After an accident, vehicle owners face finding a shop to repair the damage. That’s not always easy, as many auto body shops promise fast, quality work but fail to deliver on that promise. To make the decision easier, many industry experts recommend using the five hints listed here to find the best shop for your accident repair needs.
Fast Service: Is it a Must?
Being without a vehicle is never convenient, but that doesn’t mean vehicle owners should focus on how fast the repairs will take. Even if renting a replacement vehicle is necessary, insist on quality repairs even if that means waiting a few more days. Check
out shops like waxahachie autoplex body shop and ask about their services, including how long they would expect the repairs to take.
Can Owners Choose Their Own Shop?
Insurance companies recommend specific body shops, but owners are not obligated to use those shops. While there is nothing wrong with checking out the shops recommended by the insurer, take the time to check out other options. Ask for
recommendations from friends or other trusted individuals and take the time to review those shops. Choose the shop that’s most likely to deliver the best results.
How are the Costs Split Between the Insurer and the Owner?
In many cases, a vehicle owner pays a deductible, with the insurance carrier paying the balance of the repair bill. Other times, the insurer pays the entire bill. However, review all costs and who will pay those expenses prior to approving the repairs. For example, owners may be responsible for some expenses if they insist on factory parts rather than components sourced from an after-market provider. Get a written estimate that outlines all charges and who will pay them.
What is the Shop’s Warranty Policy?
Although most body repairs are completed correctly, there are times when issues develop after an owner picks up a vehicle following the repairs. The issue is who is responsible for correcting any problems related to the repairs, and how long will any
warranty last? Quality auto body shops stand behind their work, so expect a written warranty that outlines what is or is not covered and how long the coverage lasts.
Is the Shop a Certified Collision Facility?
Modern cars are far more complex than in the past. For example, electronic safety devices like forward-collision warning systems, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot warning systems are common today. Those devices
require specific repair procedures to ensure they function correctly. A certified shop will include technicians trained to repair vehicles with those devices. To protect yourself and reduce the odds of problems following the repairs, insist on using a shop with trained technicians to repair modern vehicle safety systems.
Go With Your Intuition
After getting answers to those five questions, take the time to tour the shop being considered. In most cases, shop owners or managers are willing to walk through their shop with a client and explain what happens during each stage of the repair process
If the owner declines to let a client view the repair facility due to safety issues, they should be willing to stand at the entrance and point out how the shop functions. At that point, deciding whether to use the shop should be much easier.