How to Choose the Best Auto Body Shop in Lakeside, AZ: 7 Things to Look For

After an accident, finding the right auto body shop can make the difference between a safe, long-lasting repair and one that causes headaches down the road. With multiple options in Lakeside, Show Low, and throughout Northeastern Arizona, it’s important to know what separates a high-quality collision repair center from the rest. At Heck’s Collision Center, we’ve spent over two decades helping local drivers navigate this decision. Here’s what to look for — and why it matters for your family’s safety and your vehicle’s value.

1. Look for I-CAR Gold Class Certification

One of the most important indicators of quality is I-CAR Gold Class certification. Fewer than 20% of auto body shops in the U.S. hold this recognition. Gold Class shops have technicians who receive ongoing training to stay current with the latest vehicle technologies, repair procedures, and safety systems. In an era where cars are packed with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), hybrid components, and new materials like high-strength steel and aluminum, this certification ensures your repair is done to OEM specifications — not guesswork.

At Heck’s, Gold Class certification means we invest heavily in continuous education, so every repair — whether it’s frame straightening, paint refinishing, or complete auto body repair — meets the highest safety and quality standards.

2. Evaluate Local Reputation and Experience

Experience matters, especially in a close-knit region like the White Mountains. A shop that’s been trusted by local drivers for years has proven reliability. Check Google Reviews and ask friends or neighbors about their experiences. Look for consistent praise about communication, honesty, and repair quality. At Heck’s, we’ve been family-owned and operated in Lakeside since 2004, and many of our customers are repeat clients or referrals from satisfied neighbors.

3. Verify Comprehensive Services

Not all shops handle every type of repair. The best collision centers offer full-service solutions, so you don’t have to visit multiple places. Services to look for include:

• Complete auto body repair for all makes and models
• Frame straightening and structural realignment
• Professional paint and refinishing with factory color matching
• Pre- and post-repair scanning and calibration for ADAS systems
• Insurance claim assistance to simplify the process

By choosing a shop that handles everything in-house, you ensure better quality control and faster turnaround times.

4. Understand Their Approach to Parts and Materials

Ask whether the shop uses OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or aftermarket alternatives. OEM parts fit perfectly, maintain safety standards, and protect your vehicle’s warranty. Shops that prioritize cost over quality may use aftermarket parts that don’t meet the same standards — potentially compromising crash performance. At Heck’s, we mirror-match every part to ensure proper fit and accuracy before installation.

5. Ask About Communication and Transparency

Collision repair can be stressful; clear communication makes it easier. A trustworthy shop provides detailed written estimates, explains the process step-by-step, and updates you regularly on progress. Transparency around costs, timelines, and repair methods helps build trust and prevents unpleasant surprises.

6. Consider Their Relationship with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance is often the most frustrating part of a collision. The best shops work directly with your insurer, advocating for repairs that meet OEM standards rather than the bare minimum. At Heck’s, we coordinate with all major insurance companies, handle supplemental claims if hidden damage is found, and ensure your claim moves forward quickly.

7. Inspect Their Commitment to Safety and Quality Control

Look beyond the paint job — the real measure of a quality repair is structural integrity and safety system performance. Ask if the shop performs post-repair scans, test drives, and quality inspections before delivering your vehicle. At Heck’s, every car undergoes a final checklist and verification process so you can drive away with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Visit the Shop Before Committing

If possible, visit the facility in person. A clean, organized shop often reflects the level of care and attention to detail you can expect. Our shop tour and in-person walkthroughs give customers an inside look at our equipment, processes, and team — transparency that builds trust from day one.

Questions to Ask Before You Decide

To ensure you’re making the right choice, ask potential shops:

• Are you Gold Class I-CAR Certified?
• Do you use OEM parts for repairs?
• Will you perform pre- and post-repair scans?
• How do you communicate updates during the repair process?
• Do you work with my insurance company directly?

Choose Heck’s Collision Center in Lakeside, AZ

When it comes to collision repair, you deserve a shop that puts safety, quality, and customer care first. Heck’s Collision Center has proudly served Lakeside and the entire White Mountains region since 2004, combining Gold Class-certified training with a family-owned commitment to honesty and craftsmanship.

Schedule your estimate today or call 1-928-368-2288 to learn why local drivers trust us for repairs done right the first time.