accident and your vehicle.
Are the auto body mechanic's questions detailed? Is he asking the right questions? Does it seem as though the auto body technicians just want to get you in and out? Questions from auto body mechanics can signify whether the technicians have a genuine concern for your well being and an appreciation for your business. Select the most appropriate questions from the list below to enhance what you've already learned about each auto collision repair company in the Dublin Area. Take notes, not just on the answers to questions, but also how you feel about the employees and the auto body repair shops.
• How long have the auto body repair shops been in business in the Dublin Area?
• How many auto body / collision repairs have the collision centers completed in the Dublin Area?
• Do the auto body repair shops specialize in the type of auto body work you've described? If so, ask the auto body mechanics for some examples of similar auto body repairs they've completed.
• Do the auto body repair shops carry workers' compensation and liability insurance on their auto body mechanics?
• Will the collision centers provide written contracts for the collision repair work? For auto paint repair?
• Will the auto body repair centers provide written estimates for the auto body repair work and auto body repair paint work?
• How do the collision centers price auto body repair work? Do they charge by the hour or have a flat fee for auto body repairs?
• How do the collision centers in Dublin CA price auto painting services? Do they charge by the hour or have a flat fee for auto repainting?
• What certifications do the auto body repair technicians hold?
• How long will it take the collision repair mechanics to repair your car's body damage?
• Will the auto body repair centers provide a courtesy car while your car is in the auto body repair shop or during the car paint repair?
• Are the collision centers authorized to repair your vehicle as far as your car insurance is concerned?
• Do the auto body repair mechanics in the Dublin Area require an independent appraiser before starting a collision repair job?
• Do the collision repair technicians use new or used parts when repairing a damaged car?
• Are the new parts the collision centers use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts?
• Do the auto collision repair technicians use custom car paint or high-quality car paints by PPG paints and DuPont paints for their car painting services?
• How do the auto body repair centers in the Dublin Area repair unibody or frame damage?
• What kind of warranty do the collision centers offer on collision repairs and car paint work and what do the warranties cover?
• What are the auto body repair centers' satisfaction policies regarding auto body repair work and auto body painting?
Step 3: Making the Preliminary Decision among Auto Body Repair Shops in Dublin Area
After you've interviewed some local auto body shops and car painting companies in the Dublin Area, it's time to narrow the field. Review your notes to assess which company will be your best car collision repair provider. Which do you personally feel the most comfortable dealing with? This should have become more evident through this process.
Step 4: Final Research of Auto Body Repair & Car Restoration Shops in the Dublin Area of Alameda County
After you've selected your first-choice collision center and auto body repair paint services, it's time to do some final research. What credentials does the auto body shop have? What auto body repair training and certifications do the technicians have? It is time to verify licensing, insurance and certifications. Check out the Bureau of Automotive Repair, the Better Business Bureau and Diamond Certified to see how these companies stack up. For a complete list of associations and certification agencies, see "Resources for Auto Body in the Dublin Area" below.
Step 5: Making the Final Decision among Dublin Area Auto Body Repair Shops & Car Paint Shops
Now it's time to select and contract a Dublin Area auto body repair specialist. Call and ask any final questions and then ask for the representative to provide a written and signed pricing, timing, quality and warranty agreement for your collision repair.
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Tips For Auto Body Repair in the Dublin Area
Take Your Time Choosing an Auto Body Repair Shop.
Your car is an important part of your life, so don't hire the first auto body specialist that answers the phone. If you take some time to choose the right auto body shop before starting the process, you're more likely to be satisfied.
Get Estimates From Three Separate Auto Body Repair Shops.
Use the process of collecting estimates to gather preliminary information about the different auto body shops and collision repair centers in the Dublin Area. The process of getting estimates will help you determine various key factors such as how customers are greeted, value placed on customers, professionalism and honesty of the shop.
Get Everything From Collision Repair Shops in Writing.
We seem to rush from one thing to the next in this modern world. Slow down for a minute and make sure that each of the auto body repair shops in Dublin, Komandorski Village, Livermore and Pleasanton on your preliminary list of collision centers provides you with a written description of the work, an itemized list of parts to be installed, prices for both and a timeframe for completion. Only after reviewing this should you agree to let them repair your vehicle.
Don't Be Fooled By Your Insurance Company!
