Auto Body Repair FAQs

Auto accidents are stressful, and even the most careful drivers can find themselves in one. If you’re involved in an accident, Hampden Auto Body is here to guide you through the process and help you get back on the road as quickly as possible. Here's what to do:

1. Stay at the scene and remain calm. Don't argue, assign blame, or admit fault. Avoid accepting cash on the spot—you could still be held liable for the same damages later.
2. Call for help. If anyone is injured, call paramedics immediately. Contact the police if needed, and get the responding officer's name and badge number.
3. Move to safety. If the accident is minor and no one is seriously injured, move the vehicles to the side of the road and turn off the engines. Stay clear of traffic while exchanging information. If your vehicle can't be moved, remain inside with your seat belt fastened and hazard lights on until help arrives.
4. Exchange and document information. Collect the other driver's name, address, phone number, insurance details, and license plate number. Note the vehicle's VIN, make, model, color, and year. If the driver isn't the registered owner, record their relationship to the owner. Write down the date, time, location, weather conditions, and specific damage to all vehicles. Gather witness information if possible. Sign only documents provided by law enforcement.
5. Photograph everything. Take photos of all vehicles involved and document the damage thoroughly.
6. File an accident report. If law enforcement doesn't respond to the scene, promptly file a state vehicle accident report.
7. Notify your insurance agent. Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.
8. Call Hampden Auto Body. We'll help schedule your estimate and repairs and communicate directly with your insurance company at every step.

An auto accident can be stressful. At Hampden Auto Body, we make the repair process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. From major collision damage to minor door dings, we restore every vehicle to its pre-accident condition, protecting its safety, integrity, and value. Repairs are completed to factory specifications in our state-of-the-art facility, backed by manufacturer certifications, OEM guidelines, and specialized training.

When choosing a collision repair shop, look for customer reviews, manufacturer certifications, and a lifetime warranty. Hampden Auto Body checks every box, in addition to also being:

• 🏆 Voted Best Body Shop in the Colorado Community Media contest for several consecutive years
• ⭐ BBB Accredited since 1992 with an A+ rating
• 🔧 I-CAR Gold Class Certified — the industry's highest standard for technician training and repair quality
• ✅ Lifetime Warranty on all auto body repairs

You have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired—trust Hampden Auto Body to keep it safe, performing well, and protected.

The collision repair industry has changed significantly over the past 40 years, and Hampden Auto Body has evolved with it. Our philosophy, "We Are Green & We Are Lean," reflects our commitment to sustainable, waste-conscious practices that go beyond compliance.

Here's how we put our values into action:

• Local Sourcing — We prioritize parts and supplies from local businesses, reducing transportation emissions while supporting our community.
• Comprehensive Recycling — We recycle sheet metal, headlamps, bumpers, aluminum, plastics, cardboard, and more rather than sending them to landfills. Tires are always disposed of properly.
• Smart Parts Practices — When available, we offer used, aftermarket, and remanufactured parts as eco-friendly alternatives to new components.
• Waterborne Paint Technology — Our technicians are trained to use environmentally responsible materials, including waterborne automotive paints that significantly reduce VOC emissions and improve air quality compared with traditional alternatives.
• Solvent Minimization — We recycle paint materials and solvents using an on-site solvent minimizer, keeping hazardous waste out of the environment.
• Paperless Operations — We scan all documents and back them up off-site, reducing unnecessary printing and minimizing office waste.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting — We’ve installed LED lighting throughout our facility.

Hampden Auto Body offers free estimates. Call us today at 303-761-0677 to schedule an appointment.

Hampden Auto Body requires appointments for estimates. You can schedule an appointment Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Please call us at 303-761-0677 to make an appointment, or use our Request Estimate or Schedule Appointment.

You can decide how many estimates to get, and discuss repairs with multiple shops if you’d like.

