Liam SmithFinding the right mechanic for oil changes, tire alignments, and other maintenance services is vital to help your car perform at its best. When you want it to look its best, however, that’s an entirely different story!
I still remember when I got my first car and was excited to modify every part of it, from its paint job to its frame. I’ve been to countless auto body shops in Ottawa, and I ended up with a project car that I still use occasionally to this day to remind me of the good ol’ days.
This experience also led me to discover that Ottawa has a solid selection of auto body shops that offer not only cosmetic services but also comprehensive repairs. So, if you’re planning on making changes to your car or simply need a quick fix, keep on reading!
What is the average cost of auto body shop services in Ottawa?
The average cost of auto body shop services in Ottawa ranges from CAD300 to CAD3,000 for repairs, depending on the severity of the damage, and around CAD1,700 or more for repainting/refinishing.
1. MK AUTO BODY
Services: Collision repairs, accident repairs, colour match, paint peeling, rust repair
Location: 24 Bentley Ave.
Contact: +1 613-727-4347
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
MK AUTO BODY was recommended to us by a friend who recently had their car’s bumper repaired after a collision. They highlighted how quickly this shop was to pick up the phone, and shared their appreciation for the free estimate.
We also interviewed previous customers, and they shared the same sentiments regarding the shop’s responsiveness. Furthermore, they also told us how friendly and knowledgeable the mechanics were, sharing insightful tips on how to take care of their cars.
One of our favourite things we discovered about this place is their 24-hour drop-off service, which allows clients to leave their cars for servicing outside the garage’s working hours.
The turnaround time for their fixes is impressive as well, with some repairs taking just a couple of days to complete.
We also love the variety of services they offer, such as rust and bumper repairs and colour matching. However, we would’ve liked to see more services on the cosmetics side, like detailing and respraying.
Very happy with the service
“I have a 2020 Shelby GT500, which suffered some very unfortunate parking damage on both rear corners at the end of last year.
This spring, I was in desperate search of a body shop to get the car repaired. Mohamad was very quick to answer the form I submitted on their website, and I brought my car in for an estimate the next day I was free.
Ali was friendly and did the estimate quickly while I was there. He was knowledgeable and talked me through what would need to happen to get it looking new. I needed a new bumper and taillight.
They ordered the parts, and I dropped them off later that month. It was ready when they said it would, and it honestly looks like new. The paint is blended perfectly. You can’t even tell there was a scrape on the quarter panel.
It wasn’t cheap, fair, or needed a new bumper. Very happy with the service. I would rather avoid needing a repair like this again, but this is absolutely where I would come back to!”
Alexander Profeit, Google Review
Faster repairs at an affordable price
I went to them for my collision repairs. Service was very fast! They fixed it in a week, whereas all other shops were asking for 2 months. Mohamad was very professional and gave genuine advice.
Would definitely recommend them if you are looking for faster repairs at an affordable price.”
Manish Bagga, Google Review
2. Bemac Auto Body
Services: Car detailing, car paint, oil changes, safety inspections, auto body repair
Location: 900 Clyde Ave.
Contact: +1 613-725-3711
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Bemac Auto Body was one of our top prospects going into this list because of its impressive tenure of over 65 years in the industry. From what we’ve gathered, we can say here that their experience translates into the quality of their workmanship.
We interviewed previous clients who availed of the garage’s dent repairs, and they told us how their cars looked brand new after the service. They also highlighted how accurately they colour-matched the original paint of the vehicle to make the repair look seamless.
Our favourite thing about this garage is its wide array of services, ranging from repairs to maintenance and cosmetics. We’ve also seen before-and-after photos of their detailing services, courtesy of our respondents, and we were highly impressed!
However, we did notice that a handful of our respondents had little to alarming complaints about the garage’s delays. We do appreciate how the customer service addresses this by offering constant updates, though.
Flawless and finished on time
“I have had occasion to seek automotive expertise from Bemac twice. The staff greeted me with alacrity, as if I were a friend rather than a customer.
Those who practised their magic did so in such a way that the result was flawless and finished on time. It’s a place you would like to drop in just to say, hi … their workmanship … unmatched.”
John Kanellakos, Google Review
The staff was excellent
“Made a claim for the rust warranty on my Volkswagen and got the work done at Bemac Auto Body. The work that was done on my vehicle was exceptional, and the service from the staff was excellent.
Very friendly staff and super helpful when it came to any questions that I had or updates on the work. My biggest concern was that the colour match would be noticeable, considering the car is 12 years old, but to my surprise, it looks great! I feel like I’m driving a brand new car again.”
Mathieu Tremblay, Google Review
3. Scotty’s Auto Body
Services: Repairs, detailing, repainting, rust repairs
Location: 758 Gladstone Ave.
Contact: +1 613-234-8056
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
We surveyed gearheads across Ottawa regarding their go-to garages, and Scotty’s Auto Body caught our attention because of their reasonable rates. A handful of our respondents told us how the final fee was cheaper than the initial quotation.
Also, we were glad to see that they don’t cut corners to achieve these rates. We’ve asked their clients regarding their repairs, and they told us how great the mechanics were at making dents look seamless.
