Finding a reputable auto body repair shop may be challenging when dealing with the aftermath of an accident and many people may not know of one they can visit for quality work. People would rather get back on the road quickly instead of finding a top-notch repair shop.
A time like this doesn’t mean foregoing getting quality work done on your vehicle, however. These five tips can help you find the right collision/service center to get the car back on the road.
Ask the Right Questions
Asking the right questions to get the necessary details is essential when trying to find the right collision shop. Quality questions will get informative answers and provide greater confidence in the shop. These questions can include the following:
- How long will the repair take?
- Do the parts need to be ordered or are they on-site?
- Will there be a loaner car readily available?
- Are technicians I-CAR Certified?
- Is there a guarantee on the work?
Insurance Company Recommendations
Insurance companies suggest repair shops that they call their preferred partner. The insurance agent may advise a particular shop, but these recommended shops are only suggestions. Even though the insurance company may prefer a specific shop, the vehicle owner can use any shop they want. Consider other options and ask the same questions for all automotive repair shops, even with the preferred partner shops.
Recommendations From Friends
Word of mouth is a powerful way to start the search when trying to find the right auto body repair shop. Asking trusted friends or family members helps find names to begin the research process. It’s still a good idea, though, to research the shop and see what other people say their experience was before deciding whether to use a particular shop.
Get an Estimate in Writing
An estimate in writing lists the repairs needed on the vehicle and what the auto repair center will do. The estimator will usually clean the car inside and out to make sure that none of the damage is hidden. Written estimates should include detailed notes and typically contain pictures of the vehicle. When the estimator sends the repair estimate to the insurance company and the vehicle owner, it should consist of all the information collected for the estimate, including the pictures.
Be Patient With the Shop
Any repair comes with a set of challenges. Some fixes may need longer times than the estimate. The paint job alone can take days. The way manufacturers build modern cars requires more time to make sure that certain safety features or electronics get repaired correctly. If the parts need to be ordered, the shipping time may cause delays to the vehicle’s repair time. All these factors increase the estimated time to mend the car.
Find an Auto Repair Shop Today!
When using these tips, you’re on your way to finding an auto body repair shop that will fix any damage to your car and get you back on the road safely. Keep in mind also that there is a guarantee on the repairs, so if anything goes wrong, any defects in the repair will be corrected fast.