At Hampden Auto Body, our thorough assessment may uncover damage not included in your insurance estimate. As a manufacturer-certified shop, we use only OEM parts to ensure proper fit, finish, durability, and safety—and to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

Know your rights

Right to appraisal

Hampden Auto Body works with nearly all insurance companies. Keep in mind that an insurer’s “preferred” shop is simply a recommendation—you decide where your vehicle is repaired. We follow manufacturer procedures and use OEM parts, not insurer cost-cutting guidelines, to ensure repairs are safe, complete, and proper. Choose a body shop you trust to put you and your vehicle’s safety first.

Insurance covers repairs only if you have collision coverage or if the other driver is at fault and insured. Without coverage, you'll pay out of pocket. With collision coverage, your insurance pays for repairs minus your deductible. If your vehicle is a total loss, you’ll receive a payout equal to its current market value. Verify your policy limits, coverage types, and deductible amounts before starting repairs.

If your insurance includes Rental Reimbursement or Loss of Use Coverage, it should cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Check with your insurance agent for details. If another party is at fault in a liability claim, they should also cover the cost of a comparable rental vehicle.

The Right to Appraisal is a provision in your insurance policy that allows you to challenge your insurer's payment for repairs or its valuation of your vehicle as a total loss. It does not cover disputes about fault or coverage; it applies only to repair costs and vehicle valuation. Hampden Auto Body can help you understand the next steps and decide whether pursuing the Right to Appraisal is right for you.

Consider using the Right to Appraisal in these situations:

• If your repair estimate is higher than the amount approved by the insurance company.
• If you disagree specifically about the cost of restoring your vehicle to its pre-loss condition.
• If you have tried to negotiate with your adjuster but have reached a standstill.

Your vehicle repair decisions are yours—not your insurance company’s. As a consumer, you have rights that can help ensure your vehicle is repaired properly, completely, and safely. Keep these rights in mind:

• You choose the shop. An insurer cannot dictate where your vehicle is repaired or steer you to a preferred shop unless you ask for a recommendation. The body shop works for you, so choose one you trust and feel comfortable with.
• You can request OEM parts. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts come directly from your vehicle's maker and are designed for proper fit, function, and safety. Insurance policies vary: some cover OEM parts for all vehicles, others limit coverage based on vehicle age, and some may allow used or alternative parts. Know your policy before repairs begin.
• You deserve a safe repair. Everyone has the right to drive a vehicle that will perform properly in a collision. Don't leave safety to chance—ask which parts will be used, how repairs will be done, and whether the shop's technicians are trained and certified. Your rights protect you only if you exercise them.
• You set the terms for inspection. An insurer cannot require you to bring your vehicle to its location. The inspection must take place at a time and place that's convenient for you.
• Colorado Motor Vehicle Repair Act

Every repair is unique, so costs vary by vehicle. The final price depends largely on your vehicle's year, make, and model, along with the extent of the damage. A small scratch or dent may be a quick, affordable fix, while collision damage affecting multiple panels or structural components requires more time and materials.

Other factors that can affect the cost include:

Vehicle type: Luxury, imported, and newer vehicles typically cost more to repair because parts are pricier and specialized labor may be required. EVs and hybrids can also cost more due to battery and electrical system repairs.

Damage complexity: Front-end and bumper repairs often require sensor replacement, increasing costs. Side impacts may require replacing the door, panel, and window.

Parts: OEM parts cost more than used alternatives, but offer compatibility, quality, and warranty coverage.

Labor: Our rates range from $65 to $200 per hour, depending on the vehicle type and the complexity of the repair.

Paint & Materials: Painting costs range from $300 to $5,000+, depending on the area size and paint type. Metallic, pearl, and luxury finishes require multi-stage blending, increasing labor and material costs.

Technology & Calibration: Modern vehicles with ADAS cameras and sensors require specialized scans, tools, and expertise before and after repairs, increasing the overall cost.

Insurance Coverage: Your deductible and policy limits directly affect your out-of-pocket costs. Filing a claim may also affect your premium.

