FARIBAULT, MN – January 2026. Malecha’s Auto Body, a family-owned and OEM-certified collision repair provider in Faribault, Minnesota, is helping local drivers better understand how auto body repair estimates are calculated and why transparency is critical after a collision.
Drivers can learn more about the collision repair estimating process and schedule an inspection at Malecha’s Auto Body in Faribault.
Repair estimates are more than cost summaries. They are detailed repair plans that outline the procedures required to restore a vehicle’s structure, safety systems, and appearance. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), improper or incomplete repairs can affect vehicle crashworthiness and long-term safety.
“An estimate should never be a guess,” said William “Willy” Malecha, Founder and President of Malecha’s Auto Body. “Our estimates are built around what the manufacturer requires to safely repair the vehicle—not what’s fastest or cheapest.”
Malecha’s Auto Body explains that every estimate begins with a thorough inspection and pre-repair diagnostic scanning. Modern vehicles contain dozens of electronic modules, and even minor collisions can trigger hidden fault codes. The I-CAR Gold Class program emphasizes that pre-repair scanning is required by most manufacturers to identify safety-related issues that may not be visible.
Accurate estimates also require partial disassembly. Removing bumpers, trim, and panels allows technicians to identify hidden damage such as bent brackets, damaged wiring, or structural movement. These findings are documented and included in the repair plan so customers and insurance providers understand exactly what the vehicle needs.
OEM repair procedure research is another critical step in the estimating process. Manufacturers publish specific instructions for structural repair, parts replacement, welding methods, refinishing, and calibration requirements. Following these procedures ensures the repair restores factory safety standards.
Parts selection is also carefully documented. In Minnesota, consumers have the right to know which parts are being used and why. OEM parts are often required for structural areas and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) mounting points to ensure proper fit and performance.
Many estimates also include ADAS calibration when required by the manufacturer. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), proper sensor alignment and calibration are essential for systems such as lane assist and automatic emergency braking to function correctly after repairs.
Malecha’s Auto Body performs estimating as part of its comprehensive auto body repair process, ensuring inspections, repairs, diagnostics, and refinishing are coordinated under one roof. This approach reduces delays, improves accuracy, and provides better documentation throughout the claims process.
All repairs performed at Malecha’s Auto Body are backed by a Lifetime Warranty, giving Faribault drivers confidence that their repair was completed according to OEM standards. Additional information on collision repair best practices is available through NHTSA and I-CAR.
About Malecha’s Auto Body
Malecha’s Auto Body is southern Minnesota’s premier OEM-certified collision repair provider, serving Faribault and Waseca, MN. Founded in 2002 by Willy Malecha, the company combines advanced repair technology with small-town integrity, offering collision repair, paintless dent repair, glass replacement, ADAS calibration, and PPG-certified refinishing. Every repair is backed by a Lifetime Warranty and handled with transparency, quality, and care.
Contact Information
Malecha’s Auto Body – Faribault
190 20th St NW
Faribault, MN 55021
?? (507) 838-8166
