How to Choose The Right Auto Body Shop. X Tips To Follow

Auto body shops are not made equal. Some are better than others. The cost of services differ. It's normal to get an estimate of $500 from one shop and $2000 from another for the same service. Obviously, you're tempted to go for the cheaper shop. But would it be the right choice for you and your car? And what about the recommended auto body shop by your insurance company? Do you just automatically accept it? Clearly, the answer to all of these questions is a definite no.

If you want to avoid getting ripped off or just be able to manage the costs of getting your car serviced or fixed right, then you need to make sure that you choose the right car repair shop. Below are tips that should help you do so.

Do your research

It's important that you take the time to find out more about an auto body shop before engaging its services. Ask your friends and family as well as other people in your community about their preferred auto body shop. Find out the reasons why they’re recommending the place and how many times they've taken their car in. Check the shop's track record, especially in terms of customer service and quality of repairs by reading customer reviews. If you can, go online and see what you can find in terms of real and genuine reviews. Take special note of reviews that involve services that you are interested in getting. This way, you have a better idea of whether the auto body shop really is what you're looking for.

Consider the costs

One of the most important things you need to consider when choosing an auto body shop is the cost. You need to be able to understand the estimate provided to you. What is being covered? Make sure to explain what exactly you need done to your car and find out how much the service costs. A breakdown of the costs would be better - labor, parts, equipment, etc.

Some shops choose to base their cost on the number of hours it'll take to finish the repair. This might be a good thing. Or it might push the price even higher, especially if the owner is basing it on the overhead costs of the shop. It all depends on the rate.

Don't forget to get estimates from multiple shops. Not only will this allow you to compare prices and learn what the average cost is. It also will help you avoid overcharges. Some shops are willing to match the estimate you received from a competitor.

While it's very important that you compare prices to avoid paying more than you should, this doesn't mean that you should choose the cheapest option. The low cost might mean shoddy work or that they'll skip some steps in the process which could lead to car problems down the road.

Don't be afraid to ask questions

Don't take your family or friend's word for it. Take the time to ask any question you may have from a potential auto body shop. Find out how long the work will take. Ask about the certifications of the shop and its employees. Does it have a license? How long have they been operating?

Find out if they offer a written warranty. If so, you also need to learn how long the warranty is and what it covers. Ask about the materials and equipment that the shop will be using on your car. Do they buy new or used parts? Will they allow you to purchase the parts on your own? Doing so may help you save money.

Another question you should ask an auto body shop owner or manager is about their fire and theft insurance. You'll want to make sure that you won't end up dealing with the loss on your own should the shop burn down or get burgled.

Take note of the location

It's highly likely that there's an auto body shop near you. Maybe two. You can search online or, as we've mentioned, ask the people in your community. There are a number of benefits to choosing a shop located near you. You can easily take the time to visit the shop and check the progress on your car. In addition, some of these shops often offer to pick up and deliver your car once the repairs are done as part of their service.

Another reason why you need to consider the location of an auto body shop is that it can have a huge impact on the cost of services. If the shop is in a prime location, then the cost of living is higher. This means that rent is probably more expensive. And the repair shop owner will have to make sure that he is able to pay his bills and employees. Unfortunately, some shops pass on that cost to their customers.

Follow your gut

While it is important that you get a lot of information about an auto body shop before availing of their services, it's just as equally important that you trust your gut. As we've already mentioned, you need to take time to visit each shop on your list to ask questions and assess their credibility. Use that time to get a feel of the place.

Is the place clean and well cared for? If an auto body shop is cluttered and disorganized, this might be a reflection of the kind of work they'll be performing on your car. Are the employees friendly and helpful? You don't want to find yourself unable to get answers. Moreover, if the staff is disrespectful, you can't expect them to be respectful of your car. You'll be much happier if you go to an auto body shop who has staff who are willing and able to answer your questions and be straightforward with you. Also, make sure to check how much activity is happening in the shop during your visit. Most reputable car repair shops are often bustling with mechanics and customers. If there aren't a lot of customers, then this might indicate a poor track record.

If you aren't getting a good vibe, then listen to your gut.

Author’s bio:

Robert Hall is the marketing manager at Hyperion Collision Center. During the past 5 years, he has been expressing his passion for the automotive industry by sharing tips for a highly targeted audience. His role is substantial in contributing to a variety of auto blogs for car enthusiasts and growing their audience.