Collision Repair in Fargo, Moorhead, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding areas

Jenni C - Fargo ND Auto Service Manager headshot

Restore Your Vehicle to Pre-Accident Condition

That moment when you hear the crunch of metal or see the damage to your vehicle after an accident can stop your heart. In an instant, your reliable transportation becomes a source of stress and uncertainty. At Matt’s Automotive Service Center, we understand that collision damage is more than just a cosmetic issue—it’s a disruption to your daily life and potentially a safety concern for your family.

Why Professional Collision Repair Matters

The difference between amateur repairs and professional collision work isn’t just visible—it’s crucial for your safety. When your vehicle suffers collision damage, hidden issues often lurk beneath the surface:

  • Structural integrity compromises that affect crash protection – Modern vehicles are designed with specific crumple zones and reinforced areas that work together during an impact. Amateur repairs may restore appearance but fail to properly address these critical safety structures, leaving you vulnerable in future accidents.
  • Alignment problems that cause premature tire wear and handling issues – Even minor collisions can knock your vehicle’s suspension and steering components out of alignment. Without precise correction, you’ll experience uneven tire wear, poor handling, and potentially dangerous control issues, especially during emergency maneuvers.
  • Electrical system damage that can lead to unexpected failures – Today’s vehicles contain sophisticated networks of sensors and electronic components. Collision damage often disrupts these systems in ways that aren’t immediately apparent but can cause intermittent failures or complete breakdowns if not properly diagnosed and repaired.
  • Paint mismatches that reduce your vehicle’s value – Improper paint matching and application techniques leave obvious repair evidence that significantly impacts resale value. Professional refinishing requires specialized equipment and expertise to achieve a factory-quality finish that stands the test of time.
  • Safety system malfunctions that put your family at risk – Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic braking, lane departure warnings, and airbag sensors require precise calibration after collision repairs. Without proper recalibration, these life-saving features may fail when you need them most.

Our certified collision repair specialists don’t just fix what you can see—they address the underlying damage that could compromise your vehicle’s safety and performance. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, we identify and repair issues that might otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Our Comprehensive Collision Repair Process

At Matt’s Automotive Service Center, we’ve developed a meticulous approach to collision repair that ensures your vehicle is restored to manufacturer specifications—not just in appearance, but in function and safety.

Initial Assessment and Documentation

Our process begins with a thorough evaluation of all damage:

  • Comprehensive digital documentation of visible damage – We use high-resolution photography and detailed notes to record every aspect of collision damage. This documentation serves multiple purposes: ensuring nothing is overlooked during repairs, providing clear evidence for insurance claims, and establishing a baseline for quality control.
  • Computer-assisted structural analysis – Our advanced measuring systems can detect frame and structural deviations with millimeter precision. This technology allows us to identify hidden damage that might compromise vehicle safety but remain invisible to the naked eye.
  • Insurance collaboration and claim assistance – Navigating insurance claims can be overwhelming after an accident. Our experienced team works directly with your insurance provider, handling documentation requirements and negotiating to ensure all necessary repairs are covered properly.
  • Transparent cost estimates with no hidden fees – We provide detailed, itemized estimates that clearly explain every aspect of the repair process. Our transparency means you’ll never face surprise costs or unclear charges when the work is complete.
  • Detailed explanation of necessary repairs in plain language – Technical jargon can be confusing and intimidating. We take the time to explain your vehicle’s damage and our repair approach in clear, understandable terms, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Unlike chain shops that rush through assessments, we take the time to thoroughly document every aspect of the damage. This careful approach not only ensures proper repairs but also maximizes your insurance coverage.

Expert Repair Techniques

Our certified technicians combine years of experience with cutting-edge technology:

  • Factory-approved repair methods for all makes and models – Vehicle manufacturers specify exact procedures for collision repair to maintain safety and performance. We strictly adhere to these guidelines, using manufacturer-specific techniques rather than generic approaches that might compromise quality.
  • Computer-precise frame straightening – Our hydraulic straightening equipment works in conjunction with digital measuring systems to restore your vehicle’s frame to factory specifications. This precision ensures proper alignment, handling characteristics, and crash protection.
  • Expert metal fabrication and panel replacement – When panels cannot be repaired, our skilled technicians use precise cutting and fitting techniques to replace them. This attention to detail ensures proper fit, finish, and structural integrity throughout your vehicle.
  • OEM parts utilization for optimal fit and function – We prioritize Original Equipment Manufacturer parts that match your vehicle’s original components exactly. These parts maintain proper fit, finish, and functionality, unlike aftermarket alternatives that may compromise quality and safety.
  • Advanced welding techniques that maintain structural integrity – Modern vehicles use specialized high-strength steels and aluminum components that require specific welding procedures. Our technicians are certified in these advanced techniques, ensuring repairs that maintain your vehicle’s designed crash protection.

