Lithia Body & Paint of Des Moines

Lithia Body & Paint of Des Moines, located at 9943 Hickman Rd Suite #400, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA, operates as a dedicated collision repair and auto paint facility within the broader "Auto Repair Stations" category. As part of the extensive Lithia Motors network, one of the largest automotive retail groups in the United States, this body shop benefits from established operational procedures and access to resources that support comprehensive vehicle restoration after accidents. They are accessible via phone at (877) 331-2413 or mobile at +1 877-331-2413, serving as a point of contact for individuals seeking post-collision vehicle repair.

The primary services offered by Lithia Body & Paint of Des Moines revolve around restoring vehicles that have sustained damage, primarily from collisions. Their specialization in "Body & Paint" indicates a focus on aesthetic and structural integrity after an impact. Key services typically include:

• **Collision Repair:** This is the core service, encompassing everything from minor fender benders to extensive structural damage. It involves repairing or replacing damaged body panels, bumpers, and other exterior components.
• **Frame Straightening:** Modern collision repair often requires sophisticated frame straightening equipment to ensure the vehicle's chassis is returned to factory specifications, which is crucial for safety, alignment, and overall vehicle performance.
• **Auto Painting and Color Matching:** A critical aspect of body repair is achieving a seamless paint finish. This includes meticulous surface preparation, priming, painting, and clear coating. Advanced color-matching technology is employed to ensure the new paint perfectly blends with the vehicle's existing finish.
• **Dent Removal:** While some minor dents might be addressed with paintless dent repair (PDR), more significant dents require traditional bodywork, including filling, sanding, and repainting.
• **Scratch Removal:** Addressing surface scratches, from minor clear coat abrasions to deeper paint damage.
• **Glass Replacement:** Repair or replacement of damaged windshields, side windows, and rear glass.
• **Post-Repair Detailing:** Often, a basic cleaning or detailing is provided to ensure the vehicle is returned in a presentable condition.

As a facility operating under a large automotive group like Lithia Motors, the environment of Lithia Body & Paint of Des Moines is expected to be professional and equipped with modern tools and technology. This would typically include state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for assessing collision damage, advanced welding equipment for structural repairs, dedicated paint booths to ensure a dust-free and controlled painting environment, and specialized tools for precise body panel alignment and installation. The facility likely maintains a clean and organized workspace, designed to facilitate efficient workflow for complex repair processes.

Customer experiences, as reflected in the provided reviews, offer contrasting perspectives on the features and service quality at Lithia Body & Paint of Des Moines. One review provides highly positive feedback, specifically praising an individual:

"Jeff Carman leaves the best voicemails. Always had the details I needed, so I never had to call back. It made my life a lot easier not worrying about my car, repair timelines, or trying to find time away from work to call back. Thank you, Jeff and Lithia!"

This testimonial highlights a significant strength: **excellent customer communication** from a specific service advisor. Clear, proactive, and detailed updates are invaluable in the context of collision repair, which can be a stressful and lengthy process. The ability to provide comprehensive information without requiring follow-up calls demonstrates a high level of professionalism and customer care, significantly easing the customer's burden and building trust. This indicates that at least some staff members are highly effective in managing customer expectations and providing a smooth experience.

However, another review details a highly negative experience, pointing to serious shortcomings in service delivery:

"Body shop had my car for almost two months. Never called me to tell me my car was finished. When I picked it up… car wasn’t washed. Car was dead and I had to jump it. Plus there was NEW Damage done while in their care. They didn’t tell me about it or fix it. When I brought it to their attention he said they’d have to call me later."

This review indicates several critical issues: **extended repair timelines without communication, lack of post-repair care (car not washed, dead battery), and, most critically, new damage incurred while in their care that was not disclosed or addressed.** The dismissive response when the new damage was brought to their attention further exacerbates the negative experience. This suggests inconsistencies in quality control, communication, and accountability. It raises concerns about the overall customer experience and vehicle handling once a specific point of contact (like "Jeff Carman") is not involved or if the overall process allows for such oversights.

Such disparate reviews suggest that while individual customer service representatives can provide exemplary service, there may be systemic issues regarding overall process consistency, quality control, and standard post-repair procedures within the broader operation. For a body shop, transparency and meticulous handling of vehicles are paramount, and the negative review indicates a failure on these fronts in that particular instance.

Promotional information for Lithia Body & Paint of Des Moines would typically focus on its affiliation with the Lithia Motors brand, emphasizing trust, reliability, and access to a broad network. They would highlight their expertise in collision repair, their use of advanced equipment and certified technicians, and their commitment to restoring vehicles to pre-accident condition. Testimonials like the one for Jeff Carman would be invaluable for promoting their customer-focused approach. They would likely also emphasize their ability to work with various insurance companies to streamline the claims process for customers. However, to maintain a consistent positive reputation, addressing the issues highlighted in critical reviews related to communication, timelines, and post-repair vehicle handling would be crucial for their long-term promotional efforts and customer retention.

In conclusion, Lithia Body & Paint of Des Moines, located in Urbandale, IA, serves as a dedicated collision repair and auto painting facility under the Lithia Motors umbrella. It offers comprehensive services aimed at restoring damaged vehicles to their original state, utilizing advanced techniques and equipment. While the facility benefits from the resources and branding of a large automotive group and can provide excellent customer service through dedicated individuals like Jeff Carman, critical customer feedback indicates potential inconsistencies in repair timelines, post-repair vehicle handling, and overall communication that customers should be aware of when choosing their service. The goal is to provide a seamless and high-quality repair experience, and ongoing efforts to standardize excellent service across all interactions would reinforce their position in the market.