8 Tips for Choosing the Right Collision Auto Repair Service for You

In 2019, about 38,800 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions. That’s down 2% from 39,404 in 2018. 

Being in a car accident can be draining emotionally and financially. You might feel overwhelmed about what steps you should take next.

While it might seem overwhelming, there’s hope. Read on to explore this guide on finding the right collision auto repair company for your needs today!

1. Check Out Online Reviews

Before you choose a collision repair specialist, you’ll want to check out their online reviews. Make sure to check out multiple search engines for different companies to see what they have to say. 

When you’ve narrowed down the search for car collision repair, head to the Better Business Bureau. This will allow you to see any complaints against them. The Better Business Bureau will allow you to see how they’ve handled previous issues. 

2. Visit the Shop

When you’re ready, check out their collision repair shop in person. Look for training from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

The front office should also include any guarantees, labor rates, payment information, and fees. See if there are any certificates or plaques for community projects, awards, etc. 

3. Ask Your Family and Friends

Since many people have used an auto repair shop before, speak with your family and friends about who they’d recommend. See if they have good things to say about a particular auto shop in your area.

Keep in mind that you’ll still want to ask questions to that repair company. The wants of your family and friends might be different than what you want. 

4. Ask Questions

Before hiring an auto repair company near you, you’ll want to ask some questions. Find out what their process is for obtaining an estimate. 

See if they have payment policies. Some car repair shops will work directly with the insurance company for you as well. Another option is if they offer warranties. 

Other important questions can include if they have experience with your type of car. Find out about the shop’s policies whether they have guaranteed completion dates or pricing. 

The technicians at the shop need to have years of experience under their belt before you hire them. Check out their entire website as well, don’t just go by what they tell you in person. 

5. Listen to Your Gut

Even if a company has various certifications and great reviews, you’ll still want to listen to your gut. If you don’t have a good feeling about a car shop, listen to it.

You need to find a place that makes you feel comfortable to choose. If you have a bad feeling, something might be amiss at that location. 

6. Find One Now

If possible, it’s a good idea to find a car repair company in advance before an accident. This will save you time in the long run instead of finding someone after a car accident.

When you suffer from an accident, you might be too busy between lawyers, insurance, medical bills, etc. While you don’t need to make a decision right away, it’s a good idea to have some places checked out before an accident. 

7. Obtain Multiple Quotes

Speak with multiple car collision companies in your area to obtain multiple quotes. This will allow you the option to figure out your budget and who will fall into it. 

Avoid going for the least expensive quote. If it’s much lower than the others, that might be a red flag. If it’s much more, then that might be a red flag as well. 

8. Pay Attention to Overhead

First, take a look at the location of the shop. A shop only 5 miles from the other might up your price that’s much more because of the location. 

Pay attention to how many front-office workers they have since large body shops tend to charge you more overall. This is because they have to pay the staff so this might equate to charging more. 

Some locations might charge you for non-essential work to increase the cost of the estimate. Garages and body shops might use a reference guide that tells them the number of hours required to complete the job. While some companies might use a reference book, larger companies could charge based on the time that the door and hood are removed. 

Government Regulations

Pay attention to the government regulatory requirements in your area before choosing a company. These requirements can make sure that you receive a safe vehicle that’s great on fuel economy. If you have a special car, that might require new materials with specific construction practices. 

These special materials might require you to use specific tools as well. See if the auto shop has the tools that your car will require. Body shops that are certified and nationally regulated are more likely to have these requirements. 

Choosing Your Dealership

Choosing your dealership can provide you with similar results as a certified specialist. A dealership will have the parts and experience that you need for your particular vehicle. 

How To Pick Out a Collision Auto Repair Company

After exploring this guide, you should have a better idea of how to pick out a collision auto repair company in your area. Take your time speaking with different companies in your area and ensure that they’re within budget. 

Would you like to read more informative lifestyle content with helpful tips? Check out our other articles today. From helpful guides to easy-to-follow how-tos, we have you covered.