How much do most body shops charge per hour?

The average hourly rate charged by auto body shops typically ranges from $100 to $125 per hour. The cost for auto body repairs can vary widely depending on the type of damage, with prices ranging from as low as $150 for small dents or scratches to as much as $5,000 for more complex repairs, like collision damage. The overall cost will also depend on the extent of the repair needed, the shop's location, and its reputation.

How much is body paint for a car?

The cost of car body paint in Philadelphia typically ranges between $300 to $900. But do keep this in mind that the cost can increase according to the quality of the paint, the type of your vehicle, and the detailing you want.

How to choose a body shop?

There are various factors which you need to consider while choosing a body shop. The most crucial ones are as following: Good Reputation, Certified Technicians, Excellent Customer Reviews, Licensed And Insured Warranties

Do I need an appointment, or do you accept walk-in customers?

While we do accept walk-in customers, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure quicker service, especially during peak times. Making an appointment helps us allocate time specifically for your vehicle and minimizes wait times.

How do auto body shops repair dents

Dents are repaired through techniques like Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), where the technician uses special tools to gently push the dent out from the back side of the panel. If the dent is severe, the panel may need to be reshaped and repainted.

Can I get an estimated cost for body repair of my car?

Absolutely! We offer free estimates for body repairs. Just bring your vehicle in, and one of our specialists will assess the damage and provide you with a detailed, transparent estimate. We strive to ensure that there are no hidden costs, so you can make informed decisions about your vehicle's repair needs.

how do auto body shops repair hail damage

Hail damage is repaired through Paintless Dent Repair (PDR). This is a common technique where skilled technicians use specialized tools to repair the dents out without disturbing the paint. Incase of more severe damage, traditional bodywork and repainting will be needed.

Do you offer emergency or after-hours services?

Yes, we understand that accidents and breakdowns can happen at any time. That's why we offer emergency and after-hours services to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. Contact us, and we'll do our best to accommodate your situation, even outside regular business hours.

Do auto body shops report damage to insurance?

Auto body shops do not directly report damage to your insurance company, but they will often assist you in filing claims. After an assessment, they can provide a repair estimate that you'll submit to your insurance provider for approval. Choosing a shop that works with your insurance provider is always helpful.

How do body shops work with car insurance?

Body shops work with car insurance companies to ensure that the repairs are covered according to your policy. The shop will provide an estimate to the insurer, who will then approve or adjust the repair costs before work begins.

Does insurance pay you or the body shop?

Insurance usually pays the body shop directly for the repairs. If you have a deductible, you'll need to pay that portion, but the shop handles the rest of the payment with your insurance.

How to repair auto body rust holes?

This process involves a series of steps: Thoroughly clean the affected area to remove dirt, rust, and debris. Carefully sand down or grind away the rusted portion, ensuring that the underlying metal is fully exposed. Fill the hole with a high-quality auto body filler to smooth out the surface. Once the filler has hardened, sand the area again and prime it for painting. Finally, apply paint to the repair area, matching the vehicle's original color.

How long does auto body repair take?

The time required for auto body repair can vary significantly depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repair needed. In Philadelphia, many auto body shops provide accurate timelines after assessing the damage. It is advisable to consult with local shops to get a more specific estimate based on your auto body condition.

Do you have a facility to handle mechanical work too?

Yes, in addition to body repairs, we also have a fully equipped facility for mechanical work. Our technicians are skilled in handling engine repairs, brake services, suspension work, diagnostics, and much more. You can trust us to take care of both the exterior and mechanical needs of your vehicle.

What types of vehicles do you service or handle at your Auto Body Shop?

At our auto body shop, we handle a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and even fleet vehicles. Whether you drive a compact car or a larger commercial vehicle, our team has the expertise to restore it to its original condition.

We Work For You , Not the Insurance Company.

Dealing with insurance claims is stressful. We handle the entire process for you, from claims to paperwork, ensuring your vehicle is repaired to the highest safety standards—not the lowest bidder’s.

Get a Free Estimate

We Make the Insurance Process Painless

You’ve been through enough. Let our experts take it from here.

File Your Claim

Contact your insurance provider to get a claim number. This is the only part of the process you need to handle.

Drop Off Your Car

Bring your vehicle and claim number. We'll write an estimate and communicate with your adjuster.

We Handle the Rest

We manage all the paperwork, negotiations, and repairs. We fight to ensure your car is repaired correctly with the best parts.

You Have the Right to Choose. It's the Law.

Your insurance company may try to “steer” you to one of their “preferred” shops. You do not have to go. As a vehicle owner, you have legal rights.

You Choose Your Repair Shop

You are not required to use your insurer's recommended shop. You have the right to have your vehicle repaired at any licensed auto body shop you trust.

You Only Need One Estimate

You are not required to get multiple estimates from different shops. If you choose us, we will write the only estimate your insurer needs.

"Steering" is Illegal

If an insurer implies they "won't warranty the work" or that you'll have to pay more by going to a shop not on their list, they are using an illegal tactic called "steering."

Don't Let Your Insurance Company Dictate Your Safety.

Choose the shop that works for you. Call us today, and let us handle the rest.

The Problem with "Preferred" Shops

DRPs (Direct Repair Programs) are contracts between shops and insurers. The shop gets a high volume of work in exchange for giving the insurer discounts. This “preferred” relationship can lead to:

Use of Cheaper, Aftermarket Parts that are not from your car's original manufacturer (non-OEM).
Rushed, Low-Quality Repairs to meet the insurer's aggressive timelines and cost-cutting goals.
Hidden Damage Being Ignored to keep the claim cost low, which can compromise the safety and structural integrity.

At Nigro’s Auto Body, our only contract is with you. We fight to ensure your car is repaired to pre-accident condition with the highest quality parts.

We Handle Claims for All Major Providers

We may not be on their “preferred list,” but we have extensive experience and professional relationships with all insurance companies. We will manage the claim for you, regardless of your provider.

Frequently asked questions

Your Questions, Answered

My insurance company told me to go to one of their "preferred" shops. Can I still have my car repaired by you?

Yes. You have the legal right to choose the repair shop you trust, and you can bring your vehicle to Nigro’s Auto Body regardless of your insurer’s recommendations.

Will I have to pay more out-of-pocket if I don't use my insurer's "preferred" shop?

No. In most cases your out-of-pocket cost is the same, aside from your deductible, regardless of which repair shop you choose.

Do I need to get an estimate from my insurance company before bringing my car to you?

No. You can bring your vehicle to us first, and we can provide a professional estimate and help coordinate the claim with your insurance company.

What happens if your estimate is higher than my insurance company's?

If additional repairs are needed, we work directly with the insurance company to submit a supplement so the necessary repairs can be approved and completed properly.

Contact us

Have a Question? We’re Here to Help.

Email

nigroautobody@gmail.com

Phone

215 925 4520

Address

939 Washington Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19147

Operating Hours
We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
The shop remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays.