Home / Lifetime Warranty on Collision Repairs in Bradenton
Lifetime Warranty on Collision Repairs in Bradenton
Firkins Collision Center backs its repairs with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor. Here's what lifetime workmanship warranties typically mean and how to use yours.
When you pay for a repair, or your insurer does, you want to know it will last. Firkins Collision Center backs its work with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor for our workmanship. This page explains what lifetime collision warranties generally mean, what they typically cover and exclude, and how to make a claim if something isn't right.
The specifics of your coverage are in the written warranty you receive with your repair. Ask for it at pickup and keep it with your vehicle records.
What "Lifetime Warranty" Usually Means in Collision Repair
In the collision industry, a lifetime warranty generally refers to the workmanship of the repair: the body work, refinishing and installation performed by the shop. The idea is simple. If the shop did the job right, the repair should hold up, and if a defect in that work appears, the shop stands behind it.
"Lifetime" is commonly tied to how long you own the vehicle, rather than the life of the car itself. Ask for your written warranty for how Firkins defines the term.
What a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty Typically Covers
Coverage varies by shop and repair, but lifetime workmanship warranties typically address problems such as:
- Paint defects from the repair, like peeling, delamination, bubbling or unusual fading in the refinished area
- Body work failures, such as filler cracking or a repaired dent reappearing
- Fit and finish issues, such as a replaced panel that wasn't properly aligned
- Installation problems with parts the shop installed
Ask for your written warranty for details on what's covered for your repair.
What's Typically Excluded
Lifetime workmanship warranties typically do not cover:
- New damage from a later collision, vandalism, hail or other events
- Normal wear and tear
- Environmental damage like rock chips, scratches, sun or salt exposure, or contamination left on the paint
- Neglect or improper care, such as ignoring aftercare instructions
- Work performed later by another shop in the same area
- Parts covered by a separate manufacturer warranty, which may follow that manufacturer's terms
Again, your written warranty is the document that controls. If anything is unclear, ask us before you leave.
How to Protect Your Repair
Taking care of a fresh repair in the first month helps it last. For the first 30 days:
- Avoid washing the vehicle, especially with high-pressure washes
- Don't wax or polish the new paint
- Park away from trees and bushes
- Promptly remove bird droppings, tree sap, love bugs and other contaminants
Florida sun and bugs are tough on paint. Read protecting new paint in the Florida sun and love bugs and car paint damage. Our detailing and paint protection services can help long term.
How to Make a Warranty Claim
If you notice something that looks like a problem with our work:
- Call us at (941) 229-6451 and describe the concern. Hablamos español: (941) 357-5162.
- Bring your paperwork, including your repair invoice and written warranty.
- Bring the vehicle in to 2700 1st St, Bradenton, for an inspection.
- We'll inspect the area and explain what we found and what happens next.
Photos of the issue, and a note of when you first noticed it, are helpful.
Our Warranty and Insurer Programs
Some insurers offer repair guarantees through their own network programs. Firkins provides its own lifetime warranty on parts and labor regardless of which insurer is paying, or whether you're paying yourself. Learn more on our insurance page and about your right to choose a body shop in Florida.
Why We Can Stand Behind Our Work
Our warranty is backed by how we repair vehicles: I-CAR- and ASE-certified technicians, OEM parts whenever possible, frame machines and computer-assisted measuring, a dedicated paint booth and a waterborne paint system, plus a final inspection and road test on every vehicle. See our process.
Get a Repair You Can Count On
Schedule your free estimate or call (941) 229-6451. Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday 8:00 AM to noon.
Frequently asked questions
Does Firkins offer a lifetime warranty?
Yes. Firkins Collision Center offers a lifetime warranty on parts and labor for our workmanship. Ask for your written warranty when you pick up your vehicle for the specific terms.
What does a lifetime collision repair warranty typically cover?
A lifetime workmanship warranty typically covers defects in the repair work itself, such as paint that peels or delaminates, or panels that weren't properly fitted. Ask for your written warranty for the details that apply to your repair.
What is typically not covered?
Lifetime workmanship warranties typically don't cover new damage from later accidents, normal wear and tear, environmental damage like rock chips, or neglect. Your written warranty spells out the specifics.
How do I make a warranty claim?
Call us at (941) 229-6451, describe the concern, and bring your vehicle and your repair paperwork in for an inspection. We'll look at the issue and explain next steps.
Do I need to use an insurer's network shop to get a lifetime warranty?
No. Some insurers offer guarantees through their own network programs, but Firkins provides its own lifetime warranty on parts and labor regardless of which insurer is involved or whether you pay out of pocket.
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