Question 1

Where is Bodywerks located?

Accepted Answer

Bodywerks is located at 26106 Newton Circle, Elko New Market, MN 55020. We have been at this location since 1996.

Question 2

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Nights and weekends are available by appointment for estimates and consultations.

Question 3

How do I contact Bodywerks?

Accepted Answer

Call us at 952.461.5070, or schedule an estimate online through our website. Real humans answer every call, no phone trees or chatbots.

Question 4

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every estimate is free and no-pressure. Estimates typically take 20 to 30 minutes depending on the extent of damage.

Question 5

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards including American Express, personal checks, and cash. For classic restoration projects, payment is typically structured in thirds across the project timeline.

Question 6

Do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every repair is backed by our Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee. For as long as you own the vehicle, our workmanship is guaranteed against defects. Parts are covered by their original manufacturer warranties.

Question 7

Do I have to use the body shop my insurance company recommends?

Accepted Answer

No. You have the legal right to choose any body shop you want, regardless of what your insurance company says. Insurance carriers often steer customers toward direct repair program shops that prioritize the insurer's cost savings. You are not obligated to use them. Bodywerks works with every major insurance carrier on your behalf.

Question 8

Does Bodywerks have a direct repair program agreement with insurance companies?

Accepted Answer

No. Bodywerks does not have direct repair program agreements with any insurance carrier. We work for you, not for the insurance company. This means we negotiate for the repairs your vehicle actually needs, using documentation and factory specifications as our leverage.

Question 9

Will my insurance rates go up if I use Bodywerks instead of their preferred shop?

Accepted Answer

No. Your choice of body shop does not affect your insurance rates. Rate increases after a claim are based on fault, claim history, and policy specifics, not on which shop did the repair.

Question 10

Will I have to pay more than my deductible?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. We work hard to keep your out-of-pocket cost at or below your deductible. We negotiate with insurance to get the full scope of necessary repairs approved.

Question 11

Do you handle the insurance paperwork for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle the claim documentation, adjuster negotiation, repair approvals, supplemental claims, and final payment coordination. You make one phone call. We handle the rest.

Question 12

What insurance companies do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with every major insurance carrier including State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, Geico, American Family, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, USAA, Farmers, Nationwide, Auto-Owners, AAA, and many others. If your insurance company is not listed, we still work with them. Call us to confirm.

Question 13

What happens if more damage is discovered after the repair begins?

Accepted Answer

This is common. Many damages are hidden until disassembly begins. When we find additional damage, we stop work, document it, and submit a supplemental claim to your insurance for approval. The repair does not continue until the supplemental is approved.

Question 14

How long does a typical collision repair take?

Accepted Answer

Most collision repairs take between 5 and 10 business days. Minor repairs may take 2 to 3 days. Major structural repairs can take 2 to 3 weeks depending on parts availability and the extent of damage.

Question 15

Can you repair my vehicle if the frame is bent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have the equipment and expertise to handle structural frame repair to factory specifications. Frame repair is one of the most common collision repairs and we have been doing it since 1966.

Question 16

What types of collisions do you handle?

Accepted Answer

We handle major collisions, fender benders, deer hits, hail damage, dent and scratch repair, structural frame damage, bumper repair and replacement, sheet metal repair, air bag replacement, and auto glass repair and replacement.

Question 17

Do you provide rental car coordination during repair?

Accepted Answer

Rental car coverage is typically handled through your insurance policy. We coordinate with rental providers to make pickup and drop-off easy. Call us and we will walk you through your specific situation.

Question 18

My vehicle is not drivable. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Call us. We offer free pickup and delivery within 25 minutes of our Elko New Market shop. We will come to you, document the damage, and bring your vehicle back to the shop for repair.

Question 19

How long does a classic restoration take?

Accepted Answer

A full frame-off restoration typically takes 12 to 24 months depending on the scope, the condition of the vehicle, and parts availability. Targeted restorations take less time. We provide a detailed timeline at the start of every project.

Question 20

How much does a classic restoration cost?

Accepted Answer

Classic restoration pricing varies based on the specific vehicle, the scope of work, and the level of finish you want. Targeted body and paint restoration projects can start in the mid-five-figure range. Full concours-level restorations are six-figure projects.

Question 21

Do you accept restoration projects from outside the south Twin Cities metro?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Classic restoration customers regularly travel to Bodywerks from across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond. We accept restoration projects from anywhere the customer is willing to deliver the vehicle.

