Unfortunately, accidents can happen no matter how careful you are on the road. When your car sustains damage, it’s important to take it to a certified auto repair shop to ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly and safely. But what does “certified” really mean, and is it that important?
The Real Meaning of a Certified Auto Repair Shop
A certified auto repair shop means the technicians working on your vehicle have undergone specific training and testing to earn their certification. This ensures they have the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to perform quality repairs on your car.
To get certified, technicians must complete a rigorous training program and pass an exam to demonstrate their proficiency in auto body repair. This process ensures they’re up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies in the industry.
Many certifications also have standards for quality and safety, which means qualifying repair shops must adhere to strict guidelines to maintain their certification. This means your car will be repaired using the best practices and materials, ensuring a safe and reliable repair.
The Most Common Auto Body Repair Certifications
Each certification has its own set of standards and requirements, but they all aim to ensure a high level of professionalism and expertise in auto body repair. Some of the most common certifications include:
I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair)
I-CAR offers several levels of certification for different roles in the collision repair industry. From entry-level to expert technicians, each level has specific training requirements and exams to ensure proficiency.
ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence)
ASE certification covers a wide range of automotive repair, including auto body repair. Technicians must demonstrate knowledge and skills in areas such as structural analysis, painting, and corrosion protection.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Certification
This certification is specific to a particular vehicle manufacturer and indicates that the repair shop has met its standards for quality, safety, and use of original parts.
Each of these certifications has its own set of standards and requirements, but they all aim to ensure a high level of professionalism and expertise in auto body repair.
Should Being “Certified” Really Matter to Car Owners?
The short answer is, yes. Choosing a certified auto repair shop ensures your car will be in the hands of trained professionals who have proven their skills and knowledge. Additionally, some insurance companies may require repairs to be done at a certified shop before covering the costs.
Ultimately, being certified means that your car will receive quality repairs and be restored to its pre-accident condition safely. It’s a mark of trust and reliability for both the repair shop and the technicians working on your car.
Start Your Repair at Valley Collision, a Certified Auto Repair Shop
Valley Collision technicians have undergone extensive training to ensure they provide top-notch repairs for our customers. We’ve accomplished Gold Class I-CAR certification and multiple OEM certifications—and since only about 20% of repair shops achieve Gold Class status, we’ve demonstrated a clear dedication to excellence.
We understand how important your vehicle is to you, which is why we strive to provide the best possible repairs using the latest techniques and technology. The next time you need auto body repairs, trust Valley Collision for quality, safe, and reliable work.
