Collision Repair
Been in an accident? Whether it is a fender bender in a parking lot, a rear-end collision on I-64, or a deer hit on a back road, STL Dent Co. and Briggs Auto Body are here to help. We offer free estimates on all types of collision damage, accept all insurance providers, and work directly with your insurance company so you can focus on getting back to your life.
Our team has over 30 years of experience in the automotive repair industry. We operate two locations to serve the greater St. Louis area: STL Dent Co. at 10456 Manchester Rd in Kirkwood, MO, and Briggs Auto Body at 11405 Gravois Rd in St. Louis, MO. Between our two shops, we cover everything from minor cosmetic damage to full structural collision repair.
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Types of Collision Damage We Repair
Accident damage comes in all shapes and sizes, and every situation is different. Here are some of the most common types of collision repair work we handle at our shops:
Bumper damage. One of the most frequent collision repairs we see. Whether your front or rear bumper has been cracked, dented, scraped, or pushed in, we can repair or replace it and match the factory paint.
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Fender and quarter panel damage. Side impacts, sideswipes, and parking lot incidents often damage fenders and quarter panels. We handle everything from minor dents and scrapes to full panel replacement.
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Door damage. Damaged doors can affect both the appearance and function of your vehicle. We repair dented, bent, or crushed doors and make sure they align, seal, and operate correctly after the repair.
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Hood and trunk damage. Front-end and rear-end collisions commonly damage hoods and trunk lids. We repair or replace these panels and refinish them to match the rest of your vehicle.
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Frame and structural damage. Not all collision damage is visible on the surface. Impacts can bend or shift the underlying frame and structural components of your vehicle. The proper repair of unseen structural damage is crucial to the overall safety of your car. Our team checks for hidden damage during every inspection.
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Paint damage and scratches. Collisions, sideswipes, and even keyed vehicles leave paint damage that needs professional repair. We sand, prime, and repaint affected areas to seamlessly match your factory finish.
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Mirror, trim, and accessory damage. Side mirrors knocked off, trim pieces cracked, headlights broken. We replace and repair these components as part of the overall collision repair process.
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If your vehicle has minor dent damage where the paint is still intact, it may be a candidate for paintless dent repair instead. PDR is faster, cheaper, and preserves your factory finish. We will always let you know which repair method is the best fit for your specific situation.
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Our Collision Repair Process
Getting your vehicle repaired after an accident should not add more stress to an already stressful situation. Here is how our process works from start to finish:
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1. Free estimate and damage assessment. Bring your vehicle to either of our locations or contact us to get started. We perform a thorough examination of all damage on the vehicle, including checking for hidden damage that is not visible at first sight. Impacts can affect structural components, alignment, and mechanical systems that are not obvious from the outside.
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2. Insurance coordination. We accept all insurance providers and work directly with your insurance company throughout the repair process. We handle the paperwork, supplement requests, and communication with your adjuster so you do not have to. In Missouri, you have the right to choose your own repair facility, so you are never locked into your insurance company's preferred shop.
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3. Repair plan and parts ordering. Once we have a complete picture of the damage, we create a detailed repair plan. We order any necessary parts, whether OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or quality aftermarket, depending on the repair and your preferences.
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4. Structural and body repair. Our technicians perform all necessary structural corrections, body panel repair, and replacement work. Every repair is done to manufacturer specifications to maintain the safety and integrity of your vehicle.
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5. Paint and refinish. After body work is complete, we prep, prime, and paint the repaired areas. We use computerized color matching to ensure the new paint blends seamlessly with your existing finish. Once painted, we polish everything to a factory-quality shine.
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6. Quality check and cleanup. Before we call you, we do a thorough quality assurance check on every repair. We also give your vehicle a full cleanup inside and out. When you pick up your car, it should look like the accident never happened.
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7. Delivery. We contact you as soon as your vehicle is ready. We will walk you through everything that was done and make sure you are completely satisfied before you drive away.
