Can I Choose My Own Auto Body Shop After an Accident?

After an accident, one of the first decisions you’ll make is where to take your vehicle for repairs. While big-name chains may seem convenient, there are real advantages to working with a trusted local collision repair shop. Personalized Service – Local shops rely on their reputation in the community. That means you’re more likely to get attentive, honest service tailored to your needs. Faster Turnaround – Smaller repair shops often have more flexibility in scheduling, which can mean getting your car back on the road sooner. Direct Communication – When you choose a local shop, you talk directly to the people working on your vehicle, not just a front desk. Support Your Community – Every repair helps keep jobs and business in your neighborhood, strengthening the local economy. At Halter's Body Shop, we pride ourselves on being part of the community and treating every customer like a neighbor. We know your car isn’t just transportation—it’s part of your daily life. That’s why we make sure every repair is done with care, precision, and pride.

Why a Professional Inspection Matters—Even After a Minor Fender Bender At first glance, a small fender bender might not seem like a big deal. If there's no major dent, no shattered glass, and your vehicle still drives, it’s tempting to shrug it off and move on. But what you don’t see could cost you more down the road. Even low-speed collisions can cause hidden damage that isn't obvious until weeks—or even months—later. That’s why it's always smart to bring your vehicle in for a professional inspection after any accident, no matter how minor it seems. Here are some of the most common hidden damages we see at our shop: 🔧 1. Frame Misalignment You may not notice this just by looking at your car, but a slight impact can throw your vehicle’s frame out of alignment. Even small shifts can affect how your car handles, wears tires unevenly, and reduce safety in the event of another collision. Signs to watch for: Uneven tire wear Car pulls to one side Crooked steering wheel 🛞 2. Suspension Damage Your suspension system absorbs the force of bumps and turns—but it’s not invincible. Collisions can bend or break key suspension components like struts, shocks, or control arms. The result? A rougher ride, poor handling, and long-term wear on other parts of your vehicle. 🚪 3. Electrical System Issues Modern vehicles are full of sensors and wiring tucked behind bumpers and body panels. A light tap to your bumper can damage backup cameras, parking sensors, or even disable airbags—without you knowing. Fun fact: Some of these issues won’t trigger a dashboard warning until the system is actively needed—when it’s already too late. 🧠 4. Hidden Bumper & Panel Cracks Most modern bumpers are designed to "bounce back" after an impact, making them look okay on the outside. But underneath, the foam, brackets, and mounts could be cracked or crushed—compromising protection in the next collision. 🔄 5. Alignment and Steering Problems A bent steering component may not affect your car immediately—but it can wear out quickly, cause handling issues, and lead to costly repairs later. These problems often show up days or weeks after the collision. 💥 Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Inspection A professional auto body shop doesn’t just look for dents and scrapes. We perform a full diagnostic check to uncover internal damage you can’t see. With frame measurement tools, suspension analysis, and computer scans, we can catch problems before they become dangerous or expensive. At Halters, we’ve seen it all—from minor bumper taps hiding frame damage to cosmetic scratches covering serious safety issues. Don’t take the risk. Even if your car "looks fine," let our team give it a proper once-over. Your safety—and your wallet—could depend on it.

Learn about an unexpected, out-of-pocket expense you may encounter during a collision repair.

Ten things to know before having your car repaired