Last year, almost 90% of collision repair work was insurance-related. Before signing anything, make sure your insurance company agrees to pay for repairs done by that particular auto repair shop or collision repair center. But keep in mind, a repair contract will be between the repair shop and you, not your insurance company, so it is your responsibility to choose a trustworthy and quality auto body repair shop that has your best interest in mind. Be sure to check licensing, certification, liability insurances, warranties and any other relevant information before you sign with any Dublin Area auto body repair shops or collision centers.
Write A Description Of The Auto Body Repair Job.
You'll do better in assessing which Dublin Area auto body repair shops are the best if you personally write up a paragraph or two on what your needs are. Since each technician will hear the same description, you can be sure you are comparing responses to your project on a consistent basis.
Choose Certified Collision Repair Companies.
Some auto body repair shops have already gone the extra mile for consumers and believe in the consumer's right to satisfaction. Dublin Area businesses that are featured positively in independent, consumer-based studies like Diamond Certified are more likely to satisfy you.
Maintain Great Communication During The Auto Body Repair Work.
Communication is a two-way street. Be sure to keep in touch with the mechanics while your car is being repaired. If you have any questions or doubts at all about your car or the repairs being done, you have a right to answers from your auto body repair shop. There may be decisions that can help move the repair process along.
Agree In Advance To Do A Walkaround Upon Completion Of The Auto Body Repair.
After the job is completed, examine the detailed agreement you signed before the job began. Walk around the vehicle with the most senior auto body technician available and have the representative explain all work done. Then compare the work with the estimate and bring up anything that differentiates from the agreement.
Know Your Rights When It Comes To Auto Body Repair in the Dublin Area.
You have rights as a consumer. Go to the California's Consumer Affairs Department's Bureau of Automotive Repair Web site for more information on auto body repair and auto body painting services in Dublin, Komandorski Village, Livermore and Pleasanton.
Make Sure Your Dublin Area Auto Body Repair Shop Asks The Right Questions.
If the Dublin Area auto body repair specialist you visit seems not to care or glosses over key issues, don't hire him! You're not the only one that should be asking questions. A trustworthy and professional auto body technician should examine the damage, ask questions and actively listen with you. If you don't feel good about the facility, this auto body shop or collision repair center is not the one for you.
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Resources for Auto Body Shops in the Dublin Area of Alameda County
Auto Body Repair Industry Associations
AAA American Automobile Association (http://www.aaa.com/)
AAAM Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (http://www.carcrash.org/)
AAIA Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (http://www.aftermarket.org/)
AASP Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (http://www.autoserviceproviders.com/)
ABPA Auto Body Parts Association (http://www.autobpa.com/)
ACA Automotive Composites Alliance (http://www.autocomposites.org/)
AIAG Automotive Industry Action Group (http://www.aiag.org/)
ARA Automotive Recyclers Association (http://www.a-r-a.org/)
ASA Automotive Service Association (http://www.asashop.org/)
ASC Automotive Service Council (http://www.ascca.org/)
BAR California Bureau of Automotive Repair (http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.com)
CAA California Autobody Association (http://www.calautobody.com/)
Diamond Certified (http://www.diamondcertified.org/)
IADA Independent Automotive Damage Appraisers (http://www.iada.org/)
IABA Independent Auto Body Association (www.webspawner.com/users/complaints)
I-CAR Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (http://www.i-car.com/)
MEMA Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (http://www.mema.org/)
NARSA National Automotive Radiator Service Association (http://www.narsa.org/)
NATEF National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (http://www.natef.org/)
ASE National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (http://www.asecert.org/)
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers (http://www.sae.org/)
SCRS Society of Collision Repair Specialists (http://www.scrs.com/)
SEMA Specialty Equipment Market Association (http://www.sema.org/)
Auto Body Repair Shop Media and Web Resources
http://www.a2zautoforums.com/
http://www.autobodynews.com/
http://www.autobodyonline.com/
http://www.autobodypro.com/
http://www.autocareforum.com/
http://www.autoguide.net/
