Why Experience Matters in Collision Repair

July 31, 2025 Repair Tips & Best Practices

Choosing a collision repair provider often comes down to one thing: experience. Whether it’s a fleet truck or emergency vehicle, knowing your shop has seasoned professionals can make the difference between safe, reliable restoration, or disappointment.

Why Collision Repair Experience Isn’t Optional

Modern vehicles, especially commercial and heavy-duty ones, are more complex than ever. They feature advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), specialty materials like high-strength steel or aluminum, and strict OEM repair standards. Inexperienced shops might overlook subtle damage or misdiagnose repairs, which can cost time, money, and even compromise safety.

Experienced technicians not only understand how to repair physical damage, but know how to:

  • Accurately assess hidden frame or structural issues
  • Safely repair or replace advanced materials without weakening them
  • Work with OEMs and insurance companies to follow proper repair protocols
  • Reduce downtime through efficient, knowledgeable workflow

According to CCC Intelligent Solutions, commercial vehicle repairs involving ADAS-equipped vehicles have increased in complexity and cost, year over year, particularly due to specialized parts and recalibration needs.

Downtime = Lost Revenue

For businesses, every day a vehicle is out of commission can mean lost income. A report from FleetMaintenance revealed that unscheduled downtime costs fleets an average of $448 to $760 per day per vehicle, depending on vehicle type and region.

Experienced repair shops know how to navigate this pressure. They’ve seen a wide range of damage scenarios, have protocols in place for fast parts sourcing, and can prioritize workflow to minimize disruption.

Real Results Come from Real Experience

Not all body shops are equipped to handle commercial or heavy-duty vehicles, and not all technicians are trained equally. What sets an experienced commercial collision center apart is the ability to offer comprehensive, high-standard services under one roof. That means technicians who are certified to ICAR Gold or OEM standards, ensuring your vehicle is repaired to meet, or exceed, manufacturer standards.

It also means the facility has the tools and knowledge to repair more than just dents and paint. In-house frame straightening and alignment help restore the structural integrity of your vehicle after a major impact, while understanding of ADAS calibration and diagnostics ensures your safety systems work exactly as they should once repairs are complete.

Finally, a truly experienced shop knows how to navigate commercial insurance and claims processes smoothly. That kind of support reduces headaches for business owners and gets vehicles back on the road faster.

DeVivo Collision: Built on Experience

With decades of collision repair under our belt, DeVivo Collision Centers specializes in heavy-duty and commercial vehicle repair. From box trucks and school buses to fire trucks and trailers, we understand what it takes to keep fleets moving safely and efficiently.

We operate two full-service locations, each staffed by certified professionals and equipped with:

Need experienced commercial collision repair? Contact DeVivo Collision today or stop by one of our locations in Middletown, CT or Randolph, MA.