Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Call us at 952.461.5070. Real humans answer every call, no phone trees or chatbots.

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

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.

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.

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.

With the exception of American Family, for whom we are a direct repair program shop, Bodywerks does not participate in direct repair programs. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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