Choosing an auto body shop doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. Estimates from different shops will likely fluctuate, sometimes to the point where you wonder if you are getting quotes for the same repair on the same vehicle. Consider these five tips to help guide you in making your decision:
1. Get Multiple Estimates
This one is obvious. Not only will multiple auto body shop quotes give you some idea of the “middle ground,” you’ll feel better knowing that you did your homework and you aren’t simply going with the cheapest… or worse yet, the most costly proposition.
2. Are They Certified and Insured
Do they seem reputable and carry all the appropriate certifications insurance?
Is the location a direct repair facility for your insurance company?
If you are completely new to the facility and going in with very little information on them, check for appropriate licensing hanging on the wall near the register.
Things can go wrong with any repair shop and your vehicle will be living there for a while, so you want to make sure that the repair facility you choose is protected in the event of fire, theft, or natural disaster.
3. Parts and Warranty
What is the warranty on repairs? Depending on whether they are a direct repair facility for your insurance company, you will likely get anywhere between 1 year and a lifetime warranty. Comparing warranties between locations can be a big indicator of the quality of parts and workmanship. You want to hire someone willing to stand by their craft.
Do they use aftermarket or used parts? Used parts don’t necessarily mean quality is bad, but when comparing quotes, you want to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. If one location is offering used parts and another new, and their estimates are the same, look closer. What is making up the extra cost in the estimate for the shop offering the used parts? The per-hour labor costs may be higher at that particular shop.
What kind of paint matching technology do they use? You want to be sure that they can make an exact match of the paint code for your vehicle, and that they are using a high-quality coating.
4. Reputation
Do they have a good local reputation? Are they part of a social network where you can check for reviews? Ask around to friends and family; almost everyone has used an auto body shop at some point, and you’ll be surprised how much information you can gather by listening to other people’s experiences.
5. Trust Your Gut… and Relax
If you are searching for an auto body shop, you and your car likely just went through a stressful experience. Trust your gut after visiting the location; you want to leave feeling that the customer service seems knowledgeable about their industry and genuine about service. If anything about the experience seems not above board, keep looking, and use the tips above to guide you until you find a professional you can feel good about.
Insurance-Recommended Shops and Checking the Finished Work
If your insurer suggests one of its partner shops, treat it as a recommendation, not a requirement. In most cases you can choose the shop you trust, so check your policy and tell the adjuster which shop you want. Whichever shop you choose, get the estimate in writing with parts and labor listed line by line, so you can compare like for like and see what changed if the final bill differs.
When you pick the car up, look at it outside in daylight. The new paint should match the panels next to it from several angles. There should be no overspray on rubber seals, trim or glass, and no ripples or waves when you look along the repaired panel. Small pinholes or fine sanding scratches in the clear coat mean the job was rushed. Point out anything you find before you sign off and pay.