CARSTAR is one of the largest networks of independently owned collision repair shops in North America. New York has a growing number of locations under that banner, spread across the five boroughs, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. If you are searching for a collision repair center after an accident or storm, working with a CARSTAR-affiliated collision repair center generally means I-CAR-trained technicians and standardized repair processes. Each location is still locally owned and run day to day by its own team, so quality and specialties can vary shop to shop.
Below are the top 10 CARSTAR network shops serving drivers across the New York metro area, starting with Spectrum Auto's two locations and continuing through Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx, and Long Island. Each entry includes the address and what sets that collision repair center apart.
Why the CARSTAR network matters for New York drivers
Independent auto body shops vary widely in equipment, training, and insurance relationships. A network affiliation like CARSTAR adds a baseline standard across otherwise independent collision repair center businesses, which can be reassuring if you have never had to choose a body shop under pressure before. That typically includes access to shared training resources, standardized repair documentation, and in many cases a national warranty on qualifying repairs.
I-CAR notes that Gold Class recognition reflects a shop's investment in ongoing, role-specific training across the collision repair disciplines relevant to today's vehicles, rather than a one-time certification earned and forgotten.
It does not mean every collision repair center performs identically. Some shops in the network hold I-CAR Gold Class status and multiple OEM certifications. Others are newer to the network and still building out those credentials. That is why it is worth checking a shop's specific certifications, not just its network affiliation, before booking a repair at any collision repair near me search result.
What to do right after an accident, before choosing a shop
A few steps before you commit to a repair shop can make the process smoother, regardless of which collision repair center you eventually choose:
- Document the scene. Photograph the damage, the other vehicle if applicable, and the surrounding area before leaving, if it is safe to do so.
- File a police report when required. Many insurers require one for claims above a certain damage threshold.
- Contact your insurer promptly. Starting the claims process early tends to keep repairs moving faster.
- Get more than one estimate if the damage is significant. Comparing a couple of quotes from different auto body shop options helps you understand the scope before committing.
- Ask about towing. Many CARSTAR-affiliated shops, including Spectrum Auto, offer coordination for tow service if your vehicle is not drivable.
Once the vehicle is at the shop, the intake process described later in this guide takes over. Having this groundwork done ahead of time tends to shorten the initial estimate visit as well.
Top 10 CARSTAR network collision centers serving New York drivers
1. CARSTAR Spectrum Auto, West Nyack
This location sits at 175 S Route 303, West Nyack, NY 10994. It is an I-CAR Gold Class certified facility with I-CAR Platinum-certified technicians. The shop holds 15+ OEM and specialty certifications, including Tesla-approved status, one of relatively few shops in the area to carry that credential. Services range from paintless dent repair to full structural correction and ADAS recalibration. The team also coordinates directly with insurers throughout the claims process, from the initial estimate through final vehicle pickup. As a full-service collision repair shop, it primarily serves Rockland County and the surrounding towns, including Nanuet, New City, and Nyack.
2. CARSTAR Spectrum Auto Cortlandt, Montrose
This location sits at 2104 Albany Post Rd, Montrose, NY 10548. It carries the same I-CAR Gold Class certification and OEM credentials as the West Nyack shop, rather than a scaled-down version of them. It serves Westchester County drivers, including Cortlandt, Peekskill, and the surrounding towns. Structural repair, color-matched refinishing, and ADAS calibration are all handled under one roof, so vehicles do not need to be routed to a separate specialist for any one stage.
3. CARSTAR Victory Auto Center, Staten Island
Located at 3130 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314. Victory Auto Center has operated at this location for over 30 years, making it one of the longer-established shops in the network on Staten Island. The shop offers collision repair, dent removal, and glass replacement for Staten Island drivers, and works with major insurance carriers on claims.
4. CARSTAR New Genesis Automotive, Richmond Hill
Located in Richmond Hill, Queens. New Genesis Automotive is an I-CAR Gold certified shop that has been part of the neighborhood since 2019. It offers collision repair, panel alignment, color matching, and airbag replacement for drivers across southern Queens, with a repair process the shop describes as closely monitored from intake through final inspection.
5. CARSTAR MacArthur Collision, Queens
Located at 13631 Springfield Blvd, Queens, NY 11413. This is one of the newer additions to the CARSTAR network in New York, having joined in 2025. Owner Michael Taliercio brings more than 25 years of collision repair industry experience to the shop, which spans over 4,000 square feet and holds I-CAR Gold Class status along with several OEM certifications.
6. CARSTAR Enterprise, Hollis
Located at 19825 Jamaica Ave, Hollis, NY 11423. CARSTAR Enterprise is I-CAR Gold certified and equipped with a dedicated paint booth for color-matched refinishing. The shop serves drivers across eastern Queens.
7. CARSTAR Rice's Collision, West Hempstead
Located at 191 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552. This shop has served the Long Island community since 1948, making it one of the longest-running names on this list, and is I-CAR Gold Certified under its current ownership. Its 15,000-square-foot repair facility, with an additional 15,000 square feet of yard space, handles collision repair, glass replacement, and insurance claims coordination.
8. CARSTAR Front-Line Collision, Long Island City
Located in Long Island City, Queens. Front-Line Collision is a family-owned shop that joined the CARSTAR network in 2022. The facility is I-CAR Gold Certified and serves western Queens and the surrounding boroughs, combining collision repair with an emphasis on keeping customers updated throughout the repair timeline.
