FARIBAULT, MN – November 2025. When drivers in southern Minnesota are told where to take their damaged vehicle after an accident, many don’t realize they have a choice. Malecha’s Auto Body, an OEM-certified auto body shop with locations in Faribault and Waseca, is on a mission to educate and advocate for drivers, ensuring every repair meets factory safety standards, not insurance shortcuts. Drivers can learn more or schedule an estimate at the Faribault location.
“Too often, insurance companies push drivers toward shops that prioritize cost savings over quality,” says William “Willy” Malecha, Founder and President of Malecha’s Auto Body. “We stand for our customers, not the insurer. Every repair we do follows the manufacturer’s procedures and protects your right to a safe, factory-correct vehicle.”
Malecha’s Auto Body holds eight OEM certifications, including Ford, GM, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Honda/Acura, and Chrysler/Jeep/Ram/Fiat. Both locations are also I-CAR Gold Class–certified, a distinction earned by less than 20% of collision centers nationwide. These certifications confirm that Malecha’s technicians use original equipment parts, specialized tools, and procedures that align directly with factory standards. Drivers can learn more about OEM repair requirements by visiting I-CAR.
Advocacy First: Helping Drivers Understand Their Rights
Beyond its technical credentials, Malecha’s is recognized for its customer-first advocacy. The team helps drivers navigate complicated post-accident decisions, especially when insurance pressure or misinformation is involved. Their process includes:
Communicating directly with insurance adjusters to prevent underwritten or incomplete repairs
Providing detailed photo documentation and transparent updates throughout the repair
Educating drivers on their legal right in Minnesota to choose their repair shop and request OEM parts
Shielding customers from improper steering, misinformation, or pressure to use non-certified facilities
“Many drivers don’t know that an insurer cannot legally force you into a specific shop,” Malecha explains. “We make sure they understand that their safety, not the carrier’s cost savings, comes first.”
OEM-Correct Repairs from Start to Finish
Each repair at Malecha’s begins with a free digital estimate using CCC One estimating software, followed by a complete teardown and blueprint to uncover hidden damage. This upfront inspection prevents surprise costs and ensures every structural, mechanical, and ADAS-related issue is identified before repairs begin.
Malecha’s utilizes:
Chief computerized frame measuring and straightening
In-house ADAS calibration using OEM-compliant targets and scan tools
Autel, Opus, OTC, and OEM diagnostic systems for pre- and post-scans
Specialized welders and structural equipment for modern aluminum and high-strength steel
This comprehensive approach ensures that every vehicle is returned to pre-accident safety and performance standards.
Factory-Quality Paint and Finishing
Inside the paint department, both facilities use PPG Envirobase® High Performance waterborne paint, the same technology used at the factory level. Combined with heated Global Finishing Solutions downdraft spray booths and digital spectrometer color matching, drivers receive a seamless, eco-friendly, factory-grade finish every time.
Customers can explore Malecha’s full list of services and their Lifetime Warranty program online.
Safety First: Why Proper Repairs Matter
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), improperly repaired vehicles can compromise crash energy management, airbag timing, radar alignment, and sensor accuracy. Small deviations, such as improper welds, incorrect bumper covers, or out-of-spec calibrations, can lead to dangerous malfunctions on the road.
By maintaining its own in-house calibration center and strictly following OEM repair procedures, Malecha’s ensures every repaired vehicle performs exactly as its manufacturer intended.
With a 4.9-star Carwise rating, A+ BBB accreditation, and a reputation built on honesty and precision, Malecha’s Auto Body provides the level of quality and trust that large chain shops and insurance-driven repair programs often overlook.
About Malecha’s Auto Body
Malecha’s Auto Body is southern Minnesota’s premier OEM-certified collision repair provider, serving Faribault and Waseca. Founded in 2002 by Willy Malecha, the company combines modern technology with small-town values, offering full collision repair, ADAS calibration, auto glass replacement, paint refinishing, and accessories. 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
Malecha’s Auto Body – Waseca
715 S State St, Waseca, MN 56093
?? (507) 835-8615
