Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about OEM certification, and how to use Auto Body Locator to find a shop you can trust.
Is Auto Body Locator free to use, and do I need an account?
Auto Body Locator is completely free for drivers, and no account is required to search or compare shops. You can look up certified shops by location or brand, view ratings and certifications, and only provide your contact and vehicle information when you choose to request an appointment or estimate from a shop.
What is an OEM-certified collision repair shop?
An OEM-certified collision repair shop is a body shop the automaker has formally approved to repair their vehicles to factory standards. To earn certification through OEConnection's Collision Performance Network, a shop must invest in the manufacturer-specified tools and equipment, train and re-certify its technicians on current repair procedures, and pass an on-site audit of its facility and processes. Every shop listed holds a current, audited certification.
Does it really matter where I get my car repaired?
A car that looks repaired isn't always safe to drive. Modern vehicles are built with advanced materials and rely on cameras, radar, and structural components working together to protect you in a crash. A repair that doesn't follow the manufacturer's exact procedure can compromise all of that, even when the work might look fine on the surface. A certified shop restores your vehicle to the factory standard, so the safety systems, structural integrity, and performance the manufacturer engineered into it are there when you need them.
How is OEM certification different from I-CAR Gold Class or a directory like Carwise?
General directories list shops based on reviews, advertising, or a network-wide training standard. OEM certification is different: it is granted by the automaker itself and is specific to repairing that brand's vehicles, covering tools, equipment, training, and audited procedures. Auto Body Locator is operated by OEConnection, the company that administers OEM collision-certification programs, including the Collision Performance Network. Results from the locator reflect the manufacturer's approval, not a third-party rating.
Does using a certified shop affect my warranty or insurance claim?
Choosing an OEM-certified shop helps ensure the repair uses manufacturer-approved parts and procedures, which protects your vehicle's warranty and documents that the work was done correctly. You have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired, regardless of what an insurer suggests. Certified shops are experienced in working with insurers and can explain how a factory-correct repair is estimated and supported.
How do I find a shop certified for my specific vehicle make?
Enter your ZIP code, city, or share your location, then filter by your vehicle's brand. Auto Body Locator only shows shops certified through the Collision Performance Network near you, ranked by distance, with their ratings and the specific certifications they hold. You don't need an account or your vehicle details to search (we only ask for those when you request an appointment).
Why do ADAS and EV systems need special attention during a collision repair?
ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) are the cameras and sensors behind features like automatic braking, lane keeping, and adaptive cruise control. After a collision, these systems often must be recalibrated to exact tolerances, or they can misread the road. Electric and hybrid vehicles add high-voltage systems that require specialized training and equipment to service safely. Certification confirms that a shop has the targets, scan tools, and trained technicians to recalibrate ADAS and repair EVs correctly.
How do shops earn and maintain their certification?
Each shop is audited against the manufacturer's own requirements for specialized tools and equipment, technician training, facility standards, and documented repair procedures through the Collision Performance Network. Certification isn't a "one and done" training for shops. They must maintain their equipment, keep technicians current, and re-certify on a recurring schedule as manufacturer procedures evolve.
