FAQs
When your vehicle is damaged, questions come fast. How long will it take? Will insurance cover it? Do you have to use the shop they recommend? At Hammer’s Autoworks, we believe an informed customer is a confident one. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often from drivers across Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Republic, Willard, Rogersville, Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding Ozarks region.
Your Rights & Insurance
Collision repair FAQs about insurance are some of the most important—because most drivers don’t know what they’re entitled to until someone tells them.
Do I have to use the body shop my insurance company recommends?
No. Missouri law gives you the right to choose your own repair facility. Your insurance company may suggest a preferred or “approved” shop, but that recommendation is not a requirement. You are never obligated to use it. Hammer’s Autoworks works with all major insurance carriers and handles claim coordination directly—so choosing us doesn’t make the process harder. It makes it better.
What is a Direct Repair Program shop, and should I use one?
No, you should not. A Direct Repair Program (DRP) shop has agreed to work within an insurance company’s preferred pricing structure and use aftermarket or used parts in exchange for referrals. That arrangement is inherently wrong—and it does mean that shop’s relationship with the insurer can influence repair decisions. At Hammer’s, we work for you, not your insurance company. We advocate for the full scope of repairs your vehicle needs, using quality parts and OEM Certified procedures.
Will filing a claim affect my insurance rates?
That depends on your policy, your insurer, and the circumstances of the accident. It’s a question best directed to your insurance agent—we can’t speak to how individual carriers handle rate adjustments. What we can tell you is that we’ll handle your claim as efficiently and thoroughly as possible to get your vehicle repaired right.
What if my insurance company’s estimate doesn’t cover everything my vehicle needs?
This happens more often than it should. When our technicians identify damage that isn’t covered in the initial estimate, we file a supplemental claim on your behalf. We document the additional damage and communicate directly with your adjuster to get it properly included. You don’t have to fight that battle alone.
What if my vehicle is declared a total loss?
If your insurer determines that the cost of repair exceeds the vehicle’s value, they may declare it a total loss. If that happens, we’ll let you know immediately and provide any documentation your insurer needs to process the claim. We’ll help you understand your options and next steps.
What information do I need to bring when I come in after an accident?
Bring your insurance card, your claim number, or information from other drivers’ insurance, and any accident documentation you have—photos, police report, and contact information for other parties if applicable. If you haven’t filed your claim yet, we can help walk you through that process.
Repair Timelines & What to Expect
How long will my repair take?
Every repair is different. Minor paint and dent repairs may be completed in a day or two. More extensive collision repairs—particularly those involving structural damage, frame straightening, or significant panel work—can take several days to a couple of weeks. We’ll give you a realistic timeline before work begins and keep you updated throughout. We don’t believe in giving you a number just to tell you something.
What happens after I drop off my vehicle?
Once your vehicle is in our shop, we perform a thorough inspection and finalize the repair plan. If we’re working with your insurance, we’ll coordinate directly with your adjuster from this point forward. You’ll hear from us when there are updates—and you’re always welcome to call and check in.
What if more damage is found after repairs begin?
It’s not uncommon for additional damage to become visible once the repair process is underway—especially after panels are removed or disassembly begins. When that happens, we document it immediately and file a supplemental claim with your insurance company. We won’t proceed with additional work until it’s approved, and we keep you informed every step of the way.
Can I get a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired?
Rental coverage depends on your insurance policy. If other driver is at fault, that company should provide the rental car. If your policy includes rental reimbursement, we can help coordinate with your carrier. If you’re unsure whether you have that coverage, check with your insurance agent before or when you file your claim.
Will I be updated during the repair process?
Yes. We communicate throughout the repair—not just when your vehicle is ready. If something changes, if we discover additional damage, or if there’s a delay, you’ll hear from us. We don’t believe in leaving customers in the dark.
Collision Repair & Auto Body
What is the difference between collision repair and auto body repair?
Collision repair specifically addresses damage caused by a vehicle accident—including structural, mechanical, and body damage resulting from impact. Auto body repair is a broader category that includes collision damage as well as other exterior issues like paint damage, dents from hail or parking lots, and panel replacement. At Hammer’s, we handle both.
Can you fix my car if it was in a serious accident?
In most cases, yes. Even significant collision damage can be repaired properly when the right equipment, certifications, and expertise are in place. Our I-CAR and OEM Certified technicians handle everything from minor impacts to major structural repairs. We’ll assess your vehicle honestly and tell you exactly what the repair involves—and whether it makes sense.
Do you use OEM parts or aftermarket parts?
We follow OEM Certified repair procedures and prioritize OEM parts whenever possible. In some cases, your insurance policy may specify the use of aftermarket or recycled parts. When that happens, we’ll be transparent about it and discuss your options. Quality matters to us on every repair.
