Dotten Collision

10/17/2026

Fall in Michigan means peak deer season on our roads, and a lot of drivers are about to learn how the insurance claim process really works. One of the most common questions we hear is simple: what happens if the insurance estimate doesn't cover all the damage?

The truth is, the first estimate is often written before anyone takes the car apart. Once we remove a bumper or a panel, we frequently find hidden damage underneath, like bent brackets, cracked supports or sensors that took a hit. When that happens at Dotten Collision, we document everything and handle the supplement process directly with your insurance company, working to get that additional damage approved so you're not left sorting it out on your own. It's the kind of insurance claim car repair experience that comes from doing this work in the same Madison Heights building since 1972.

Remember, in Michigan you have the right to choose where your car is repaired, no matter where your insurance company suggests you go. If you're searching for an auto body shop near you, deer damage repair this season or an I-CAR certified body shop that deals with the insurance company for you, think of Dotten Collision for collision repair in Madison Heights.

10/15/2026

We've been in the same neighborhood, in the same building, since 1972. A lot has changed over the years, from the cars that roll through our doors to the technology inside them, but one thing hasn't: we treat every car like it's our own, and we take real pride in our work.

That's why we want every driver to know something important. If you're ever in an accident, your insurance company may steer you toward one of their preferred shops, but where your car gets repaired is always your choice. When you choose Dotten Collision, we'll deal with the insurance company for you, so you can focus on getting back to your life instead of chasing phone calls and paperwork.

From collision repair and auto body work to paint and the finishing touches that make your car look right again, our team does the job the way it should be done. Generations of drivers in Madison Heights and the surrounding communities have trusted us as their local body shop, and we'd be proud to earn your trust too. If you ever need collision repair in Madison Heights, remember you have a choice, and choose Dotten Collision.

10/13/2026

Nobody plans for a fender bender. One minute you're running errands, the next you're standing in a parking lot looking at a crumpled bumper and wondering who to call, how long it will take and what your insurance company is going to say. It's stressful enough without having to figure out the repair on your own.

That's where Dotten Collision comes in. Their iCAR-certified technicians handle collision repair, auto body repair and paint, dent repair and frame repair on all makes and models, using state-of-the-art equipment to get your car looking and driving the way it should. They work with all insurance companies, and they'll remind you that you have the right to choose who repairs your vehicle. They even offer 24/7 towing if your car isn't going anywhere on its own.

Every job starts with a free repair estimate, so you know what to expect before any work begins. Drivers from Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Warren and the surrounding area count on them to make a bad day a whole lot better. If you ever need collision repair in Madison Heights, think of Dotten Collision first.

10/10/2026

Your insurance company gave you an estimate after an accident, but what happens if the actual repairs cost more? This is one of the most common questions we hear at Dotten Collision, and it's important to understand that the first estimate isn't always the final repair cost.

When an insurance company prepares an initial estimate, it's often based on the damage that can be seen before the vehicle is taken apart. Once a collision repair shop begins inspecting the vehicle more thoroughly, additional damage may be discovered. That's where a supplemental estimate comes in. Your repair shop can document the additional damage and submit it to the insurance company for review. Additional repairs may be covered depending on your policy, the claim, and the insurer's approval.

If you've been in an accident, don't assume the first estimate tells the whole story. Bring your insurance paperwork to Dotten Collision in Madison Heights so we can evaluate the damage, explain the repair process, and help you understand the next steps before repairs begin.

10/08/2026

Just because your car looks fine after an accident doesn't mean everything underneath is working the way it should. Even a minor collision with little or no visible damage can affect the technology designed to help keep you safe.

Modern vehicles rely on cameras, radar, and other sensors for features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. A collision can shift or damage these components, potentially affecting how accurately they detect other vehicles and obstacles. And here's the concerning part: a sensor that's out of alignment may not always trigger a warning light. Depending on your vehicle and the damage involved, an inspection and calibration may be necessary to restore proper operation.

If you've recently been in an accident, don't assume everything is fine just because you can't see any damage. At Dotten Collision in Madison Heights, we understand the importance of evaluating your vehicle beyond its appearance and following manufacturer repair procedures. Have your vehicle checked before relying on those safety features again.

10/06/2026

10/03/2026

Getting your vehicle repaired after an accident is stressful enough. You shouldn't also have to wonder what's happening with your car or when you'll get it back.

At Dotten Collision, we focus on the things that make the repair process easier for our customers: sticking to our timelines, communicating throughout the repair, and completing quality collision repairs that meet factory standards. We also stand behind our work with a lifetime warranty on repairs, because doing the job correctly matters long after you leave the shop.

If you need an auto body shop or collision repair in Madison Heights, choose a local team that keeps you informed and takes pride in the work they put your family back on the road in.

10/02/2026

An accident can turn an ordinary day into a headache pretty quickly. At Dotten Collision, the goal is to make what happens next a little easier and get your vehicle back to the way it should be.

From body damage and dents to paint and collision repairs, our team takes the time to look beyond what you can see on the surface. We focus on the details because a quality repair should be about more than simply making your vehicle look good again.

When you need collision repair, you deserve a local shop that will take care of your vehicle and help you understand the process along the way. That’s what you can expect from Dotten Collision.

09/29/2026

Most people don’t think about choosing a collision shop until they’re standing on the side of the road after an accident.

That’s probably the worst time to start figuring it out.

You have the right to choose which collision repair shop works on your vehicle. That’s why it’s worth knowing who you trust before you ever need them. After an accident, you’re already dealing with enough stress without trying to research repair shops and make another important decision on the spot.

At Dotten Collision, we help take some of that uncertainty out of the process. From collision and body repairs to professional paint work and helping you understand what happens next, our goal is to get you and your vehicle back on the road with confidence.

Hopefully you never need a collision shop. But if you do, know where you want your vehicle to go before the tow truck ever arrives.

Remember the name Dotten Collision before you need it.

09/26/2026

What you see after an accident may only be part of the damage.

A bumper might look scratched or dented from the outside, but once repairs begin, additional damage can sometimes be discovered underneath. Brackets, supports, sensors, mounting points, and other components may need attention even when they aren’t obvious in the first photos.

That’s why collision repair is about more than making a vehicle look good again.

At Dotten Collision in Madison Heights, the goal is to properly evaluate the damage, explain what’s found, work through the repair process, and give each vehicle the attention it deserves.

If you’ve been in an accident and need collision repair, auto body work, insurance claim assistance, or paint and body repair, having an experienced shop inspect the vehicle can help you better understand what actually needs to be repaired.