Getting into a car accident is never fun. Even if it’s just a minor fender bender, the process of getting your vehicle repaired through insurance claims, finding a reliable auto body shop, and coordinating rentals can be a major headache.
When it comes to collision repair chains, two big names stand out: Service King and Caliber Collision. Both companies have hundreds of locations across the U.S. and repair over 1 million vehicles per year. They promise to make the repair process as smooth and efficient as possible.
But which chain is better: Service King or Caliber Collision? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of each company to help you decide which is the best option for your repair needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Service King | Caliber Collision |
| # of Repair Facilities | 300+ | 1,000+ |
| Technicians Employed | 7,000+ | 24,000+ |
| Vehicles Repaired Annually | 500,000+ | 600,000+ |
| Years in Business | 45 years | 25 years |
| Repair Capabilities | Major collision repairs | High-tech, ADAS, aluminum, steel |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Rental Assistance | Free standard rentals | Rideshares, rentals |
| Customer Service | Dedicated reps | Some inconsistency |
| Cost | Expensive | Competitively priced |
| Parts Used | OEM | OEM |
| Eco-Friendly | No special programs | Solar, wind turbines, recycling |
| Insurance Network | Limited national insurers | 20+ top insurers |
| Technology | Industry standard | Proprietary diagnostic tools |
Overview Of Service King And Caliber Collision
First, let’s take a high-level look at each of these collision repair chains.
Service King
- Founded in 1976 in Dallas, TX
- Operates over 300 collision repair facilities in 24 states
- Employs over 7,000 technicians and professionals
- Repairs over 500,000 vehicles per year
- Offers repairs for all makes and models of vehicles
- Provides rental cars, towing, and warranty on work
Caliber Collision
- Founded in 1997 in Lewisville, TX
- Operates over 1,000 repair centers in 37 states
- Employs over 24,000 technicians and professionals
- Repairs over 600,000 vehicles per year
- Specializes in auto body repairs from collisions
- Provides rental cars, towing, and lifetime warranty
As you can see, both companies have a national presence and high annual repair volume. Caliber Collision operates about 3 times as many centers as Service King though.
Next, let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of each company.
Also Read: Comparison Between 1A Auto Vs. AutoZone
Pros And Cons Of Service King And Caliber Collision
Service King Pros
Service King touts its experienced technicians, repair speed, and warranty program as advantages. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Technician experience – With over 40 years in business, Service King techs are collision repair experts. Many have 10+ years of experience specifically with Service King training.
- Repair speed – Service King pledges to deliver your vehicle back faster than competitors. Most repairs take just 3-5 days.
- Warranty – You get a lifetime warranty on workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle. If there are issues down the road, Service King will fix them for free.
- OEM parts – They use original manufacturer parts for repairs rather than lower-cost aftermarket parts. This maintains the integrity of your vehicle.
- Rental assistance – Free rental cars are provided during the repair process so you can maintain your daily commute.
- Dedicated reps – A single customer service representative is assigned to you to oversee the entire repair process.
Caliber Collision Pros
Caliber Collision touts its cutting-edge technology, extensive solutions, and commitment to eco-friendly practices as advantages. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Repair capabilities – Caliber can handle all types of collision repairs including aluminum, high-strength steel, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
- Proprietary software – Caliber techs utilize purpose-built diagnostic and calibration tools for efficient, accurate repairs. This includes tools for ADAS components.
- Eco-friendly – Many Caliber centers feature solar power, wind turbines, and water reclamation systems to reduce environmental impact.
- Alternative transportation – In addition to rental cars, Caliber offers rides home and to work through partnerships with Uber and Lyft.
- Insurance network – They work with over 20 national insurers to make the claims process fast and headache-free.
- Rewards program – Customers earn points with each visit that can be redeemed for gift cards and other perks.
Also Read: Comparison Between Maaco And Caliber Collision.
Service King Cons
While Service King has many positives, there are some downsides to be aware of as well:
- Limited locations – With only 300 centers nationwide, your closest Service King might be very far away depending on where you live.
- Mixed reviews – Some customers complain of poor-quality repairs, lengthy delays getting vehicles back, and bad experiences with certain locations.
- Higher cost – On average, Service King’s pricing is more expensive than competitors. While they use OEM parts, the labor rates tend to be higher.
- Lack of technology – Compared to Caliber, Service King lags behind in advanced repair capabilities and diagnostics technology.
- No eco-friendly focus – They do not promote any environmental programs or sustainability initiatives.
Caliber Collision Cons
Caliber Collision also comes with a few disadvantages to keep in mind:
- Corporate feel – Some customers complain that Caliber feels more corporate and less personalized compared to local shops.
- Quality concerns – With such high volume, there have been instances of lower quality repairs slipping through at certain locations.
- Scheduling delays – Getting an appointment scheduled can take 1-2 weeks due to high demand at certain centers.
- Upselling – Some consumers report feeling pressured to pay for unnecessary add-ons or repairs they did not authorize.
- Inconsistent policies – Certain perks like rental reimbursement amounts can vary widely depending on location.
Key Differences Between Service King And Caliber Collision
- Service King has more seasoned technicians while Caliber Collision employs more techs overall.
- Service King pledges faster repairs while Caliber has more cutting-edge technology.
- Service King’s warranty and rental car perks are standardized while Caliber’s vary.
- Service King focuses on customer service while Caliber is more technologically advanced.
So which company is better? It really comes down to your priorities and what repair services you need.
Which Company Is Best For You?
Here are some guidelines for choosing between Service King Vs. Caliber Collision:
Service King is better if you:
- Want seasoned technicians working on your vehicle
- Need major collision repairs like unibody straightening
- Value fast repair times above all else
- Prioritize customer service and personal attention
Caliber Collision is better if you:
- Need repairs on high-tech vehicle components and ADAS
- Care about eco-friendly business practices
- Want the widest range of solutions like Uber transportation
- Have an insurance provider they work closely with
No matter which you choose, always get an itemized estimate upfront and thoroughly research the specific location doing the work. Both Service King and Caliber Collision have had their share of customer complaints, so make sure you feel comfortable with the shop handling your repair.
Also Read: Comparison Between Caliber Collision And Gerber Collision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Caliber Collision is the largest collision repair company in the United States. They operate over 1,000 repair centers across 37 states and employ over 24,000 technicians.
Experts estimate Caliber Collision controls around 15% of the $47 billion collision repair market. This makes them over 3 times larger than their next biggest competitor, Service King.
Yes, Caliber Collision is a profitable company. They bring in around $4 billion in annual revenue and have maintained positive net income since going private in 2021. The company has succeeded by scaling rapidly through acquisitions while also focusing on cost discipline.
Caliber Collision generates approximately $4 billion in annual revenue according to the latest financial data. Revenue has grown steadily over the past decade as they have acquired competitors and expanded into new markets.
Also watch this about Service King!
Conclusion
Service King and Caliber Collision are the two heavyweights when it comes to collision repair chains. Service King offers experienced technicians, faster repairs, and excellent customer service. Caliber Collision provides high-tech solutions, eco-friendly facilities, and seamless insurance claims processing.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each brand based on what you prioritize for repairs. Check reviews and repair capabilities at your local centers as quality can vary. With either choice, you gain the benefits of a professional repair backed by a lifetime warranty versus using a random auto body shop.
In the unfortunate event of a collision, turn to these industry leaders to get your vehicle looking good as new.
