When your vehicle needs collision repair or auto body work, choosing a trusted auto body Asheville shop makes all the difference. At First Aid Collision, we've built our reputation on honesty, integrity, and exceptional workmanship. Our location in Arden serves the greater Asheville area with transparent service that puts your needs first, not insurance company profits or shortcuts that compromise quality.
What Makes First Aid Collision Different
In an industry where some shops prioritize speed over quality, we've chosen a different path. Our commitment to being a customer-focused body shop is built on foundational principles that guide everything we do.
Honesty and Transparency Above All
At the heart of our business is a simple philosophy: we serve our customers by treating them well and charging them fairly—explaining everything we do and only recommending services you need.
Our transparency includes:
- Clear, detailed explanations of all needed repairs
- Honest assessments that only recommend necessary services
- Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Regular communication throughout the repair process
- Written warranties that protect your investment
We never pressure customers into unnecessary repairs. If your vehicle requires extensive collision repair, we'll walk you through each component. If it only needs minor work, we'll tell you that honestly, even if it means less revenue for us.
I-CAR Gold Certification: Our Commitment to Excellence
Our I-CAR Gold certification represents the highest level of training in the collision repair industry. This certification requires ongoing education, demonstrated expertise, and a commitment to following proper repair procedures.
What I-CAR Gold Certification Means:
- Our technicians receive continuous training on the latest repair techniques
- We stay current with evolving vehicle technologies
- We follow manufacturer-specified repair procedures
- Our facility meets stringent equipment standards
- We maintain certification through ongoing education
This certification is your assurance that repairs are performed correctly, safely, and to the highest industry standards.
Customer Service That Sets the Standard
We understand that dealing with vehicle damage is stressful, so we work hard to make the repair process as smooth as possible.
How We Serve You Better:
- Convenient location near main roads and off I-26
- Shuttle service to and from rental car companies
- Comfortable waiting area in our 4,500 square foot facility
- Short time-frame repairs without compromising quality
- Direct communication with no runaround
- Respect for your time and schedule
Your Right to Choose Your Repair Shop
Many vehicle owners don't realize they have the legal right to choose where their vehicle is repaired after a collision. In North Carolina, anti-steering laws specifically protect this right. Insurance companies cannot require you to use a particular repair shop.
Your Rights Include:
- Selecting any licensed repair facility you trust
- Obtaining multiple estimates if you wish
- Having all covered damage properly repaired
- Choosing quality parts and proper repair procedures
As an honest repair shop, we want you to know these rights. We believe informed customers make better decisions.
We Work For You, Not Insurance Companies
While we maintain professional relationships with all major insurance providers, our loyalty is to you. We work directly with insurance adjustors to get the repairs authorized and your vehicle back in motion, but we never compromise repair quality to satisfy an insurance company's budget preferences.
This commitment to integrity in repairs means we document all damage thoroughly, fight for complete repairs rather than quick fixes, and never cut corners to meet insurance cost targets.
Comprehensive Auto Body Services
Our trusted auto body Asheville facility offers a full range of collision repair and auto body services performed by I-CAR Gold certified technicians.
Collision Repair
Whether you've been in a minor fender bender or experienced extensive collision damage, our collision repair can restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. From possible tickets, injuries, doctor bills, and car rentals to getting your vehicle repaired, we work to take as much stress out of the situation as possible.
Our collision repair services include:
- Complete damage assessment, including hidden issues
- Frame straightening using specialized equipment
- Structural repairs following manufacturer specifications
- Body panel repair and replacement
- Proper alignment and fitment
We work hard to have clear lines of communication with all parties, including the rental car company. Once your vehicle is on-site, we work through a detailed process that includes proper evaluation of all damage incurred. It's common to have damage behind what's visible that can affect how your vehicle drives. We check for all of it, thoroughly.
Auto Body Repair
Beyond collision damage, we handle all types of auto body and fender repair needs:
- Body rebuilding
- Dent repair and scratch removal
- Bumper and bumper repair
- Body and fender repairs
- Hail damage restoration
- Interior repairs
- Alignments
- Welding
Even seemingly minor damage like small dents, scratches, or hail damage can expose your car to the elements, causing corrosion to begin. Once that starts, it can lead to much more expensive repairs. We encourage addressing these smaller repairs to save you time, money, and stress later on.
Professional Auto Painting
Your vehicle's finish does much more than make your car look good. It also protects the metal underneath from corrosive agents like water or salt. A simple scratch can expose the metal frame underneath, beginning a rust spot that eats away at your car.