http://www.autorepair.about.com/
www.carcare.org
http://www.carforums.net/
http://www.vehicletip.com/
B&S Auto Body Dublin CA 94568
Dublin Auto Body Dublin CA 94568
Magnussen Car West Auto Body Dublin CA 94568
Parkway Body Shop Dublin CA 94568
Tri Valley Collision Center Dublin CA 94568
Auto Body Shops Livermore CA
B&S Hacienda Auto Body Paint Livermore CA 94551
Bernie's Body Shop Livermore CA 94550
Bostrom's Livermore Auto Body Livermore CA 94550
Cali Auto Body Livermore CA 94551
California Reflections Livermore CA 94551
Colormetics Livermore CA 94550
Extreme Sportscraft Livermore CA 94551
Groth Bros Chevrolet Livermore CA 94550
Livermore Auto Center Livermore CA 94550
Livermore Body Shop Livermore CA 94550
Livermore Collision Center Livermore CA 94550
Red's Livermore Body Shop Livermore CA 94550
Tri Valley Auto Body Livermore CA 94551
Auto Body Shops Pleasanton CA
Auto Fixed Pleasanton CA 94588
B&D Auto Body Pleasanton CA 94566
B&S Hacienda Auto Body Paint Pleasanton CA 94588
California Dent Works Pleasanton CA 94566
Diablo Auto Body Pleasanton CA 94566
Diablo Dents Pleasanton CA 94566
Gil's Body Works Pleasanton CA 94566
Mike's Auto Body Pleasanton CA 94566
Miracle Auto Painting Pleasanton CA 94566
Pleasanton Auto Body Pleasanton CA 94566
Pleasanton Metal & Paint Works Pleasanton CA 94566
Quality Auto Craft Pleasanton CA 94566
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Glossary for Auto Body Repair in the Dublin Area of Alameda County
Common Auto Body Repair & Auto Body Painting Terms
Acrylic Enamel Car Paint - An early type of automotive paint. Enamel auto paints are not a popular modern auto paint choice, but acrylic enamel car paint is known as the better type of enamel car paint. Acrylic enamel auto paint can dull and lose it's shine but cannot be polished like acrylic lacquer paint for cars.
Alignment - Properly lining up the components of a car's body, often in reference to wheel alignment.
Alignment Shims - Metal or plastic spacers used in the alignment process. On rear-wheel drive vehicles, auto body shops can add or remove shims from stacks of shims on the front control arms. On front-wheel drive vehicles, partial shims or full contact shims can be positioned behind the rear axle spindle. Camber shims are sometimes used on 4x4 axle vehicles. Shims may be adjustable or can be indexed in various ways to provide minute alignment corrections by auto collision repair centers.
Custom Car Paint / Custom Auto Paint - Custom car paint includes nontraditional and new car paint colors such as candy paint jobs (auto paint repairs that are shiny and brightly colored), pearlized auto paints, fantasy paint jobs (car paint scenes) and car paint flames.
Enamel Auto Paint - A clear or colored varnish, treated oil, or other coating used in auto body painting that dries to a hard, gloss or semigloss finish. Enamel car paints dry to a hard, shiny finish.
Finish Coat - A finish coat of car paint is the last coat of auto paint layered on during auto restoration.
Frame Alignment - A process that correctly aligns a vehicle frame, especially important for auto collision repair. Frame alignment keeps tires from wearing unevenly and helps your car drive straighter.
Lacquer Enamel Auto Paint - The finishing coat, or top coat, of car paint. Lacquer enamel layers of auto paint sit on top of the undercoats and provide a shiny appearance to the auto body paint.
Mist Coat - A light coating of automotive paint or car paint that is sprayed lightly over the auto body. A mist coat can be applied in several layers during auto body painting for an even, custom car paint job.
Paintless Dent Repair / Paintless Dent Removal in Dublin Area - Paintless dent repair services use less invasive techniques for minor dent repair and dent removal that allows for the dent repair without the need to repaint the area, perhaps at a cost savings. Some paintless dent repair shops in the Dublin Area are not full service auto body shop or collision repair centers. They may be approporiate only for minor dent repair and ding repairs.
Spoiler - An aerodynamic device to deflect airflow over vehicles. Spoilers are also installed below the front bumper to reduces drag by deflecting air away from the vehicle. Auto body shops can mount spoilers on the rear deck to provide downward force.
Undercoats / Undercoating - A rust repair and rust protection method used by auto body shops that involves spraying a coat of petroleum-based undercoat on the undercarriage of a vehicle. This is especially important in areas with wet driving conditions, winter driving conditions where salt may be used on the roads or on vehicles in geographical locations close to the ocean where sea salt may corrode the car's undercarriage.
Wet Sanding - Sanding the layers of auto paint using wet sanding paper so that the underlying layers of auto paint are smoother and adhere to the new automobile paint / touch up auto paint.
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