Each repair is unique. Contact Hampden Auto Body with questions or for a free estimate. We’ll evaluate your vehicle and guide you through your options.

You are responsible for paying for the vehicle repairs. Your insurance should cover the costs, less any deductible, or the other driver’s insurance should cover them if the driver is at fault and properly insured. You can ask the insurance company to pay the repair shop directly. Please note that all payments must be settled before you can pick up your vehicle. Hampden Auto Body will bill your insurance company for the completed repairs on your behalf.

We accept insurance checks, cash, cashier’s checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, direct wire transfers, and Zelle payments.

Repair time depends on the extent of the damage, parts availability, the type of vehicle, and whether you’re paying out of pocket or using insurance. Insurance claims can take longer because inspections, approvals, and payments may cause delays. Minor repairs may take a few days, while major collision repairs can take weeks. We can provide a timeline once the repair plan is complete.

Our Repair Process:

Vehicle Drop-off & Check-In

When your vehicle arrives, we’ll wash the exterior and document any existing damage and the details needed for repairs. This gives us a clear starting point for restoring your vehicle to its best condition.

Repair Planning & Disassembly

Next, we’ll carefully disassemble the damaged areas to identify if there is any hidden damage and create a detailed repair plan. We’ll also perform a pre-repair diagnostic scan. If anything changes during this process, we'll let you know and handle any necessary insurance requests. The insurance company will review and approve any supplements, and we’ll order any additional parts.

Body Repair

Our technicians will then repair your vehicle's body and frame. This may involve replacing damaged panels or straightening the frame. Repair time depends on the extent of the damage. We follow your vehicle manufacturer's guidelines throughout the process. If the frame is damaged, we use specialized equipment to restore it so your vehicle is as strong and safe as it was before the accident.

Paint & Refinish

Once repairs are complete, we’ll get your vehicle ready for painting. Using high-quality materials and computer technology, we precisely match the paint color to manufacturer codes for a great finish. We then smooth and sand the body before applying primer, paint, and clear coat.

Reassembly

During this stage, we’ll reinstall all necessary parts.

Sublet, Calibrations, Post-Scan, & Detail

We’ll complete any subcontracted work, such as mechanical repairs, alignment, or paint protection film installation. Then we’ll test-drive and detail the vehicle, perform final ADAS calibrations, and conduct post-scan inspections to ensure all systems—including safety features—are functioning correctly.

Quality Assurance & Vehicle Delivery

After completing all work and the quality assurance checklist, we’ll let you know when your vehicle is ready for pickup. If applicable, we’ll send the final bill to the insurance company. You can then drive away knowing your vehicle was repaired by certified, highly skilled technicians using top-quality materials and parts, and that the work is backed by a written lifetime warranty.

Lifetime Warranty

Hampden Auto Body stands behind the quality and safety of its repairs and strives to ensure your complete satisfaction. We offer a limited lifetime warranty on all repairs for as long as you own the vehicle.

Thank you for trusting Hampden Auto Body to get you back on the road safely!

OEM collision parts are designed by your vehicle's manufacturer to match the original parts’ specifications and tolerances. They meet strict standards for fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion protection, and dent resistance. They’re also the only parts tested during vehicle development to deliver the intended protection within the overall system.

Choose OEM parts for collision repairs when you want replacements identical to the original parts. Their extensive testing is unmatched, and they may help preserve your new-vehicle warranty if a part failure causes damage. Add an OEM rider to your insurance policy to help ensure these parts are covered.

Before arranging a tow, please contact our shop to confirm availability. If your vehicle needs towing, we recommend calling Reed Towing at 720-483-0030 to make arrangements.

Hampden Auto Body partners with local rental car companies to offer rental services to our customers. We recommend:

• Enterprise: 303-794-3333
• Go Rentals: 303-800-7731
• Hertz: 303-789-7617