Question 22

How is restoration pricing structured?

Accepted Answer

Payment for classic restoration is structured in thirds. One third at project start, one third at the midpoint, and one third at completion before delivery.

Question 23

Why are you more expensive than other restoration shops?

Accepted Answer

We do not cut corners on materials, process, or labor. We use AkzoNobel™ paint. We hand-sand every clear coat. We document and discuss every change in scope. Most of our restoration customers came to us after another shop got their project wrong.

Question 24

What kind of paint do you use?

Accepted Answer

AkzoNobel™, which is one of the leading automotive paint systems in the world. It is the same paint system used by major automakers in their factory paint shops.

Question 25

Can you match my factory paint color exactly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use color match camera technology that scans your existing paint and captures the exact color profile. This allows us to match factory colors precisely, even on older vehicles.

Question 26

What is clear coat sanding and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Clear coat sanding is the process of hand-sanding the clear coat after it has cured to remove orange peel and surface imperfections, then polishing to a mirror finish. Most high-production shops skip this step. We do it on every paint job because it is the difference between a good finish and a factory-quality finish.

Question 27

How long does a full vehicle repaint take?

Accepted Answer

A full vehicle repaint typically takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on the level of preparation, the complexity of the color, and any body work that needs to be done before paint.

Question 28

Do you do custom colors and specialty finishes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can match custom colors, mix specialty finishes including matte, satin, metallic, and pearl, and create custom paint work for restoration and enthusiast projects.

Question 29

Why do foreign vehicles require specialized repair?

Accepted Answer

Foreign and imported vehicles use different materials, manufacturing processes, and repair specifications than domestic vehicles. Many imports use aluminum body panels and high-strength steel that require specialized tooling and training.

Question 30

What foreign and import makes do you work on?

Accepted Answer

We work on BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Volvo, Mini Cooper, Land Rover, Jaguar, Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, and most other foreign and imported makes. Call us to confirm if your make is not listed.

Question 31

Can you source factory parts for my import?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate directly with local dealer service departments to source factory original parts. We do not use aftermarket parts on imports unless you specifically request it.

Question 32

Can you repair Tesla and other electric vehicles?

Accepted Answer

We handle body and paint work on Tesla and other electric vehicles. For high-voltage system work, we coordinate with certified electric vehicle technicians. Body, structural, and paint work on EVs is handled in-house.

Question 33

Do you offer fleet pricing or volume discounts?

Accepted Answer

We work with fleet accounts on pricing structures that make sense for the volume and consistency of work. Call us to discuss what makes sense for your operation.

Question 34

How fast can you turn around a fleet repair?

Accepted Answer

Minor body work can typically be completed within 3 to 5 business days. Larger repairs may take 7 to 10 business days. We provide accurate timelines up front.

Question 35

Do you provide repair documentation for our records?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide detailed repair documentation for every fleet vehicle including scope of work, parts used, and labor records.

Question 36

Do you offer pickup and delivery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free pickup and delivery within 25 minutes of our Elko New Market shop for collision repair customers.

Question 37

What if my vehicle is not drivable after an accident?

Accepted Answer

Call us. We will coordinate pickup within our 25-minute radius. We will come to you, document the damage in place, and transport the vehicle back to the shop for repair.

Question 38

Can pickup and delivery be arranged outside the 25-minute radius?

Accepted Answer

For customers outside the standard radius, pickup and delivery may be arranged for an additional cost, especially on larger restoration projects. Call us to discuss your specific situation.

Question 39

How long has Bodywerks been in business?

Accepted Answer

Bodywerks was founded in 1966. We have been continuously in business for 60 years across three locations and three generations of ownership.

Question 40

Who owns Bodywerks?

Accepted Answer

Karl Linton acquired the business in January 2026. The same staff who built our reputation over the decades remains with the business to continue that legacy.

Question 41

Why do you have such a strong reputation in Lakeville?

Accepted Answer

Bodywerks was based in Lakeville from 1974 to 1996, and we have continued serving Lakeville customers from our Elko New Market shop since the move. We have been named Lakeville Sun Readers Choice winner five times.

Question 42

Are you BBB rated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bodywerks holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Insurance Questions

Collision Repair Questions

Classic Restoration Questions

Custom Paint Questions

Foreign and Import Vehicle Questions

Fleet Repair Questions

Pickup and Delivery Questions

About Bodywerks

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