During the lifetime of your car, there’s a chance that you’ll need to make use of a collision repair shop. On average, a driver will get into an accident every 18 years. Throughout your years as a driver, that could mean three or four collisions.
Add in factors such as hail, vandalism, and other types of damage, and you’re bound to need a body shop at some point.
But before you choose a repair shop, what do you need to consider?
Let’s explore four factors that you need to think of when choosing your collision repair shop.
1. You Have the Right to Choose
If you’ve just been in an accident, you’ll have no doubt already spoken with your insurer. They may have their own preferred contractor to carry out work to your vehicle, however, you have the right to decide where you want the work to be completed.
Insurance companies will often have relationships with body shops and they’ll get them to help save money by cutting corners.
If you want to go with a company such as this CSI Collision Specialist, stand your ground and make sure you let your insurer know.
2. Visit the Repair Shop
It’s so easy to shop online these days, but when it comes down to it, there’s no substitute for visiting a potential body shop in person. There are lots you’ll be able to tell about a repair shop that their website just won’t tell you.
How clean is the shop? Are they using the latest equipment? The way cars are put together these days, repair shops need a lot of specialist equipment to get the repair done correctly.
Do the staff seem trustworthy? Seeing them face-to-face will be better than talking to them via email or on the phone.
3. Are the Online Customer Reviews Good?
Check out the online reviews for the repair shop. It’s always important to find out what type of collision repair experience other people have had before you.
Look for patterns in the reviews. If you see the same negative feedback repeatedly, this should be a red flag warning you to take your vehicle elsewhere.
4. Get Several Quotes
Before you commit to a body shop, you should get quotes from a few different places. Comparing repair costs will give you an idea of whether your preferred collision shop has quoted you in the right ballpark.
If you get a quote that is much cheaper than any of the others, it can be tempting to jump at it. It’s important to ask how they can do the job for so little. Chances are they’re using substandard parts or they’re rushing the job.
What to Consider When Choosing a Collision Repair Shop
If you need to book your vehicle into a collision repair shop, get several quotes first. Make sure and read customer reviews and check out the repair shop in person. Remember, you don’t have to settle for the first body shop your insurer wants you to use.
For more great automotive posts, check out the rest of the site.