Neighbors since 1967.

J.R. Burkholder Auto Body opened in 1967, when Jay Ronald Burkholder set up shop on Lincoln Highway as a one-man operation.

He built his reputation on the work other shops turned away, the foreign uni-body cars coming into Lancaster County in those years, the Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Fiat that required a different approach than anything on the road before them.

Word traveled. By the mid-1970s the shop had grown past what one man could handle, and by 1985 it needed a second building. What carried it was never advertising. It was the quality of the work and the fact that it came back on time.

Steve Hostetter managed the shop for a decade before taking ownership in 2013, becoming the face customers knew and trusted. His standard for the work and his dedication to the people who brought it in shaped this shop for more than twenty years.

Today, J.R. Burkholder is managed by Bryan Snyder and Travis Whittington, who together bring [X] years at this shop and learned the trade on this floor.

The building has changed, the equipment has changed, and the cars have changed a lot. What hasn't changed is why people still turn off Route 30 to see us: for nearly sixty years, our neighbors have known the work will be done right.

Meet the Team

Bryan

Travis

John

Dallas

New Guy

Tina

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the shop my insurance company recommends?

No. Under Pennsylvania law, you choose the repair facility. Your insurer can suggest a shop on their network, but the decision is yours, and your claim can't be denied for choosing us.

Is an estimate free?

Yes, and there's no obligation. Call 717-768-3775 or request an appointment online. You can also send photos through our website for a rough idea, though photos can't reveal structural damage, hidden corrosion, or sensor issues behind a bumper cover. We'll give you a real number after we see the vehicle.

Do you work with my insurance company?

Yes, all major carriers. We deal directly with adjusters on estimates, supplements, and approvals so you're not stuck relaying messages between us and your insurer.

What's my deductible and when do I pay it?

It's the portion of the repair your policy makes you responsible for, commonly $250, $500, or $1,000. You pay it to us at pickup. If the accident wasn't your fault and the other driver's insurance is paying, you typically don't pay one at all.

What if my car is totaled?

Your insurer declares a total loss when the repair cost plus salvage value approaches what the vehicle is worth. That's their determination, not ours, and it can happen on damage that looks moderate, especially when airbags deploy. If it does, we'll help you get your belongings out and give you the documentation you need. If the valuation seems low, you can dispute it, and comparable local listings are your strongest evidence.

How long will my repair take?

Minor cosmetic work runs 2 to 4 days. Moderate damage across multiple panels takes 1 to 2 weeks. Major structural repairs run 3 weeks or more. We'll give you a target date at drop-off and tell you if it moves, along with why.

Will you use original manufacturer parts?

Whenever possible. Most insurance policies allow carriers to specify aftermarket or recycled parts on certain repairs, especially older vehicles. Your estimate lists exactly what's going on your car, and if you'd prefer OEM where your insurer won't fund it, you can pay the difference.

Will the new paint match the rest of my car?

Yes. Factory paint fades with sun exposure, so a fresh mix of your original color code rarely matches an older panel on its own. We use computerized color matching and blend into adjacent panels so the transition is invisible. On a well-done repair you shouldn't be able to tell where the work was.

Do you offer a warranty?

We warrant our workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle. That covers our body and structural work and our refinish work, including peeling, cracking, and blistering. Parts carry their own manufacturer's warranty, and new damage from a later accident isn't covered. Bring the vehicle back to us with your original invoice and we'll take care of it.

Can I get a rental car?

If your policy includes rental coverage, we'll help coordinate with your insurer and a local rental company. Check your daily and total-day limits, because a long repair can outrun them.

Services

Major Collision Repair

Dents & Scratches

Paint & Color Matching

Rust Repair

Custom Body Work

Antique Restoration