About Us
FAMILY-OWNED COLLISION REPAIR IN GRANITE CITY, IL SINCE the 1940s
Providing Expert & Honest Repairs For Over 75 Years
Snelson Collision Repair has been family-owned and operated in Granite City, Illinois for over 75 years. Built on craftsmanship, honesty, and long-term relationships, our shop has served generations of local families — and we continue that tradition today with modern technology and highly trained technicians.
From our earliest days to our current leadership, one thing has never changed: doing the job right and standing behind our work.
Our Story
In the late 1940s, Ray Horn built a two-bay service garage at 1822 Grand Avenue, with an apartment above where he and his family lived. From those humble beginnings, he built a respected auto body repair business, expanding the facility multiple times to meet the community’s needs.
In 1964, the business was purchased by Ron and Carol Snelson. Under their leadership, the shop continued to grow, adding more repair bays and strengthening its reputation for quality and value.
In 1998, when the Snelsons retired, ownership passed to Ken and Nancy Kohnen. Today, Snelson Collision Repair remains proudly family-owned, carrying forward the same commitment established by the Horn, Snelson, and Kohnen families — serving customers with integrity, care, and attention to detail.
Training & Certifications
Our technicians receive ongoing training from nationally recognized automotive organizations and manufacturers to stay current with modern vehicle technology. Our refinish work is backed by OEM Certification and a lifetime paint warranty.
- I-CAR Gold Class Certified Shop
- I-CAR Platinum Individual Technicians
- ASE-Certified Journeyman Technicians
- ASE Master Certification in auto body repair and refinishing
- Accredited Automotive Manager (Automotive Management Institute)
- Spies Hecker OEM-approved paint systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to repair my vehicle?
Every repair is different, so there is no standard timeframe. Repair time depends on the extent of damage, any hidden damage discovered during repairs, parts availability, and insurance approvals. We do everything possible to keep repairs moving efficiently and will keep you informed throughout the entire process.
Is it hard to match my paint?
Accurate color matching can be challenging, but our refinish technicians are trained and certified in Spies Hecker OEM-approved paint systems.
Ongoing training in modern color technology and strict application standards allows us to achieve factory-quality color match and finish. Our paint work is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Will you use new parts for my vehicle?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are always our first choice. However, some insurance policies require aftermarket or alternative replacement parts due to cost considerations. We recommend checking with your insurance agent to understand what your policy covers, and we’ll review all options with you before repairs begin.
How soon after repairs can I wash my vehicle?
You may wash your vehicle as soon as it is returned to you. We recommend using a brushless car wash and avoiding wax for 60 days to allow the paint finish to fully cure.
My insurance adjuster is steering me toward a specific body shop. Do I have the right to choose?
Yes. You always have the right to choose your repair facility. While insurance companies may recommend shops within their network, the final decision is entirely yours.
What makes Snelson Collision Repair different?
Snelson Collision Repair has proudly served Granite City and surrounding communities since the 1940s. We provide quality repairs, efficient turnaround times, and a lifetime warranty on all repairs. Our technicians are certified, continually trained, and committed to restoring your vehicle to pre-accident condition.
This is your vehicle. This is your choice.
Call us today
Phone: (618) 452-7165