Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We are a independent certified body shop and are officially recognized by dealers including Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, GMC, Hummer, Kia, Volkswagen, and Subaru for factory-spec body and collision repairs in Billings, Montana.

No. Under Montana Code Annotated § 33-18-224, you have the absolute right to choose any auto collision repair center you prefer. It is illegal for an insurance company, adjuster, or agent to require, intimidate, coerce, or threaten you into using one of their corporate Direct Repair Program (DRP) shops. While insurers can provide a list of preferred local centers upon request, they must legally inform you that the final selection is at your sole discretion.

Selecting an independent shop will not penalize your claim timeline under Montana law. Insurance companies are required by state regulations to attempt in good faith to effectuate prompt, fair, and equitable settlements. At I’m Automotive, we utilize the exact same industry-standard electronic blueprinting and digital estimating systems as major insurance carriers. We submit comprehensive documentation and supplemental claims directly to your adjuster to ensure your vehicle is approved and repaired to original factory safety specifications without unnecessary administrative delays.

Yes. While we are Montana’s largest independent collision facility, we are also a full-service mechanical shop. Our certified mechanics handle all routine vehicle maintenance, including factory-scheduled mileage tune-ups, full synthetic oil changes, complete brake pad and rotor replacements, battery testing, fluid flushes, and comprehensive vehicle safety inspections for all makes and models.

Absolutely. Our shop utilizes dealership-grade, state-of-the-art diagnostic scanning equipment to read trouble codes, troubleshoot electrical shorts, and pinpoint exactly why your check engine or dashboard warning lights are on. We always walk you through a prioritized repair plan and obtain your clear approval on costs before any mechanical work begins.

We stand behind the quality of our mechanical workmanship. All of our mechanical services, diagnostics, and repairs come with a comprehensive 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first) starting the moment your vehicle leaves our Holiday Ave facility.

Yes, we highly recommend getting a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) before buying any used vehicle. Our mechanics will perform an extensive inspection and provide you with a detailed breakdown of the vehicle’s mechanical health, a complete structural body and frame inspection, and a localized market value report so you can buy with total confidence.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is an eco-friendly, non-invasive repair technique used to gently massage dented metal back into its original factory shape from behind the vehicle panel. At I’m Automotive, we utilize specialized PDR matrix lighting systems to inspect and repair structural panels without disturbing your car’s original factory paint finish. While PDR is the ideal, fastest solution for minor to severe hail stone impacts, cracked paint surfaces or deep, sharp creases may require traditional auto body repair and painting at our Billings facility.

Most initial field or photo-based insurance estimates are written quickly without specialized equipment, frequently missing up to 50% of the actual impact points. At I’m Automotive, we perform a comprehensive Auto Hail Claim Review under high-intensity PDR scanning lights. We find the hidden dents the insurance adjusters miss, compile detailed digital blueprinting and panel photos, and submit comprehensive supplemental claims directly to your carrier to make sure they pay for the true cost of repairs.

No, you do not have to negotiate with your insurance provider. A supplement is an additional claim submitted when an auto body shop discovers more extensive damage than what was listed on the insurance company’s initial appraisal. I’m Automotive handles the entire process for you. Our team digitally integrates with all major auto insurance carriers in Montana to submit electronic evidence and negotiate fair settlements, completely shielding you from stress or out-of-pocket expenses.

If your car has a lienholder (meaning it is financed through a bank or leased), the insurance check will typically be made out to both you and your lender. Legally, the financial institution requires the vehicle to be fully restored to its pre-storm structural value to protect their asset. Before cashing or settling an insurance check, bring your paperwork to our Holiday Ave shop for a free consultation—we will help navigate your lender’s specific repair verification guidelines.

In Montana, a vehicle is legally deemed a total loss if the cost of hail repairs exceeds a specific percentage of the car’s actual cash value (ACV). If your vehicle is totaled by hail but remains safe and drivable, we can pull localized real-time market data to build a comprehensive valuation report. This report gives you the exact documentation needed to negotiate a fair actual cash value payout or safely buy back your vehicle from the insurance company with a salvage title.

Yes, I’m Automotive is fully equipped and certified to perform advanced aluminum body repairs on all major makes and models, including Ford, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Infiniti. Aluminum is a structurally finicky alloy compared to standard steel and requires specialized, completely separate dent-pulling tools and dedicated cleanroom environments to prevent galvanic cross-contamination. Our technicians undergo rigorous material training to safely blueprint, manipulate, and restore aluminum components back to exact manufacturer structural standards.

Even a minor low-speed fender bender can distort your vehicle’s structural frame rails without showing obvious exterior signs. To identify hidden structural shifts, I’m Automotive utilizes an industry-leading Digital Frame Measuring System. This advanced computer tech generates a precise 3D blueprint of your vehicle’s chassis, comparing it down to the millimeter against original factory dimensions. This ensures your frame, steering geometry, and suspension are completely aligned and restored to safe pre-accident conditions before it leaves our Holiday Ave shop.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are produced directly by your vehicle’s builder (like GM, Subaru, or BMW) and are engineered to match its exact structural crash testing specifications. Aftermarket parts are third-party copies made to look similar but often built with different tolerances or thinner materials. At I’m Automotive, safety is our priority; we strongly recommend and advocate for genuine OEM parts to maintain your vehicle’s factory integrity, crumple-zone safety, and long-term resale value. We will review your insurance policy guidelines with you to maximize factory parts usage on your claim.

Absolutely. While Owl is famous for Mercedes Sprinter upgrades, we provide certified structural installation for the entire Owl Vans product line across Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster platforms.

Yes. As an approved Owl Vans dealer in Billings, MT, you can order your entire gear setup directly through us, saving you the hassle of coordinating freight shipping and heavy delivery logistics.

Heavy gear like the B2 Bike Carrier or Monster Box places immense structural stress on vehicle doors and hinges. Our technicians are certified in advanced aluminum body repair and precision fleet engineering, ensuring your gear is safely and securely anchored without risking your vehicle’s structural integrity.

Yes! To make your auto body or mechanical service experience completely stress-free, I’m Automotive offers complimentary customer pick-up and vehicle delivery service throughout the local Billings area. If your car is safe to drive but your busy schedule makes it difficult to visit our facility, our team will coordinate a convenient time to pick your vehicle up from your home or office, bring it directly to our 5230 Holiday Ave shop for service, and drop it back off to you completely detailed and ready to hit the road.