9. CARSTAR Empire Auto Group, Bronx
Located at 1403 Story Ave, Bronx, NY 10473. Empire Auto Group is a locally owned and operated collision repair shop. It offers full body and paint services for Bronx drivers, with insurance claims support included.
10. CARSTAR Brooklyn Auto Solutions, Brooklyn
Located at 10019 Glenwood Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11236. Brooklyn Auto Solutions offers collision repair, dent removal, and storm damage repair. The shop is also recognized as a Rivian Certified Fleet Center, serving southeastern Brooklyn.
At a glance: CARSTAR network locations serving New York
| Shop | City / Borough | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| CARSTAR Spectrum Auto | West Nyack | I-CAR Gold Class, Tesla-approved, 15+ OEM certifications |
| CARSTAR Spectrum Auto Cortlandt | Montrose | I-CAR Gold Class, 15+ OEM certifications |
| CARSTAR Victory Auto Center | Staten Island | Operating at this location for over 30 years |
| CARSTAR New Genesis Automotive | Richmond Hill, Queens | I-CAR Gold certified |
| CARSTAR MacArthur Collision | Queens | I-CAR Gold Class, opened by a 25-year industry veteran |
| CARSTAR Enterprise | Hollis, Queens | I-CAR Gold certified, dedicated paint booth |
| CARSTAR Rice's Collision | West Hempstead | I-CAR Gold Certified, serving the area since 1948 |
| CARSTAR Front-Line Collision | Long Island City, Queens | I-CAR Gold Certified, family-owned |
| CARSTAR Empire Auto Group | Bronx | Locally owned and operated |
| CARSTAR Brooklyn Auto Solutions | Brooklyn | Rivian Certified Fleet Center |
How to choose the right collision repair near me
All 10 of these shops are part of the same national network. Even so, the right collision repair center for your vehicle still depends on a few practical factors:
- Location and drive time. A collision repair center closer to home or work makes drop-off and pickup easier, especially during a multi-day repair.
- Certifications for your vehicle's make. If you drive an EV, a hybrid, or a specific luxury brand, ask whether the collision repair center holds OEM certification for that manufacturer.
- In-house structural and ADAS capability. Not every auto body shop can handle frame correction or sensor recalibration on site. That can add time if the work has to be outsourced elsewhere.
- Insurance coordination. Ask whether the collision repair center works directly with your insurer and can walk you through the claims process before work begins.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that advanced driver assistance systems depend on precise sensor and camera alignment, and that collision repairs affecting those components should include proper recalibration as part of the repair process.
A quick way to narrow the list is to call ahead and ask two questions directly: which certifications the collision repair center holds for your specific vehicle, and whether structural and ADAS work happens on site or gets outsourced. The answers tend to separate the shops quickly.
It is also worth asking about turnaround expectations. Repair timelines vary based on parts availability and the extent of hidden damage found during teardown, so a collision repair center that gives a realistic range rather than a fixed promise is generally a good sign. A collision repair shop that explains its process clearly, rather than rushing through the estimate, tends to be more transparent throughout the rest of the repair as well.
What to expect from your first visit
Most CARSTAR-affiliated shops follow a similar intake process, even though the exact steps vary slightly by location. Knowing this sequence ahead of time can make the first visit feel less unfamiliar, especially if this is your first time dealing with a collision repair claim.
| Step | What typically happens |
|---|---|
| Initial estimate | A technician inspects the visible damage and provides a written estimate, often the same day. |
| Insurance coordination | The shop can help you understand your coverage and communicate with your insurance company, though final decisions rest with the insurer. |
| Teardown | Panels are removed to check for damage not visible from the outside before a final repair plan is confirmed. |
| Repair and refinishing | Structural, panel, and paint work proceed according to the confirmed plan. |
| Final inspection | A quality check confirms panel gaps, paint match, and system function before the vehicle is returned. |
Conclusion
New York drivers have a growing number of CARSTAR-affiliated options across the boroughs, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. Spectrum Auto's two locations bring I-CAR Gold Class certification, Tesla-approved status, and 15+ OEM certifications to the network's Rockland and Westchester County coverage. The other shops on this list extend that same collision repair center standard across Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx, and Long Island. Whichever collision repair center you choose, confirming certifications and asking about in-house capability upfront is the most reliable way to know what you are getting.
Frequently asked questions
Is every CARSTAR location certified the same way?
Certifications vary by shop and are typically listed on each location's page or posted in the facility. Ask directly about I-CAR and OEM certifications relevant to your vehicle before booking.
Do CARSTAR shops work with my insurance company?
Most CARSTAR-affiliated shops, including Spectrum Auto, coordinate with major insurers as part of the repair process. Final coverage decisions are made by your insurer.
What should I bring to my first estimate appointment?
Bring your insurance information, your driver's license, and any photos or documentation of the damage. Most shops can also provide a written estimate on the spot.
Can I choose any auto body shop in the CARSTAR network, or does my insurer decide?
In most cases, the choice of repair shop is yours. Insurers may recommend preferred shops, but you generally have the right to select the collision repair shop you trust, including any CARSTAR-affiliated location.
Is a Tesla-approved collision repair center different from a standard body shop?
Yes. Tesla-approved status requires a shop to meet specific structural, equipment, and technician training standards set by the manufacturer, which is one reason relatively few collision repair centers in the area carry that credential.
Get your estimate from Spectrum Auto
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