If an accident bent your car’s frame or unibody, First Class Collision in Westbury, NY measures it with a Car-O-Liner® 3D measuring system and pulls it back to the manufacturer’s specifications — so the car drives straight and protects you the way it was built to. Free estimates and free towing: (516) 433-4448.
How do I know if my car has frame damage?
- Doors, hood or trunk don’t close the way they used to
- Gaps between panels are uneven
- The car pulls to one side or the steering wheel is off-center
- Tires are wearing unevenly
- New rattles, creaks or vibration after the accident
Some structural damage can’t be seen at all. If you’ve had a moderate or bigger impact, have the structure measured before you trust the car again.
How does frame straightening work?
- Measure. The car is mounted and measured against factory data to find exactly where — and how far — the structure moved.
- Pull. Controlled hydraulic pulls move the metal back to specification, checked continually against the measurements.
- Repair or replace. Parts that can’t be safely straightened are replaced following the manufacturer’s procedures.
- Verify. The structure is measured again, then suspension alignment and safety sensors are checked and recalibrated.
Why does proper frame repair matter?
The frame decides how your car absorbs the next impact, where the airbags fire, and how the wheels sit on the road. A frame that is even slightly off can cause poor handling, uneven tire wear and weaker crash protection — and it lowers the car’s resale value. Measured, documented structural repair protects both your safety and your car’s value.
Want the details? Read understanding frame and structural repairs.
What’s the difference between a frame and a unibody?
Most cars and SUVs today are built as a unibody — the body and frame are one welded structure. Many pickups and large SUVs still use a separate body-on-frame design. Both can be measured and repaired; the methods differ, and unibody repairs often involve replacing welded or bonded sections exactly as the manufacturer specifies.
How much does frame repair cost?
It depends on how far the structure moved, which parts need replacing, and the make of the car. After measuring we give you a written estimate — and if it’s an insurance claim, we work out the approval with your adjuster.
Is frame repair covered by insurance?
If the accident is covered, yes. We are an authorized insurance claims center, recognized by all major insurance companies, and a member of the Allstate Good Hands Repair Network, and we send your insurer the measurements and documentation needed to approve structural repairs. See how our Insurance Claim Center works.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bent frame be fixed?
In most cases, yes. With computerized measuring and the right equipment, a frame or unibody can be returned to factory specifications. If a section can’t be safely straightened, it is replaced.
Is my car totaled if the frame is bent?
Not necessarily. Your insurer decides based on repair cost versus the car’s value. Many cars with frame damage are repaired safely every day.
Is a straightened frame safe?
Yes, when it is measured, repaired to the manufacturer’s procedures, and verified afterward — which is how we do it.
How long does frame repair take?
It depends on the damage and the parts needed. We give you a timeline after measuring.
Will frame damage lower my car’s value?
Poorly repaired structural damage can. A properly measured and documented repair helps protect resale value.