Choosing a body shop in the middle of a stressful claim is not the moment to be doing extensive research. If you’ve just been in a collision, handle the immediate steps after a collision first, then come back to this list, these are the questions that quickly separate a solid Alberta shop from an average one.

Warranty

1. What warranty do you offer on workmanship?

Ideal answer: Lifetime, transferable across Canada and the US. Anything less than a lifetime workmanship warranty is a step down from industry standard.

2. Is the paint warranty separate from workmanship?

Reputable shops offer either a combined lifetime warranty or a lifetime workmanship + limited paint warranty. Ask what specifically is and isn’t covered.

Insurance

3. Do you direct-bill my insurer?

Ideal answer: Yes, for every major Alberta insurer. If they need to check or hedge, that’s a signal to keep looking. Learn more about how direct billing works in Alberta.

4. Do you handle the claim paperwork from start to finish?

Ideal answer: Yes. You should be able to drop the vehicle off, they handle everything, you pay your deductible at pickup.

Parts

5. Do you use OEM parts on safety-critical components?

Ideal answer: They can pull the manufacturer position statement for your specific vehicle. If they don’t know what a position statement is, keep looking. Here’s more on OEM vs aftermarket parts and when it matters.

6. Where do you source parts and how do you decide between OEM, aftermarket, and recycled?

Look for a specific answer about their process. Not: “we use whatever the insurance approves.”

Modern vehicle capability

7. Do you do pre- and post-collision diagnostic scans?

Ideal answer: Yes, on every modern vehicle, as a standard part of the repair. Not: “if the insurance authorizes it.”

8. Do you handle ADAS recalibration in-house?

Ideal answer: Yes, both static and dynamic. In-house is faster, cheaper, and easier to warranty. Read more about what ADAS recalibration involves.

9. Are your technicians certified for my vehicle’s make?

Some shops specialize (Ford aluminum, EV high voltage, etc.). Confirm they’re set up for your specific vehicle.

Equipment

10. Do you have a downdraft paint booth and computerized colour matching?

Ideal answer: Yes. Downdraft is the industry standard for quality; open-air spray is a red flag. Computerized colour matching (spectrophotometer) is what makes the repair blend invisibly.

11. What kind of frame straightening equipment do you use?

Ideal answer: A computerized frame bench with laser measuring. Anything less isn’t accurate enough for modern unibody vehicles.

Everything else

12. How long will my specific repair take, and how will you communicate updates?

Ideal answer: A realistic written estimate with a realistic timeline, plus a specific way they’ll keep you updated (text, email, portal). “We’ll call you when it’s ready” isn’t enough. For context on what realistic timelines look like, see our breakdown of how long collision repair actually takes.

Two soft questions worth asking

Beyond the technical list, notice how they treat you:

  • Do they explain things clearly, or do they talk down to you?
  • Are they willing to walk you through the shop? A shop with nothing to hide will show you their bays, their paint booth, and their equipment.

Both matter. A shop that respects your time and questions before the repair is much more likely to stand behind the work after.

Bonus: Questions for specific situations

If your collision involved specific damage types, add these to your list:

  • Rear-end collision: “Do you check for hidden damage behind the bumper cover as part of the initial estimate?”
  • Side impact or T-bone: “Do you have computerized structural measuring equipment for B-pillar and rocker panel damage?”
  • Deer or wildlife hit: “Will you inspect the cooling system and radiator support behind the bumper?”
  • Suspension concerns: “Do you include a four-wheel alignment check as part of the collision repair?”
  • Headlight damage: “Do you re-aim headlights and handle ADAS camera recalibration after headlight replacement?”

These situation-specific questions show the shop you’ve done your homework and help you evaluate whether they’re equipped for your particular repair.

Save this list

Screenshot it. Keep it in your notes. When something happens, you’ll have the framework already loaded. And if you want a head start, see our recommended collision shop in Sherwood Park.