Question 1

What is the auto collision repair process like?

Accepted Answer

It is a systematic process designed for quality. It generally follows these steps:
1. Estimate & Disassembly: We inspect the car and remove damaged parts to find      hidden issues.
2. Structural Repair: If needed, we repair the frame or unibody structure.
3. Body Work: We replace or repair exterior panels.
4. Paint: We apply primer, base coat, and clear coat in our dust-free booth.
5. Reassembly & Detailing: We put the car back together, check all systems, and      clean the vehicle before you pick it up.

Question 2

What happens if the hail broke my windshield or glass?

Accepted Answer

We handle that too. Hail storms often damage glass and moldings along with the metal panels. We will include glass replacement in your comprehensive estimate and coordinate the installation so your vehicle is weather-tight and safe when you pick it up.

Question 3

What are the differences between OEM, Aftermarket, and Salvage parts, and how do they affect my vehicle’s warranty, safety systems, and overall repair quality?

Accepted Answer

When repairing your vehicle, you generally have three categories of parts to choose from. Understanding the differences is critical for ensuring your vehicle’s safety, value, and performance.

1. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
These are brand-new parts made by your vehicle’s manufacturer (e.g., Ford, Toyota, Mercedes) or their specific licensed supplier. They are identical to the parts your car was built with on the assembly line.
 • Fitment: Guaranteed perfect fit. No modification is required, ensuring body lines and gaps match the factory look.
 • Materials: Made from the specific steel grades, aluminum, or plastic composites engineered for your car’s crash safety and durability.
 • Warranty: Typically backed by the automaker (usually 1–2 years or more), covering both the part and often the labor if it fails.
 • System Impact: These are the only parts verified to work correctly with your vehicle’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

2. Aftermarket Parts
These are new parts produced by third-party companies, not the vehicle manufacturer. They are designed to replicate the original part but are often built to be cheaper.
 • Fitment: Variable. While some high-quality aftermarket parts (like CAPA-certified) are good, many "economy" parts may have uneven gaps, misaligned bolt holes, or require the technician to modify the part to make it fit.
 • Materials: May differ from the original. Aftermarket body panels sometimes use thinner metal or different plastic compounds that may not have the same corrosion resistance or crumple-zone behavior as OEM.
 • Warranty: Varies by brand. Some offer lifetime warranties to the original purchaser, while others offer very limited coverage. Importantly, the automaker will not warranty an aftermarket part or any damage that the aftermarket part causes to your vehicle.
 • System Impact: Can cause issues with modern safety systems (see below).

3. Salvage (Recycled/LKQ) Parts
These are used OEM parts harvested from other vehicles (often from a salvage yard) that were totaled or dismantled.
 • Fitment: Since they are original parts, the fit is usually excellent, provided the part wasn't damaged in the donor vehicle's accident.
 • Materials: Original factory material, but they may have existing wear, hidden rust, or fatigue.
 • Warranty: usually very limited (30–90 days) or sold "as-is."
 • System Impact: Risky for electrical components, as sensors or modules may have been shocked during the donor car's crash.

Critical Considerations: Safety and Systems
1. Impact on Safety Systems (ADAS) Modern vehicles rely on sensitive sensors (radar, LIDAR, cameras) often located behind bumpers, grilles, and windshields.
 • The Risk: Aftermarket bumpers may use plastic that is thicker, thinner, or of a different density than OEM. This can block or distort radar signals, causing your Blind Spot Monitoring or Automatic Emergency Braking to fail or react unpredictably.
 • The Recommendation: Most manufacturers strictly state that only OEM parts should be used near ADAS sensors to ensure the safety systems function correctly.
2. Material Strength & Crash Safety Vehicles are engineered with "crumple zones" designed to fold in a specific way to protect passengers.
 • The Risk: If an aftermarket bumper reinforcement beam or rail is made of different steel (e.g., mild steel vs. ultra-high-strength steel), it may not absorb energy correctly in a crash, transferring more force to the passengers.
3. Warranty Differences
 • Federal Law (Magnuson-Moss Act): A dealer cannot void your entire warranty just because you used an aftermarket part.
 • The Catch: If the aftermarket part causes a failure (e.g., an aftermarket radiator leaks and blows the engine), the manufacturer will deny the warranty claim for that engine repair.

Question 4

Do you offer a warranty on your repairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We stand behind our craftsmanship! We provide a limited lifetime warranty on our paint and bodywork for as long as you own the vehicle. We want you to drive away with total confidence that the repair was done right.

Question 5

Do I need an appointment for an estimate?

Accepted Answer

While we can sometimes accommodate walk-ins, appointments are highly recommended. An appointment ensures a dedicated estimator is ready to inspect your vehicle thoroughly without making you wait. It also allows us to give you our full attention to answer your questions.

Question 6

Is the estimate free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide free preliminary estimate for collision, dent and scratch repairs.

Question 7

What are your hours for drop-off and pick-up?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays. If you need to drop off your vehicle outside of these hours, please contact us to discuss after-hours arrangements.

Question 8

Are you a collision repair shop near Pueblo West or do I have to drive into town?

Accepted Answer

We are conveniently located right here in Pueblo West, serving the local community and surrounding areas like Pueblo, Cañon City, Fountain / Fort Carson, and more. We are near conveniently located close to Pueblo for high-quality collision repair near Highway 50!

Question 9

How much does a bumper replacement cost in Pueblo?

Accepted Answer

The cost varies by vehicle make and model, but we offer free, no-obligation estimates. Whether you need a simple bumper repair for a scratch or a full bumper replacement after an accident, our independent shop offers competitive pricing compared to big chains.

Question 10

Do you offer custom car paint jobs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Custom paint work is where our passion and precision truly shine. At Innov8 Paint & Body, we don't just repair vehicles; we transform them.

We are proud to be recognized as the "Best Auto Body Shop / Collision Center" in the Best of Pueblo 2025 awards, following our success as a Finalist in both 2022 and 2023. These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence, which is why clients seek us out from all across Colorado for their custom projects.
Why trust Innov8 with your custom build?
 • Veteran Craftsmanship: Our Lead Painter has been executing full custom projects since 2008. Whether it's a classic restoration, a candy/pearl finish, or a complete color change, your vehicle is in the hands of a true artist with over 15 years of specialized experience.
 • Premium Materials Only: A custom job is only as good as the chemistry protecting it. We strictly use top-quality automotive paints and high-solids clear coats. This ensures your finish isn't just glossy when it leaves the shop, but remains deep, durable, and UV-resistant for years to come.
 • Guaranteed Results: We stand behind our craftsmanship. Because we refuse to cut corners on preparation or materials, our custom paint work is backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
If you are looking for a show-quality finish that stands out on the street and stands the test of time, stop by specifically to discuss your vision with our team.