Certified Collision Group is a network of independently owned collision repair shops

Certified Collision Group (CCG) is a membership network of auto body and collision repair shops across the United States. Each shop in the network is independently owned and operated, but they meet CCG's standards for equipment, training, and repair processes. The network does not operate company-owned locations — you are working with a local business that has chosen to join the group and meet its requirements.

CCG shops handle the same work as other collision repair facilities: frame straightening, panel replacement, paint matching, structural repairs, and damage assessment after accidents. What distinguishes a CCG member is that the shop has undergone inspection and certification, meaning it has met benchmarks for technician training, facility standards, and quality control. This certification is not a government requirement — it is a voluntary standard that some shops pursue to signal their capabilities to customers and insurers.

Key Takeaways

  • Certified Collision Group shops are independently owned but meet a shared set of standards for equipment, training, and repair quality.
  • CCG membership is voluntary and does not mean a shop is the only may have access to option in your area — many non-member shops are equally capable.
  • You can find CCG locations through the network's shop locator on their website, organized by state and city.
  • Insurance companies often have preferred repair networks, so check your policy or call your insurer before choosing a shop to understand any coverage differences.
  • A CCG shop can work with your insurance claim, but your insurer ultimately decides whether to use their estimate or require a different one.

How to find a Certified Collision Group location near you

The Certified Collision Group website includes a shop locator tool where you can search by state and city. Enter your location and the tool will show you member shops in your area, along with their phone numbers and addresses. This is the fastest way to see which CCG shops are available to you.

You can also call a shop directly if you already know one in your area and want to confirm it is a CCG member. The shop's staff can answer questions about their certification, their process for handling your specific damage, and how they work with insurance companies. Getting a few phone numbers and comparing what shops tell you about timeline and process is normal — you are not locked into the first shop you contact.

What CCG certification means for repair quality and timeline

CCG certification requires shops to meet standards in several areas: technician training and credentials, equipment for frame and structural work, paint systems, and documentation of repairs. Shops must also carry liability insurance and maintain records showing how they handle each job. These requirements exist so that a CCG shop in one state operates under the same framework as a CCG shop in another.

However, certification does not may provide a faster repair or a lower price. Timeline depends on parts availability, the severity of damage, and how busy the shop is — factors that vary regardless of membership. Price depends on your insurance coverage, the shop's labor rates, and the extent of the damage. A CCG shop may charge more or less than a non-member shop in your area; certification affects quality standards, not pricing.

Working with your insurance company when using a CCG shop

Your insurance policy may include a list of preferred repair shops, and CCG members may or may not be on that list. Before you choose a shop, call your insurer and ask whether the specific CCG location you are considering is in their network. If it is, your coverage may be streamlined — the shop and insurer may have an agreement about how estimates are handled and how quickly payment is processed.

If the shop is not on your insurer's preferred list, you can still use it. Your insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and write an estimate. The shop can then work from that estimate, or the shop can write its own estimate and submit it to your insurer for review. Your insurer has the right to require a second opinion if the estimates differ significantly. This process takes longer than using a preferred shop, but it is your right to choose where your car is repaired.

What to ask a CCG shop before you commit

When you contact a shop, ask these questions: How long have you been a CCG member? What is your typical timeline for a repair like mine? Do you have experience working with my insurance company? Will you handle the estimate negotiation with my insurer, or do I need to? What is your warranty on the repair work?

Ask whether the shop uses original manufacturer parts, aftermarket parts, or a mix of both — this affects cost and sometimes coverage. Ask what happens if the damage is worse than the initial estimate showed; most shops will contact you and your insurer before proceeding with additional work. Get a written estimate before work begins, and make sure you understand what is and is not included.

CCG membership versus other quality standards in collision repair

Certified Collision Group is one network, but other standards exist in the industry. Some shops carry I-CAR certifications, which focus on technician training in specific repair techniques. Others may be certified by vehicle manufacturers like Ford or Toyota, meaning they have met that brand's standards for repair. Some shops are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. None of these is inherently better than the others — they measure different things.

A shop can hold multiple certifications. A CCG member might also be I-CAR certified and a Ford-certified shop. When comparing shops, look at what certifications they hold, how long they have been in business, and what customers say about their work. Certification is one signal of quality, but it is not the only one.

What happens if you are unhappy with the repair

If a repair does not meet your expectations, contact the shop first. Most shops will address concerns under their warranty, which typically covers workmanship for a set period (often one year). Explain the problem clearly — whether it is paint quality, panel alignment, or something else — and ask the shop to inspect it.

If the shop does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general or consumer protection office. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau. CCG membership does not give you a separate complaint process; you work through the same channels you would with any other shop. Keep records of all communication and photos of the damage or repair issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does using a Certified Collision Group shop cost more than a non-member shop?

Not necessarily. Price depends on your insurance coverage, the shop's labor rates, and the damage extent — not on CCG membership. A CCG shop may charge more or less than a non-member shop nearby. Get estimates from multiple shops to compare.

Can I choose a CCG shop even if my insurance company prefers a different one?

Yes. You have the right to choose where your car is repaired. Using a non-preferred shop may mean a longer estimate process and more back-and-forth with your insurer, but it is allowed.

What if my insurance company will not pay for the CCG shop's estimate?

If the estimates differ, your insurer may require a second opinion or send another adjuster. If you believe the CCG shop's estimate is correct, you can ask the shop to document why their estimate is higher — for example, hidden damage found during disassembly. Your insurer must pay for necessary repairs; the dispute is usually about what is necessary.

Is a CCG shop required to use original manufacturer parts?

No. CCG certification does not mandate original parts. Ask the shop what parts they use and whether your insurance covers aftermarket or recycled parts. Your policy may limit what types of parts the shop can install.

How do I know if a shop is actually a Certified Collision Group member?

Use the shop locator on the Certified Collision Group website, or call the shop and ask for their membership number. You can also ask to see their certification documentation. A legitimate member will have no problem confirming this.