Toyota dealership body shops can do a good job. But there are plenty of new car dealership body shops that I would never let touch my car. In my community, the best body shops are independent body shops because body repairs are all they do.

Keep in mind that for most all new car dealerships, the body shop is not a priority part of their business. It's not a money maker. Dealerships make their money selling new and used cars, not repairing body damage. For this reason, some dealerships owners don't invest in the best technicians and the latest technology and training.

In fact, some dealerships are getting out of the body shop end of the business altogether. With EPA regs, etc. it's just too much of a headache.

Independent body shops make their money only in auto body repairs, and must do so with absolute excellence to prosper.

What determines the quality of repairs is the technician that touches the car. Good shops will have great reputations, and you can find out by asking friends and neighbors who does good work. They will get the work done right and on time. They will work with your insurance company. They are well managed.

And you want to make sure that the body shop has properly trained techs who have the latest industry certified training in hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles have high voltage components that require special training to repair.