If you’ve been in an accident or just require a bit of “visual” work done on your vehicle, choosing the right auto body repair shop is critical. With numerous options out there, the final decision can be overpowering. You need a place that offers first-class repairs, employs only trained technicians and always delivers outstanding customer service – all without hammering your wallet.
Here’s some of what you need to know about finding and choosing the right collision repair shop near you.
Why choose a local auto body repair shop?
Choosing a local auto body repair ship offers a number of benefits. First, it’s trouble-free to drop off your vehicle and pick it up when the job is done. Second, local shops focus on timely repairs and lastly, with a local ship, you can investigate their reputation quickly.
Recommendations from neighbors and friends can also help you find the right collision repair.
Look for alternatives to your insurance company’s recommendation
After going through a vehicle accident, and filing an insurance claim, your insurance provider could provide a recommendation for a repair shop. True, this recommendation may appear suitable, it’s imperative to exert your right to decide which shop is best for you.
It’s certainly no secret that insurance companies have a bottom line to consider and the shop being recommended may not possess quality standards or perform the type of repair you need for your vehicle.
The point is that looking at alternatives is important to make sure your vehicle is repaired correctly.
Rely on word of mouth
When it comes to selecting a vehicle body repair shop, trust is crucial. Start by making use of the local grapevine. Ask friends, family and coworkers about their encounters with repair shops. Who patched up Aunt Dolly’s fender bender? Whose paint job on your uncle’s classic car turned heads at the family picnic? Real-life experiences can at times be more helpful than an online review.
Even if they endorse a shop that isn’t the biggest or most recognized in the area, mull over their recommendation. After all, they have used the service and don’t want you to get a bad deal. You really can’t go wrong paying attention to recommendations from people you know.
Read reviews
Naturally, you’re going to look for recommendations from family and friends, but reviews remain another outstanding resource. That’s why you should take the time to visit some dependable online sources and get a feeling of what other customers are revealing. Frequently, you’ll be able to discover before-and-after photos and thorough descriptions of the work that was performed and the degree of know-how the customer came across from shop personnel.
Transparency is key – Get a detailed estimate
Let’s face it, no one likes surprises, particularly when it comes to paying a repair bill. A reliable body shop will give you an itemized estimate before beginning any work. This transparency helps make sure you know precisely what you’re paying for as well as building a sense of trust. At Becker Body Shop, we believe in clear-cut communication and transparent pricing, so you can leave our shop with peace of mind. True, we can provide an estimate if you send us a picture of your vehicle, but nothing beats swinging by our shop and letting us take a look in person. Of course, there’s no cost for your estimate.
Ask the right questions
When looking for a body shop, don’t go in with your wallet wide open. You need to go in with a bit of vigor. Make sure you’re asking some essential questions. For example:
- Does the shop provide a written warranty?
- How long is the warranty if it’s offered?
- What will the warranty cover?
A minimum to look for when inspecting a warranty is one year. Some shops might offer two and three-year warranties.
Keep in mind, however, while some auto body shops offer so-called lifetime warranties, this is only on particular features of your repair, such as paint.
Yes, these warranties are attractive, and they can help, but it’s always crucial to, as they say, read the fine print. Be certain you are aware of what the restrictions are, and what your obligations are so that your warranty isn’t voided.
Another essential concern is whether the shop has theft and fire insurance. You want to be sure your vehicle is covered if it’s burglarized or stolen while at the repair facility.
Check with your mechanic
If you have a reliable mechanic, it’s always a great idea to ask him/her if they have any recommendations, as they no doubt deal with auto body shops regularly and may have a few for you to investigate. Of course, it’s still imperative to take the necessary time and do your own research. But checking with your mechanic is a great place to start your search.
Visit the shop
They (not sure who they are) say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can undoubtedly judge an auto body repair shop by its premises. Take a drive to the shop. Is it tidy and orderly? Are the technicians welcoming? A well-maintained facility often mirrors an assurance of superior workmanship. Swing by Becker Body Shop to see our state-of-the-art facility – after all, your vehicle deserves only the best.
Trust your gut
Lastly, it’s significant to trust your feelings about the shop you’re investigating. If the shop doesn’t appear to be busy, perhaps it’s because customers are staying away because of sloppy repairs. If the place looks dirty, chaotic or topsy-turvy, this could suggest the type of work you might anticipate the shop to perform with your vehicle. Is the shop management a grouch who appears to resent answering your questions? You’ll be much happier where the owner communicates appropriately and is forthright with you.
“Trust your gut,” says one industry expert. “If your gut tells you the guy’s shady, I wouldn’t even go there.”
Final thoughts
Choosing a reliable, upright auto body shop near you can make a big difference in your vehicle’s repair outcome. With a bit of research, you can locate a collision repair shop nearby that meets your requirements for superior work, outstanding customer service and reasonable pricing.
Taking the time to pick just the right shop will make sure your vehicle is back on the road beautifully and, even more important, safely, minus any unwanted surprises.
