If you have been involved in a car accident of any time, you are not alone. There are more than 6 million car accidents every single year in the US, a number that has grown slightly in recent years. Fortunately, the vast majority of these accidents do not cause any harm to the driver, with the only damage being material in nature.
One thing that is a virtual certainty is that, when you are in a car accident, your car will need some body work. If you need to get your car repaired, you have some important choices to make.
You will need to choose an auto body work specialist that is right for your car and will represent the best value for money. Luckily, you have come to the right place. Read on to find out everything you need to know about finding the right auto body repair shop for you.
1. Consult Your Network
If you need to get your car repaired, your best resource is those closest to you. Ask your friends and family if they can recommend a body shop that they have used in the past. This is probably the most effective way to get a recommendation that you can genuinely trust. If you know someone who drives a similar car to yours, ask them first.
2. Always Choose a Body Work Technician That Knows Your Vehicle
Let’s say you have been referred to an auto body repair shop that has a stellar reputation and offers some of the lowest prices around. This will be no good to you if they have never worked with your specific make and model. All car brands are built differently. It is essential to choose a body shop that specializes in your type of vehicle. For example, if you drive a BMW, you should always seek post-crash repairs at a BMW certified collision center.
3. Read Reviews Before You Commit
As with any service, you should always read reviews thoroughly and carefully before you commit to paying. Remember, a post-collision repair can easily cost you thousands of dollars, even if the damage is relatively minor. That is why you need to carefully read all of the customer reviews in order to get a detailed picture of the kind of experience and value for money you can expect.
4. Only Choose a Licensed Collision Center Technician
Auto body work is a sprawling and highly profitable industry. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that there are thousands of unlicensed and unqualified technicians out there who are going to offer a substandard experience. Moreover, using an unqualified repair shop can be dangerous, as the repairs might not be up to minimum standards. Always check to see whether a body shop is qualified by a trusted US regulatory agency such as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).
Your Auto Questions, Answered
Understanding how to get the right body work for your car is an essential skill for any driver. For more everyday tips and hacks that will help you get value for money and peace of mind, make sure to consult our dedicated vehicle brand guides for all of the tips you need.