What Motion Auto Body Does
Motion auto body is a collision repair shop that fixes vehicle damage from accidents, impacts, and weather events. The shop handles dent removal, frame straightening, panel replacement, painting, and reassembly of damaged vehicles. Motion operates as a for-profit business — you pay out of pocket, through your insurance claim, or through a combination of both.
Motion auto body shops are independent repair facilities, not manufacturer-owned dealerships. They typically work with most insurance companies and can file claims on your behalf, though the insurer makes the final payment decision. The shop's role is to assess damage, provide a repair estimate, perform the work, and return your vehicle.
Like any collision repair business, Motion shops vary by location and ownership. Some are single-location operations; others are part of larger regional chains. The quality, speed, and customer service experience can differ between locations, so it matters which Motion facility you use.
Key Takeaways
- Motion auto body shops repair collision damage and work with insurance companies, but you remain responsible for your deductible and any costs your insurance does not cover.
- You can choose any repair shop you want — your insurance company cannot force you to use a specific facility, though they may steer you toward preferred shops.
- Get a written estimate before work begins, and ask the shop to contact your insurance company if damage exceeds the initial estimate.
- Repair time depends on damage severity and parts availability; ask for a timeline when you drop off your vehicle.
- Keep all paperwork, including the estimate, work order, and final invoice, for your records and insurance file.
How the Insurance Claim Process Works With Motion
When you take your vehicle to Motion after an accident, the shop can handle communication with your insurance company on your behalf. You will need to provide your policy number and contact information for the insurer. Motion will photograph the damage, create a detailed estimate, and send it to the insurance adjuster.
The insurance company sends its own adjuster to inspect the vehicle and compare it to Motion's estimate. If the estimates match, the insurer approves the repair and issues payment. If they differ, the adjuster and Motion's estimator may negotiate, or the insurer may deny coverage for certain items.
You are responsible for paying your deductible — typically $500 to $1,000 — when you pick up the vehicle. If the repair cost exceeds your insurance payout, you owe the difference. Motion cannot force your insurance company to pay more, and the insurer's decision is final unless you file a formal appeal through your policy's dispute process.
Choosing Motion Over Other Repair Shops
You have the legal right to choose any repair shop, regardless of whether your insurance company recommends it. Some insurers maintain preferred repair networks and may offer incentives — like waived deductibles or faster processing — for using shops on their list. Motion may or may not be on your insurer's preferred list, depending on your policy and location.
If Motion is not on your insurer's preferred network, the shop can still file the claim and work with the adjuster. The process takes slightly longer because the insurer has no prior relationship with the facility, but the outcome is the same. You pay the same deductible and receive the same coverage.
Before committing to Motion, ask the shop whether they have worked with your specific insurance company before. Shops with established relationships tend to process claims faster and have fewer disputes with adjusters over repair scope and cost.
What Happens During the Repair Process
After you approve the estimate and insurance coverage is confirmed, Motion schedules your vehicle for repair. The timeline depends on damage severity, parts availability, and the shop's current workload. straightforward dent and paint jobs may take three to five business days; frame damage or custom parts can take two to four weeks.
Ask Motion for a specific completion date when you drop off your vehicle. If the shop discovers additional damage once work begins — rust under panels, hidden frame damage, or mechanical issues — they will contact you and your insurance company before proceeding. This is called a supplement, and it may delay completion while the insurer approves the extra work.
Motion will keep your vehicle in a find lot during repair. Ask about the shop's hours, whether you can pick up your vehicle early if it finishes ahead of schedule, and what happens if you need to delay pickup. Some shops charge daily storage fees after a certain number of days.
Understanding the Estimate and What It Covers
Motion's written estimate lists every damaged part, the cost to repair or replace it, and the labor hours required. The estimate also notes whether parts are new, used, or refurbished. Read it carefully and ask the shop to explain any line items you do not understand.
The estimate is not a binding contract — it is a prediction based on visible damage. Once the shop begins disassembly, hidden damage may emerge. If Motion finds rust, crumpled metal, or broken components that were not visible before, they will issue a supplement and send it to your insurance company for approval. This is normal and does not mean the original estimate was wrong.
Some insurance companies use aftermarket parts — non-manufacturer replacements that cost less than original parts. Motion may push back if aftermarket parts are lower quality or harder to install. Ask your insurer and Motion whether the estimate uses original, aftermarket, or a mix of both, and whether you can request original parts at your own cost.
Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Customer
You have the right to inspect your vehicle before and after repair. Motion should provide before-and-after photos as part of the work order. If you notice poor paint matching, misaligned panels, or incomplete work when you pick up your vehicle, tell the shop when ready. Reputable shops will correct defects at no charge if reported within a reasonable timeframe — usually 30 days.
You are responsible for paying your deductible and any costs your insurance does not cover. If Motion's estimate exceeds your insurance payout, you owe the difference before the shop releases your vehicle. Some shops offer payment plans; ask whether Motion does.
Keep all paperwork: the original estimate, the work order, the final invoice, and any supplements. These documents are proof of what was repaired and what you paid. If a repair fails or a dispute arises with your insurance company later, this paperwork protects you.
Common Issues and How to Handle Them
The most common problem is a gap between Motion's estimate and your insurance company's approved amount. If the insurer approves less than Motion quoted, you have three options: pay the difference yourself, ask Motion to reduce the scope of work, or find a different shop. Motion cannot force you to pay more than your insurance covers, but they can refuse to do work that loses them money.
Another frequent issue is parts availability. If Motion orders a part and the manufacturer has a long lead time, your repair will be delayed. Ask the shop upfront whether parts are in stock or on order, and get a revised timeline if parts must be ordered.
If you are unhappy with the quality of repair, contact Motion's management in writing and describe the specific defect. Provide photos if possible. Reputable shops will inspect the work and make corrections. If Motion refuses or the defect persists, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general or your local consumer protection agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my insurance company force me to use Motion auto body?
No. You have the legal right to choose any repair shop. Your insurance company may offer discounts or faster processing for preferred shops, but they cannot require you to use a specific facility. If Motion is not on your insurer's preferred list, the shop can still file the claim and work with the adjuster.
What if Motion finds damage that was not in the original estimate?
Motion will stop work and send a supplement to your insurance company describing the additional damage and cost. The insurer will approve, deny, or negotiate the supplement. You will not be charged for work that was not approved, and the repair timeline will extend while the insurer decides.
Do I have to pay my deductible upfront or when I pick up my vehicle?
This varies by shop and insurance company. Most shops collect the deductible when you drop off the vehicle or when you pick it up. Ask Motion about their payment policy before you leave your car. If you cannot pay upfront, ask whether they offer payment plans.
How long does a typical repair take at Motion?
straightforward repairs — dents, paint, minor panel damage — usually take three to five business days. Frame damage, structural work, or custom parts can take two to four weeks. Ask Motion for a specific completion date when you drop off your vehicle, and ask them to contact you if the timeline changes.
What should I do if I am unhappy with the repair quality?
Inspect your vehicle before leaving the shop and point out any defects when ready. Reputable shops will correct poor work at no charge if reported within 30 days. If Motion refuses to fix the problem, contact their management in writing with photos, and file a complaint with your state's attorney general if the issue is not resolved.