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Why Choose STL Dent Co. and Briggs Auto Body?
Two locations, one standard of excellence. STL Dent Co. in Kirkwood specializes in paintless dent repair and lighter body work, while Briggs Auto Body on Gravois Rd handles full collision repair, major body work, and paint jobs. Together, we cover the full spectrum of automotive damage repair under one trusted name.
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All insurance accepted. We work with every insurance provider and are highly recommended by multiple insurance companies. We handle all the back-and-forth with your adjuster so you can focus on your day.
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Hidden damage expertise. A lot of collision damage is not visible on the surface. Frame misalignment, suspension issues, and compromised structural integrity can all result from an impact that looks minor from the outside. Our team is trained to identify and repair these hidden issues so your vehicle is safe to drive, not just good to look at.
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Honest assessments. If your damage can be fixed with a less invasive, more affordable method like paintless dent repair, we will tell you. If it needs traditional body and paint, we will tell you that too. We are not going to upsell you on work you do not need.
Over 30 years of experience. Our team has decades of hands-on experience repairing vehicles of all makes and models. From daily drivers to luxury cars, we have seen and fixed it all.
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Want to hear from our customers? Check out our reviews page.
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When to Choose Collision Repair vs. Paintless Dent Repair
Not sure which service you need? Here is a simple way to think about it:
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Choose paintless dent repair if the damage is limited to dents, dings, or creases where the paint is still intact. PDR is faster, more affordable, and preserves your factory paint. It is ideal for door dings, shopping cart dents, minor hail damage, and similar impacts.
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Choose collision repair if the damage involves cracked or chipped paint, deep scratches, bent or crushed panels, structural damage, or any situation where the paint surface has been broken. Collision repair uses traditional body shop methods including sanding, filling, panel replacement, and repainting to fully restore your vehicle.
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Choose hail damage repair if your vehicle was damaged in a hail storm. We are the St. Louis area's go-to shop for hail damage and handle the full insurance claims process for you.
If you are not sure, just bring your vehicle in or send us photos through our contact form. We will assess the damage and recommend the right approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Collision Repair
How much does collision repair cost in St. Louis?
The cost varies widely depending on the type and extent of the damage. A simple bumper repair or respray might cost a few hundred dollars, while major structural and panel work can run into the thousands. We provide free estimates so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins. If you are going through insurance, your out-of-pocket cost is typically limited to your deductible.
How long does collision repair take?
Minor repairs like bumper damage or single-panel work can often be completed in a few days. More extensive repairs involving structural work, multiple panels, or parts ordering can take one to two weeks or longer. We will give you a realistic timeline when we assess your vehicle and keep you updated throughout the process.
Do you work with all insurance companies?
Yes. We accept all insurance providers and work directly with your adjuster to handle estimates, supplements, and approvals. In Missouri, you always have the right to choose your own repair facility regardless of what your insurance company recommends.
Will my car be safe to drive after collision repair?
Absolutely. Safety is our top priority. We check for and repair all structural and hidden damage, not just the cosmetic issues. Every vehicle goes through a quality assurance inspection before we hand it back to you.
Can I get a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired?
Rental car coverage depends on your insurance policy. If you have rental reimbursement coverage, your insurance company will typically cover a rental while your vehicle is in the shop. We can help coordinate timing so you are not without a car any longer than necessary.
Do you use OEM parts?
We use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, quality aftermarket parts, or recycled OEM parts depending on the repair, your insurance policy, and your preferences. We will always discuss parts options with you before starting the repair.
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Get a Free Collision Repair Estimate Today
If your vehicle has been in an accident, do not wait. Contact STL Dent Co. today for a free estimate. Call us at (314)-809-3368, book an appointment online, or stop by one of our two locations:
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STL Dent Co.: 10456 Manchester Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122
Briggs Auto Body: 11405 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63126
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We are open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Let our team get your vehicle back on the road, looking and driving like the accident never happened.