Some clients were also kind enough to offer before-and-after photos of their cars, and we were shocked at how they looked brand new after repairs. We also gained insight into the friendliness and skill of their mechanics, based on our interviewees’ continuous praise of their workmanship and estimates.
Scotty’s Auto Body is also among the most accessible garages in Ottawa because it’s located in the heart of the city. The only downsides here are its limited operating hours and lack of an official website.
Went above and beyond
“We have used the services of Scotty’s a number of times in the past, and that is why we keep returning! Excellent work and such friendly personnel! They went above and beyond this time to repair a hit-and-run side swipe of my car.
I had not had the time yet to get my usual spring detailing of the interior, and was so surprised and pleased to see that Scotty’s had completed it as well when I picked my car up this morning! That’s what you call service above and beyond! You cannot go wrong with Scotty’s!!!”
Bernita Capstick, Google Review
User review title
“Absolutely fantastic experience! The final price came in at less than the quote, the work was done extremely quickly and very well, and they cleaned the car inside and out. Thank you, Monique and Scotty’s team!”
Mehta, Google Review
4. Simplicity Car Care – Ottawa Downtown
Services: Auto painting, collision repair, tow and rental services, glass repair, wheel repair
Location: 75 Aberdeen St.
Contact: +1 613-238-4165
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
We’ve driven by Simplicity Car Care multiple times in Downtown, and we’ve always been interested in their services because they never seem to run out of customers. We called them, and one of their staff members was quick to answer, which is already a green flag.
One of the things we loved about our conversation was the friendly tone of their representative while explaining the garage’s services. This friendliness is also highlighted by our interviewees, stating how it didn’t make them feel intimidated one bit during the entire interaction.
Furthermore, our observations suggest that these workers were honest, as they often informed customers when the initial estimate exceeded the actual cost of the service.
Customers have also shared their appreciation for the shop’s variety of services. For instance, the garage offers car rental services to customers who need to take extra time to fix their car, ensuring they still have a vehicle to use.
Our only gripe is that they’re closed on weekends, so that’s one thing to consider for busy people.
The best body shop experience I’ve had
“By far the best body shop experience I’ve had! They did a great job taking a big dent out of my door and had a quick turnaround, too. I was quoted over 3x more by a different body shop for the same damage before coming here.
They got the work done a day faster and even cheaper than I was originally quoted. The staff is really nice, and they even washed and detailed my car and had it looking great after! Would definitely recommend”
Rachel Lamke, Google Review
The car looked brand new when I got it back
“The customer service at Simplicity was amazing, from the quote to the drop off and pick up, I was well taken care of. Kayla should teach courses on how to do it. She was friendly, communicated clearly and made an experience I had been dreading into a pleasurable one.
The car looked brand new when I got it back, and it was even vacuumed, even though all the damage was on the outside of the vehicle. It was a step of service that made me smile. I definitely recommend Simplicity Car Care.”
Ellen Kuschnik, Google Review
5. Aleks Auto Body Works
Services: Collision repairs, respraying, dent repairs, bumper repairs, frame straightening
Location: 480 Gladstone Ave.
Contact: +1 613-233-8848
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Aleks Auto Body Works was our go-to because of their no-frills and straightforward approach to repairs and modifications. For starters, they offer services like frame straightening, collision repairs, and repainting at reasonable prices.
Their mechanics are experienced enough to provide accurate estimates from the get-go, and more often than not, they’re right! We also heard from other customers how they can be honest when they miscalculate and end up with a lower price.
We also appreciate the transparency of their estimates, as they always provide a thorough breakdown of the service’s cost.
The turnaround time of their services is impeccable as well. Furthermore, we appreciate how their mechanics constantly provide updates on the service to give clients realistic expectations on when they can return to the garage.
However, interviewees have shared their occasional dismay with some of the mechanics’ attitudes, with some saying they were treated rudely. We haven’t experienced this first-hand, but it’s still worth bringing up here.
Impressively fast
“Can only recommend!
Reached out yesterday at lunch for a quote, had done another quote, and Aleks Auto Body was $400 cheaper for the same service. Sent in the deposit to buy the parts at 4:30 PM, got updates through texts during the whole process.
Got the part delivered this morning, dropped the car off this morning as I needed this done quickly, and collected my car at lunch today with a job well done.
Service was impressively fast, the team was friendly, and the price was consistent! 24 hours all around from the first phone call to the car picked up is 5-star service, thank you to you both!”
Océane Beauvais, Google Review
You could tell they know business
“This is a shop that will not just do insurance claims, which is rare but not unexpected, as they are an owner-managed business- in this sector, that is a serious bonus because they can spend their time on your car as opposed to corporate paperwork.
I dropped by unannounced, and they fit me in to look at the small paint repair – you could tell they know the business just by listening to them – booked the appointment only a couple weeks out to fit my schedule- dropped it off and as promised
The call was done a couple of days later. Car washed and cleaned – work done. If you know the value of a good body shop, I highly recommend Aleks. BTW- Mom & Dad were there to settle the bill and have a nice little chat.”
Hugh Thorne, Google Review