What does OEM Certified mean, and why does it matter?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM Certified repairs follow the procedures and specifications set by your vehicle’s manufacturer—the same standards it was built to. This matters for your safety, your warranty, and your resale value. It means we’re not improvising—we’re restoring your vehicle the right way.
What certifications do Hammer’s technicians hold?
Our technicians hold I-CAR and OEM certifications, and our shop operates under OEM Certified repair standards. These aren’t just credentials on a wall—they represent ongoing training, OEM inspection of our facility and equipment, tested expertise, and a commitment to performing repairs that meet manufacturer specifications.
Paint & Refinishing
Can you match my car’s exact paint color?
Yes—and we go beyond the paint code. Our computerized color-matching technology analyzes your vehicle’s existing finish to account for aging, fading, and real-world variation across panels. The result is a match that looks right on your specific vehicle, not just one that’s technically correct on paper.
Will my repaired panels look different from the rest of the car?
Not if the job is done right—and at Hammer’s, it is. We use precision color matching and a careful blending process to integrate the repaired panels with the surrounding finish. The goal on every job is a result you can’t distinguish from the factory finish.
How long will a paint repair last?
A quality refinish using proper materials, surface preparation, and application techniques should last for years—comparable to a factory finish under normal conditions. At Hammer’s, we don’t cut corners on prep, materials, or cure time. Those are exactly where shortcuts show up later. Every paint repair we perform is backed by our lifetime warranty.
Do I need to do anything special after a paint repair?
We’ll give you specific aftercare instructions when you pick up your vehicle. Generally, you’ll want to avoid waxing the vehicle for a short period after the repair to allow the finish to fully cure. We’ll walk you through everything before you leave.
Paintless Dent Repair
What is paintless dent repair, and how does it work?
Paintless dent repair—PDR—is a technique that removes dents from your vehicle’s body panels without sanding, filling, or repainting. Using specialized tools, a trained technician carefully works the metal back to its original shape from behind the panel. When the paint surface is intact and the damage qualifies, PDR is faster, more affordable, and produces a cleaner result than traditional repair.
Will PDR work on my dent?
It depends on the size, depth, and location of the dent, as well as the condition of the paint. PDR works best when the paint hasn’t cracked or chipped and the metal hasn’t been stretched too severely. Bring your vehicle in—we’ll assess it honestly and tell you whether PDR is the right solution or whether a different approach will produce a better result.
Can PDR fix hail damage?
Yes—it’s one of the most effective tools we have for hail damage. Hail typically produces multiple small, shallow dents across horizontal surfaces like the hood, roof, and trunk. PDR addresses each one precisely without requiring a full panel refinish. If you’ve had a hail event, bring your vehicle in for an assessment.
Frame, Unibody, & Structural Damage
How do I know if my vehicle’s frame is damaged?
Frame damage isn’t always visible after a collision. Warning signs include uneven panel gaps, doors or windows that don’t close properly, the vehicle pulling to one side, unusual vibration, or uneven tire wear. If your vehicle was in a significant accident, don’t assume the frame is fine—bring it in for a professional structural assessment.
Can a bent frame be fixed?
In many cases, yes. Professional frame straightening using computerized measuring equipment can restore your vehicle’s frame to factory specifications. Whether a frame is repairable depends on the extent and location of the damage. We’ll give you an honest assessment—not just the answer that’s easiest for us.
Is it safe to drive a vehicle with frame damage?
No—not until the damage has been professionally assessed and repaired. A compromised frame affects crash protection, handling, and the performance of safety systems designed to work with your vehicle’s structural geometry. If you suspect frame damage, get it looked at before driving further than necessary.
General Questions
Do you work with all insurance companies?
Yes. We work with all major auto insurance carriers and handle the claim coordination directly. If you’re unsure whether we’ve worked with yours before, just ask—chances are we have.
Are you locally owned?
Yes. Hammer’s Autoworks is locally owned and based in Springfield, MO. We’re not a franchise or a chain. We’re part of this community, and we treat every vehicle like it belongs to someone we know—because it does.
What areas do you serve?
We’re based in Springfield, MO and serve drivers throughout the surrounding region—including Ozark, Nixa, Republic, Willard, Rogersville, Marshfield, Northwest Arkansas, and the broader Ozarks area. Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll get the same certified technicians and the same commitment to quality.
How do I get started?
The easiest first step is to bring your vehicle in for a free estimate. We’ll evaluate the damage, answer your questions, and walk you through everything before any work begins.
Still Have Questions?
We’re Happy to Help. Just Ask!
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, reach out directly. Our team is here to give you straight answers—no pressure, no runaround.