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What Is Frame and Unibody Repair?

Almost every car and crossover on the road today is a unibody: the body shell itself is the structure, engineered with crumple zones that absorb a crash so the cabin does not. Trucks and some SUVs still ride on a separate frame. When a collision bends either one, the vehicle will not track straight, doors and hoods will not line up, and the crumple zones will not perform the way the engineers designed them in the next accident.

Structural repair is the part of collision work you cannot see at pickup, which is exactly why it has to be done right. L-M Body Shop measures the structure, pulls it back to the manufacturer's dimensions and repairs or replaces structural parts the way the manufacturer specifies.

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Frame & Unibody Repair at L-M Body Shop in Kirkland, WA

How Do You Know a Car Has Structural Damage?

Some signs are obvious: a hood that will not close, a door that rubs, a car that pulls to one side after the accident. Others only show up on the measuring system. That is why every significant collision at our shop gets measured against factory reference points before we write the final repair plan, and why we document those measurements for you and your insurer.

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How Do You Know a Car Has Structural Damage?

Can a Bent Frame or Unibody Really Be Fixed Safely?

Yes, within limits the manufacturer defines. Mild to moderate misalignment is pulled back to specification on the frame rack. Structural parts that are kinked, torn or made of high-strength steels that cannot be straightened are sectioned or replaced at the exact locations and with the exact welds the manufacturer calls for. When a vehicle is beyond safe repair we say so, and we help you document it for a total loss claim.

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Can a Bent Frame or Unibody Really Be Fixed Safely?

What Happens After the Structure Is Straight?

Suspension and alignment are checked, replaced panels are fitted and gapped, and the vehicle is refinished. Steering, airbag and driver-assistance systems are verified before you get the keys. Then it is washed and ready to drive like nothing happened.

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What Happens After the Structure Is Straight?

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN EVERY L-M STRUCTURAL REPAIR

no surprises, no hidden line items

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FRAME & UNIBODY BEFORE AND AFTER

drag the slider, same car days apart

Before: Chevrolet Camaro: rear structure, quarter panel and bumper After: Chevrolet Camaro: rear structure, quarter panel and bumper

Chevrolet Camaro: rear structure, quarter panel and bumper

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RELATED SERVICES

work that usually comes up alongside frame & unibody repair

Collision Repair

Fender benders to major accidents, repaired to pre-accident condition with a written estimate up front and your insurance claim handled for you.

Learn more

Insurance Claim Repairs

All major insurance companies accepted. We open the claim with you, talk to the adjuster, handle supplements and arrange the rental.

Learn more

Auto Paint & Refinishing

Computer-matched paint, blended into the surrounding panels so the repair disappears. Scratches, chips, single panels or the whole car.

Learn more

FRAME & UNIBODY NEAR YOU

Kirkland neighborhoods and Eastside cities we serve

Local details for frame & unibody repair in the cities and neighborhoods around our Totem Lake shop.

Kirkland Totem Lake Juanita Finn Hill Kingsgate Houghton Bothell Kenmore Lake Forest Park Woodinville Redmond Bellevue Sammamish Mill Creek Duvall Carnation All areas

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

4.9 stars on Google from 265 reviews

Great service and great people. I had passenger side door's panel came off due to a little accident. I reached out to multiple body shop but LM body shop struck great impression in my mind. In the first interaction I knew that they're genuine and not trying to scam you. One of the part from the panel seems to be reusable and advised me to buy part by myself, so I can return if they don't ended up using it while repairing. And they didn't use it and saved me $500. Other bodyshops that I went, they never offered me this option and asked me to replace good part as well. In addition to that I didn't have to take the appointments for the quote, like I had to for the other places. They gave me quote promptly and squeezed the repair in their schedule as soon as the part arrived. I would definitely recommend this body shop to my friends and family.

Shalin MehtaGoogle review · a month ago

Lorri and her team were amazing. This was my first time dealing with collision repairs and an insurance claim after someone damaged my rear bumper, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. They took the time to answer my questions, explain the process, and made everything feel much less stressful. Lorri was calm, kind, and incredibly easy to communicate with from start to finish. Her customer service really stood out and made a difficult situation so much easier to navigate. Highly recommend for quality repairs and excellent customer service.

Brenton LovellGoogle review · 2 months ago

I can't say enough good things about L-M Body Shop. I brought my brand-new Lexus in for a scratch, and Lorri took the time to try the least invasive solution before recommending a repair. The result exceeded my expectations, and I truly appreciated the honesty and care. It's refreshing to find a shop that genuinely looks out for its customers. Thank you again, Lorri!

Karin ChenGoogle review · 2 months ago
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FRAME & UNIBODY QUESTIONS

straight answers from the shop

Is a car with frame damage safe to drive?

Not until it is measured. A bent structure can affect steering, tire wear and how the car protects you in another crash. If your car was hit hard, have it checked even if it looks fine.

Does insurance cover frame and unibody repair?

Yes, structural repair is part of a normal collision claim. We document the measurements and the repair plan for the adjuster and handle the supplement if hidden damage is found.

Will my car ever be the same after frame repair?

When the structure is returned to factory specification using the manufacturer's procedures, yes. That is the standard we repair to, and we will tell you if a vehicle cannot meet it.

More answers on the Collision Repair Q&A page, or call (425) 821-8074.