Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Body Repair Shop to Fix Your Car After an Accident
Auto Body Repair
A car accident can cause you stress and hassles for days, weeks, or even months as you deal with injuries, medical and auto insurance hassles, and car repairs.
Choosing the right shop for collision repair doesn’t have to be a challenge, however.
Consider these tips for selecting a facility that will do the job well.
Ask Around
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of asking friends, family, and coworkers who they have used for auto body repairs.
Most people who own a car have dealt with a body shop at some point.
Consider the strong positive and negative opinions of those you ask as you narrow your search, but don’t make a final decision based on only one opinion.
Check Out Reviews
Online reviews can help you make a good decision. If you see only vague, positive reviews, use caution.
Check trusted online review sources like Google Maps for reviews with a high level of detail and clear photos.
Read both positive and negative reviews to see if you pick up on trends or potential concerns.
Ask a Trusted Mechanic
If you’re not familiar with the more nuanced details of cars and car repair, you might not realize that there is a difference between an auto body repair shop and an auto repair shop or mechanic.
Auto body repair shops generally focus on repairing the damage done to the exterior of your car rather than the engine.
This is why they’re often also called collision centers. They can repair dents, repaint the car, replace windows or windshields, and restore other damaged parts, but they won’t usually focus on the engine, which is the mechanic’s area of expertise.
If you’ve had car repairs done by a mechanic you trust, ask them for auto body repair recommendations.
Most mechanics have a preferred body shop, but you should still do your research.
Some mechanics may recommend a shop that gives them a referral fee or has some kind of association with them. Still, no one is in a better position to recommend a body shop than a mechanic.
Seek Certified Technicians
Certified technicians are trained on the specific requirements of certain car brands.
Look for collision repair facilities that promote certification for your vehicle’s make and model.
A shop may also be certified by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).
If a shop won’t discuss certifications, they probably don’t have the right qualifications for your vehicle.
Ask the Right Questions
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a facility, make sure they’re right for you by asking intelligent questions.
Find out if they offer written estimates, work with insurance companies directly, secure your vehicle while it’s at the shop, or provide payment plans.
Ask how long the work will take. Trustworthy facilities will be happy to provide thorough answers and will be true to what they say.
Most importantly, trust your instincts. If you don’t like the look of a shop, aren’t greeted by someone friendly and professional, or are concerned about your safety when visiting the area where the shop is located, for example, choose another shop.
You deserve quality work and a safe, hassle-free experience.
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Category: Car Insurance
