If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, that means you’ve got a vehicle that is likely in need of some repairs to get it to look like new once again. To make this happen, you’ll need to place your trust in an auto body shop. Yet once you start looking around online and elsewhere, you may see plenty from which to choose. How do you know which one will offer the highest quality in terms of repairs? Here’s what you need to know.
Ask Friends and Family
More than likely, you’ve got friends or family members whose vehicles have needed bodywork over the years. Ask them for their advice, since they will offer you opinions you can trust.
Read Reviews for Various Shops
When doing an online search, you’ll no doubt come across plenty of reviews for each and every body shop you find. If you take the time to read these reviews, it may not take you long to figure out which auto body shops in your town or city offer great customer service and repair jobs. They can also tell you which ones should be avoided at all costs.
Speak to Your Mechanic
Since your mechanic probably spends lots of time referring customers to certain body shops, ask them which auto body shop they would take their own vehicle to if it were damaged. When you get their answer, chances are it will be the best shop in town.
Seek Certified Technicians
While any auto body shop can claim to have great personnel, those who actually have certified technicians on staff are likely able to back up their words with excellent service. Look for ICAR certification, which stands for Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. Certification such as this means the technicians have had the latest industry training, use the most advanced repair techniques, and are true professionals at their craft.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions to any auto body shop you have under consideration. Always ask if they provide free estimates, will work with your insurance company, offer warranties for their work, how quickly they can get the job done, and what payment options will be available to you after the job is finished.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, always trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true or you just get a bad feeling when talking to people at a certain shop, walk away and keep looking.
When you keep these tips in mind, you’ll come away with a vehicle that looks like new, plenty of peace of mind, and hopefully more money left over in your pocket.