Do you need a good place to fix your car after it was in an accident? It’s easy to find a collision repair shop, but it can take more time, effort, and thought to ensure you find the right one. After a collision, it can be stressful for a while. You should be able to work with someone who will do the job right the first time and give you great service at a fair price.
Here are 6 guidelines for selecting a collision car repair facility without further ado:
Ask Your Friends and Family
Most people have at least once worked with a car body shop. That’s why asking your friends, coworkers, family, or other people you know for recommendations is a good idea. If your friend says that a certain shop did great work on their car, you should probably check them out. Make sure to do your research, ask many questions, and look into your other choices.
Look at Reviews
When looking for a good auto body shop, reviews are a great way to find one. Find some reputable online sources to find out what other customers are saying. You can often see pictures of the car before and after the work was done, as well as detailed descriptions of the work done and how professional the shop was. Make sure you know about towing cars also from them.
Talk to Your Car Mechanic
If you have a trusted mechanic, ask them if they know of any good auto body shops. They deal with these shops all the time and may be able to suggest a few. Of course, you should still be careful and do your research, but a good place to start is by asking your mechanic.
Find Certified Technicians
Groups like the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair have given them a seal of approval (I-CAR). The best places to fix cars that have been in car accidents will also be certified collision centers for each make and model. For instance, a Tesla-Approved External Body Shop is a collision center approved to fix body damage. Most auto body shops will proudly show these certifications on their websites or waiting rooms.
The Right Questions to Ask
Asking questions is perfectly acceptable, and a quality collision repair shop will respond to them and encourage them. Here are some things you should ask any auto body shop you’re thinking about hiring or if you want to know your car valuation:
- Do you provide written estimates?
- Do you have any guarantees?
- Do you deal with insurance companies directly?
- How do you figure out a price?
- What measures do you have in place to keep your lot safe?
- How long will it take to get my order back?
- What are your payment policies?
Also, asking more detailed questions about the work you want done is a good idea. For instance, how often do they fix things like that? Do you think your car will look the same as it did before the accident?
Trust Your Gut
No matter how many good reviews you’ve read or certifications a shop has, you shouldn’t use them if you don’t feel comfortable leaving your car with them. You should be able to trust that your vehicle is in good hands and that the shop you pick will do the job right the first time. There’s probably a good reason you feel like something is wrong or can’t trust them. There are other shops, and you should take the time to find the right one.
Now, you know the tips you must consider when choosing the right collision car repair services. Choose the expert one and get the best services.
