Gate City Collision

Don’t be fooled by the cutesy witticisms onto their outside signage on Amherst Street. Have you heard of the fable of the wolf in sheep’s clothing? Whereas the wolf smiles and acts all nice by being something by its very nature it isn’t. The simile; therefore, the sign is a misdirection. Continue driving by.. .
I recently had to use this Collision Center because they are on Progressive’s Preferred repair shop. Also AAA New England. Again, don’t be fooled (Incidentally, what does this say about these two corollary businesses?). I wasn’t at fault in the accident and I needed repairs to be done expertly and hastily – they couldn’t fit me in until I mentioned Progressive was the handling Insuror – they had to accept me.
Apparently they are too busy and they cannot handle the business. You enter the business and a hello isn’t accommodated. They are too busy. They are not friendly and helpful to the customer. As if a basic disdain of what the customer rightfully expects in pleasant and courteous business accommodation. As if their nurturing was flawed and the personnel have no basis for manners, care and accommodation.
A slow and uninformative excursion into the all-​too-​typical repair process ensued. By chance I revisited the venue to retrieve items left in my vehicle and found that they left the window open so the interior was exposed to the elements. When I notified Jason of the shortcoming he mentioned, «Oh, I’ll put it in the file.»
What file? You might ask. I haven’t a clue.
When I finally picked up my car the interior was full of residual dust and overspray from the shop. And the rain had spoiled the passenger seat. Funny thing is I was very clear to the personnel to deliver my car in better shape than I left it. I also advised the insurance company of the same. The brochure I picked up from Gate City Collision assured me that the car would be clean inside and out. They were not telling the truth.
I will never use this business again and I am making strident efforts (writing to the corporate heads of the two insurance companies) to forestall using this repair shop.
I am guessing in the future I will have to take my car to another shop to receive repairs.…
By the way I was advised by Jason to delay washing the car because of the paint job. I have delayed detailing the car because of this advice.

I was in a rear-​end car accident that caused about $ 3500 worth of damage. I decided to take my car to Gate City because Progressive works directly with them and it is also conveniently located not far from my house.
The initial repair took about 2 weeks (certainly pretty long, but I had a rental), and they were very friendly and notified me of the progress throughout that time. Upon picking the car up, I initially was very happy with the overall quality — they replaced the rear trunk lid, did some frame work, replaced bumper cover, some welding, etc.
However after getting home and checking the car out in full sunlight the next day — defects surfaced. First, (something that I haven’t seen any shop ever get right), there were quite a few dust particles in the clearcoat. Second, there were some pretty bad clearcoat overspays and runs in a couple of places. Third, the trunk lid was used and they failed to repair some minor dents on it. Fourth, they did not fully repair some body damage on the quarter panel.
I took the car back, they were really nice and took it in for repairs again. Three days after I got my car. This time — the repairs were done well, but I noticed that they didn’t blend the quarter panel to the door so the door was a lighter color. I was rather upset. Took the car back in for the third time, they got it right then.
Overall, they were really friendly and understanding, just wish I didn’t have to go in three times. I have zero tolerance for shitty work and I believe that people should insist on a perfect job — these body shops charge a lot of money.
PROS:
–Friendly staff
–Clean location
–Convenient, work with major insurance companies
–Large facility
CONS:
–Takes several attempts for them to do the job right
–Car was covered in paint dust inside after the repairs
Bottom line: if you are not picky, have an older car, or don’t really care too much about a perfect job — I would highly recommend. However I would think twice before bringing in a $ 30,000 car here. But then again — I have dealt with several repair shops in the past and no one ever does a perfect job.

Alrighty… they got the door sealed up, but then I had to take it back again so they could dry out the soaking carpet. I think the car is finally fixed, but it took THREE trips back to the place AFTER the original drop-​off.
At least they’re nice… and they have free coffee… but I’d rather have a job done right. Still 1 star, and they won’t get my business again.

Service was fast and friendly, what more could you ask for?