Our auto painting services include:
- Color matching using your vehicle's VIN
- Two-stage urethane painting
- Chip and scrape repair
- Complete paint repairs
- Final buffing for a flawless finish
It's important to know that there's no such thing as paint made by Toyota, Chevrolet, or Nissan sold outside the factory. Sherwin Williams, PPG, Martin Senour, and other paint suppliers provide dealerships their paint, and us as well. Any repair facility with the correct equipment and know-how can mix the exact color of your vehicle.
We take our time matching and mixing the tints for your vehicle based on your unique VIN, removing necessary items, masking off moldings, removing any particles, and giving it a final buff. We complete those extra steps that will make you totally satisfied with the outcome.
Windshield Replacement
We also provide professional windshield replacement services to restore visibility and maintain your vehicle's structural integrity.
Our Proven Repair Process
As a reliable collision center, we follow a systematic approach that ensures quality results every time.
Detailed Evaluation and Estimate
When you bring your vehicle to our Arden location at 369 Rockwood Road, we begin with comprehensive evaluation. Our highly certified technicians and estimators use the best tools to assess all visible damage, potential hidden damage, frame integrity, and mechanical impacts.
We then prepare a detailed estimate and review it with you, answering questions and explaining our recommendations. We offer a professional and pressure-free environment, helping you make knowledgeable decisions. Come in for a free estimate on everything from dents and dings to heavy collision damage.
Insurance Coordination
If you're filing an insurance claim, we handle the coordination. We work directly with your insurance adjustor to get the repairs authorized, removing administrative burden from your shoulders.
Quality Repairs
Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians perform repairs using proper procedures, quality materials and parts, and professional-grade equipment. We use high-quality parts and stand behind every job we take on.
It's this high level of honesty and integrity that make us true professionals. We strive to never stop learning or improving because, as an independent shop, our biggest competition is ourselves.
Quality Control Verification
Before we contact you for pickup, your vehicle goes through our special quality control department that verifies all repairs are performed to the highest standards. This ensures all repairs meet our standards, paint matches perfectly, panels align correctly, and everything functions properly.
Final Walkthrough
When you arrive to pick up your vehicle, we conduct a thorough walkthrough, showing you all completed work and explaining our warranty coverage. You won't be rushed—we want you to feel completely satisfied before driving away.
Industry-Leading Warranties
We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties that protect your investment.
Our Warranties Include:
- Lifetime warranty on paint covering adhesion, color match, and workmanship
- Manufacturer's warranty on parts
As long as you own your vehicle, our paint warranty remains in effect. This is the kind of commitment you'd expect from an honest repair shop that stands behind its work.
Our Experience Serving Area Auto Dealers
For more than 10 years, we have honed our skills servicing more than 25 auto dealers in the area. These include Skyland Automotive, BMW of Asheville, Appletree Honda, Toyota of Asheville, Asheville Chevrolet, and more.
Why do these dealerships trust us? Because we deliver consistently high-quality repairs, reliable timelines, professional communication, and fair pricing. If area dealerships trust us with their reputation, you can too.
Walk-In Customers Always Welcome
Although insurance companies and auto dealers are our biggest clients, walk-in customers are always welcome. Come in for a free estimate on everything from minor dings to extensive collision damage.
We treat every customer with the same professionalism and respect, regardless of how they found us or the size of their repair job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose to use your shop even if my insurance recommends another facility?
Absolutely. You have the legal right to choose any licensed repair facility. Insurance companies cannot require you to use a specific shop. We work with all major insurance providers.
How long will repairs take?
Timeline depends on damage extent and parts availability. Minor repairs may take a few days, while extensive collision work could require several weeks. We provide realistic estimates and keep you updated on progress.
Do you offer rental car assistance?
We offer shuttle service to rental car companies. Rental coverage depends on your insurance policy, but we're happy to help coordinate arrangements.
What if you discover additional damage during repairs?
We contact you and your insurance company immediately. No additional work is performed without proper authorization. Hidden damage is common with collision repairs.
What makes your shop more trustworthy than others?
Our I-CAR Gold certification, lifetime warranty on paint, transparent communication, fair pricing, and commitment to serving you rather than insurance companies set us apart. We've built our reputation on integrity in repairs and honest service.
Experience the Difference Honesty Makes
Choosing a trusted auto body Asheville shop means selecting a partner who values your satisfaction over shortcuts and your trust over quick profits. At First Aid Collision, we've built our business on the belief that honest, transparent service creates lasting relationships.
Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians bring expertise to every repair, while our commitment to transparent service ensures you're informed and comfortable throughout the process. As a reliable collision center serving the area for over a decade, we understand what it takes to earn and maintain trust.
Ready to experience the area's most trusted auto body shop? Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.