If you’ve been in an accident, you need an auto body shop that can repair your car correctly and quickly. You also need a shop that is honest and dependable.
Request references from family and friends, peruse online testimonials and look at certifications before deciding. Here are some suggestions for selecting the ideal auto body shop for your repair requirements:
Look For Certifications
It’s not always easy to tell if an auto body shop is trustworthy, but you can start by looking at some key indicators. First, look for shop certifications. The presence of credentials demonstrates the shop’s dedication to offering high-quality repairs and concern for its patrons.
You should also ask the shop if they participate in manufacturer recognition programs. This way, you can be sure that the shop has experience working on your vehicle.
Finally, you should also ask the shop how they color-match cars. Even though computerized paint matching is a standard feature in most shops, it’s still important to ask how they do their job. This will help ensure your car is repaired correctly and looks its best.
Check Reviews
It’s essential to check reviews when choosing an auto body shop. Ask friends and family for recommendations, but also look for reviews online. Use a verified customer testimonial platform, as these can be trusted to reflect real customers’ experiences accurately.
It would help if you also asked about the shop’s policies, guarantees, and estimates. The estimate should be itemized to compare labor and parts costs in an apples-to-apples comparison. And be wary of shops that charge significantly lower estimates, as they may cut corners to save money.
Also, consider whether the shop will use OEM, aftermarket, or used parts. The type of part can significantly impact the quality of the repair, so you’ll want to choose carefully.
Get Multiple Quotes
Ask for quotes from multiple shops to understand the collision repair costs better. While this will take some time, ensuring you don’t overpay for vehicle repairs is well worth the effort.
Word of mouth is also an essential factor to consider when choosing an auto body shop. Ask your friends, family members, and coworkers for recommendations based on their experience with local shops.
Make sure to request a price estimate for both the labor and materials. The shop should also be able to tell you if they will be using new, used, or aftermarket parts in the repair. These factors can significantly affect the overall cost of your repairs. Be wary of any shop that offers a quote that appears too good to be true.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
While you might feel like you are being obnoxious by asking questions, it is your right as a consumer to understand the auto body shop’s process and how they communicate with their clients. Asking questions about things such as the shop’s repair timeline and how they work with insurance companies to speed up approvals can save you a lot of stress and hassle in the long run.
It is also a good idea to ask about warranties and what type of materials the shop plans to use. For instance, will they be using new or used parts? Generally, aftermarket parts are cheaper but can be as high-quality as original ones. Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for recommendations, but always do your research.
Don’t Be Pressured To Go With Your Insurance Company
This should be a red flag if an insurance company pushes you to go with one of their preferred body shops. They get a discounted rate, but you won’t, and they may use cheaper parts or cut corners on the repairs.
Ask them to itemize their estimates and separate labor from parts. This will help you compare apples to apples. Also, ask about the types of materials they intend to use. New, used, or aftermarket parts can significantly affect cost and quality.
Finally, knowing how long they’ll keep your vehicle is essential. This can affect whether you need to pay for a rental car. You should also find out if they offer warranties for their work. Shops that stand behind their work and provide lifetime warranties are worth considering.
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