The average price of a new car in 2023 hovered just under $50,000. That’s a significant investment for both consumers and dealerships. With such high value riding on each vehicle, it’s no surprise that dealerships are extremely selective when it comes to repair work. Whether a car is damaged during transport, while sitting on the lot, or during a test drive, dealerships want repairs done right the first time. That’s why many car dealerships prefer certified body shops (specialized repair centers approved by manufacturers to work on specific vehicle brands) for repairs.
Meeting Manufacturer Standards
Dealerships prefer certified body shops primarily because these facilities train and equip their teams to meet the strict standards manufacturers set. Repairing modern vehicles—especially those with advanced driver-assist systems, lightweight materials, and complex engineering—requires more than just general knowledge. Certified technicians receive ongoing training and must use approved tools and techniques to ensure that repairs meet exact factory specifications. This level of precision protects both the integrity and safety of the vehicle.
Protecting Warranty Coverage
Many new cars come with manufacturer warranties that cover a wide range of repairs and issues. But those warranties often come with conditions. One key requirement is that any repair work must be completed by a certified technician at an authorized body shop. Failing to follow this requirement can potentially void the warranty, creating costly problems down the line. Dealerships choose certified repair facilities to ensure that their customers retain full warranty coverage.
Expertise in Specific Brands
Each vehicle brand has its own unique design, materials, and structural considerations. Certified body shops specialize in particular makes, giving them deeper insight and experience with those vehicles. From aluminum body panels to hybrid drivetrains and proprietary paint finishes, these specialists know what to expect and how to approach each repair accurately. This brand-specific expertise reduces guesswork and improves turnaround time without sacrificing quality.
Use of Genuine Manufacturer Parts
Certified body shops are required to use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts when performing repairs. This guarantees that replacement components meet the same quality, fit, and performance standards as the parts originally used to build the vehicle. Using genuine parts helps maintain vehicle value, safety, and performance, which is essential for dealerships managing high-value inventory.
Reputation and Customer Trust
A dealership’s reputation is built on trust and reliability. By using certified body shops, dealerships can assure customers that any repairs—whether pre-sale or post-purchase—will be handled with professionalism and care. This not only protects the dealership’s reputation but also builds long-term customer loyalty. A satisfied customer is more likely to return for future vehicle purchases and service needs.
Meeting Insurance Requirements
In certain cases, insurance providers require certified facilities to perform repairs to ensure the work meets manufacturer and safety standards. Certified shops communicate more effectively with insurance companies, streamline the claims process, and deliver repair results that satisfy all parties involved.
Customer Satisfaction Comes First
Manufacturers and dealerships often hold certified body shops to higher service standards than non-certified ones. From the initial estimate to the final polish, these shops prioritize delivering a professional and transparent experience. Dealerships want their customers to feel confident not just in the vehicles they buy, but in the service that backs them up. A certified body shop helps make that possible.
While not every dealership uses certified body shops exclusively—some may operate their own repair centers or work with reputable independents—the growing complexity of today’s vehicles is why car dealerships prefer certified body shops for repairs.
If you’re looking for expert-level repairs you can trust, call Sharp Auto Body today at 847-526-1343. Our certified team is ready to restore your vehicle with the precision and care it deserves.