“We don’t cut corners—we restore them.” This philosophy guides every repair we perform. By following manufacturer specifications exactly, we ensure your vehicle’s safety systems will function properly in the event of another collision.

Precision Refinishing

The final stage of our collision repair process is where art meets science:

  • Computerized paint matching for seamless blending – Our digital color matching technology analyzes your vehicle’s exact paint shade, accounting for age and environmental factors. This precision ensures repairs remain invisible even under varied lighting conditions.
  • Multi-stage painting process for factory-quality finish – We replicate the original factory painting process, applying primer, basecoat, and clearcoat in controlled conditions. This methodical approach creates a finish indistinguishable from the factory original.
  • UV-resistant clear coat application – The harsh Fargo-Moorhead climate can quickly degrade inferior paint jobs. Our premium clearcoat contains UV inhibitors that protect your vehicle’s finish from sun damage, maintaining its appearance for years to come.
  • Meticulous detailing inside and out – Before returning your vehicle, we thoroughly clean and detail both exterior and interior surfaces. This final touch ensures you receive a vehicle that looks and feels factory-fresh, with no evidence of repair work.
  • Quality control inspection under specialized lighting – Our final inspections use specialized lighting that reveals even minor imperfections invisible under normal conditions. This exacting standard ensures every vehicle leaves our facility with a flawless finish.

Our refinishing process doesn’t just make your vehicle look good—it provides lasting protection against the harsh Fargo-Moorhead elements, preserving both appearance and value for years to come.

The Matt’s Automotive Difference

When you choose Matt’s Automotive Service Center for collision repair, you’re not just getting a body shop—you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your complete satisfaction and safety.

Local Expertise, National Standards

  • ASE-certified technicians with specialized collision repair training – Our team holds industry-recognized certifications that demonstrate mastery of collision repair techniques. This expertise ensures repairs performed to the highest standards of quality and safety.
  • I-CAR Gold Class certification—the industry’s highest standard – This prestigious certification requires ongoing education and demonstrated proficiency across all aspects of collision repair. As a Gold Class facility, we maintain the most current knowledge and techniques in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
  • Ongoing education to stay current with modern vehicle technology – Vehicle technology advances rapidly, with new materials, systems, and repair requirements emerging constantly. Our commitment to continuous training ensures we’re always prepared to properly repair even the newest vehicles.
  • Familiarity with local road conditions and common collision scenarios – Our experience with local driving conditions gives us unique insight into common damage patterns and repair needs specific to the Fargo-Moorhead area. This regional expertise informs our approach to lasting, climate-appropriate repairs.
  • Direct relationships with all major insurance providers – We’ve established professional relationships with insurance adjusters and claims departments throughout the region. These connections streamline the claims process and help ensure fair coverage for necessary repairs.

Our team lives and works in the Fargo-Moorhead area. We understand the unique challenges local drivers face, from winter weather accidents to highway debris damage. This local expertise, combined with national certification standards, ensures repairs that truly last.

Frequently Asked Questions About Collision Repair

How long will my collision repair take?

Most standard collision repairs at Matt’s Automotive Service Center take between 3-7 business days, depending on the extent of damage and parts availability. We provide a specific timeline during your initial assessment and keep you updated throughout the repair process if any adjustments to the schedule are necessary.

Will my insurance cover the cost of collision repair?

In most cases, your auto insurance will cover collision repairs minus your deductible if you have collision coverage. Our team works directly with all major insurance companies to handle claims processing, documentation, and negotiation, minimizing your paperwork and ensuring maximum coverage for necessary repairs.

Can you match my vehicle's paint exactly?

Yes, we use computerized paint matching technology that analyzes your vehicle’s exact color, accounting for age and weathering factors. Our multi-stage painting process includes precise color matching, proper application techniques, and quality clear coat to ensure a seamless blend that’s indistinguishable from the factory finish.

Will collision repairs affect my vehicle's resale value?

When performed properly by certified technicians using OEM parts and factory-approved methods, collision repairs should have minimal impact on resale value. Our documentation process provides you with detailed records of all repairs performed, which can help maintain value by demonstrating that proper restoration procedures were followed.

How do I know if my vehicle's frame is damaged?

Frame damage isn’t always visible to the untrained eye but can significantly affect vehicle safety and handling. Our computerized measuring system precisely identifies frame deviations as small as one millimeter, allowing us to detect and correct structural issues that might otherwise go unnoticed until causing alignment problems, uneven tire wear, or compromised crash protection.