A preliminary estimate is the initial damage assessment written before your vehicle is fully disassembled. It captures the visible damage but is not the final number. Once a technician blueprints the vehicle — takes it apart to inspect every affected component — additional hidden damage often appears. That triggers a supplement, which adjusts the repair…
posted on May 15, 2026 by
What questions should I ask an auto body shop before I drop off my car?
Ask these: Are you I-CAR Gold Class certified? Do you use OEM or aftermarket parts, and who decides? Will you document the repair process with photos? How do you handle supplements if additional damage is found? What does your warranty cover, and for how long? A reputable shop welcomes these questions. If you get vague…
posted on May 15, 2026 by
Does it matter if a shop does both body work and mechanical repairs?
More than most people realize. When a vehicle sustains collision damage, it often involves both structural and mechanical components. A shop that only does body work will send the mechanical issues elsewhere — and now you have two shops pointing fingers at each other if something goes wrong. HiStar handles both. One call. One warranty…
posted on May 15, 2026 by
What should I look for when reading reviews for an auto body shop?
Look beyond the star rating. Read for specifics: did the shop communicate proactively? Was the car delivered on time? Were there surprises on the final bill? Did the shop fix the problem the first time? Platforms like Google, Yelp, and Carwise give you a fuller picture than any shop’s own website. Also check BBB for…
posted on May 15, 2026 by
Why should I care about a shop’s BBB rating?
A BBB rating reflects how a shop handles complaints — not just whether they receive them. Every shop gets difficult customers. The question is whether they resolve issues honestly and promptly. HiStar holds a BBB A+ rating. Some of our local competitors have active complaints for billing fraud and deceptive practices. That difference matters when…
