Been in an accident? Here’s what to do next.
An auto accident can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure of what to do next. In those critical moments, having a clear plan is essential to protect your safety, your vehicle, and your legal rights. We created this step-by-step guide to help you confidently navigate the process, from the scene of the accident to the final repair.
- Stay Safe & Prepared: Follow our on-the-scene checklist for immediate safety and proper documentation.
- Know Your Rights: Understand the Illinois law that guarantees you the right to choose your own trusted repair shop.
- Simplify Your Claim: Learn how to effectively communicate with your insurance company to ensure a smooth and fair process.
Auto Body Repair Services
Learn About Our History, Values, and Expertise in Auto Repair
Schaeffer Auto Body, in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is the area’s leading auto body shop serving Elk Grove Village, Des Plaines and surrounding areas since 1956. We specialize in collision repair, paintless dent repair, auto glass repair and installation, mechanical service and much more. We honor all major insurance companies. Evening and Saturday estimates available by appointment.

70 Years in Business

I-CAR Gold Certified

ASE Certified
Our Work
Use the sliders below to view the before and after images of vehicles we have serviced.






We Work on All Makes & Models
Foreign Brands & Fleet Vehicles
- German cars: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, VW, Porsche
- Japanese cars: Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Nissan
- Domestic cars: Ford, Lincoln, GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Jeep, Chrysler
- Fleet vehicles: RAM ProMaster, Ford Transit, Chevy Express, GMC Savana, Mercedes Sprinter
Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids
- Tesla: All models
- Ford: F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E
- Hyundai / Kia: EV9, EV6, Ioniq
Areas Served
What People Are Saying
Our Trusted Mechanical Repair Partner: J&Z Garage
When your vehicle needs expert mechanical repair in addition to body work, we trust our partners at J&Z Garage.
ASE-certified and dealer-trained technicians deliver the highest standard of service for every make and model, with deep expertise in German luxury vehicles and fleet service. Warranties are included for all parts & labor from J&Z Garage.
Call Us: (847) 593-6252 Location: 438 Crossen Ave, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Hours: Mon – Fri, 8 AM – 6 PM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No – Illinois law grants vehicle owners the right to select their own repair shop for vehicle repairs. You can choose your own body shop and do not need to take your car to the place your insurance company recommends. This is also documented here by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS).
Yes, we have a lifetime warranty on our workmanship. Warranties on parts will vary depending on the parts vendor.
Yes! Things that seem like minor damage may cause greater issues if they aren’t addressed. For example, if you have a slight fender bender or and have any sheet metal damage, this can ultimately lead to rust. Rust is a much more expensive problem to fix, can spread through the piece of metal, and decrease your cars resale value. In other cases, you may also have slight suspension issues, like alignment, that can cause irregular wear on the car as you use it.
Yes! We will restore your car to pre-accident condition. You can take a look at vehicles before and after collision repair here.
Time to get back on the road can depend on how long it takes to get parts, get your insurance claim approved, and the severity of the accident. In a lot of cases, we can get you back on the road in just a few days, in more severe cases, it may take a several weeks.
Body repair costs can vary quite a bit primarily based on the vehicle make/model, and the accident severity. We work with your insurance company to get all of the related expenses covered. Use our free quote tool here or stop in for a free estimate. Learn more about how we work with your insurance company and best practices like taking photos at the scene here.


