Tuesday, April 12, 2016

What to Ask When Seeking Auto Body Repair

In your daily life, you probably don’t have much reason to think about the work of auto body repair shops. Usually, you only think about such businesses if you need them. This sometimes means that, when faced with a need for such work, you may not be sure how to find a reputable body shop that you can trust. If you’re looking, here’s what you should ask.
auto body repair

Is the auto body shop reputable?

First, find out if the body shop is licensed. Are its technicians certified? You’ll want to find out the level of experience of the people who will actually be working on it. Look for wall plaques denoting technical expertise and involvement in the community. Talk to the body shop’s customer service reps. Ask around and check local review sites as well.

Is the body shop familiar with your vehicle’s make and model, and the type of work it needs done?

Do the technicians have a level of expertise when it comes to your specific needs? Remember that some body shops may be less knowledgeable when it comes to European and other foreign cars. Also, some may have more experience doing certain types of repairs. Ask your the representatives from body shop how comfortable they feel doing the work on your vehicle. Can the shop provide you with a paper trail, including a warranty?

Find out if the auto body shop will write you out an estimate and itemize your bill. Also, know how long the warranty for the repairs lasts - a year should be minimum - and what it covers. Make sure you understand the fine points of such a guarantee. Read it over to ensure it’s not so restrictive as to be useless in practice. Get everything laid out for you in writing so you can discover any discrepancies.

What types of parts are being used for replacing damaged ones?

Find out what paint will be used, if needed, and how many coats. Ask about whether the body shop will be using new parts, used parts, OEM parts, or aftermarket parts. You may prefer original equipment manufacturer parts, which can offer better accountability and quality and fit your car best. Aftermarket parts are less expensive, created by third parties, but can be suitable depending on the repair.

Does the body shop offer rental cars or loaner vehicles?

If you need one, ask. Some body shops will have arrangements with car rental companies nearby, or they’ll have rental cars that you can use in the meantime. Also, make sure you understand how insurance works with loaners. Find out what other accommodations the body shop may make for your convenience, especially if the repair takes longer than estimated and you need wheels. This is not an unheard-of occurrence.

If this was the body shop recommended by your insurance company, note that this doesn’t mean you have to use it. Also, this does not necessarily mean the auto body shop is better than others. An improperly repaired car can be dangerous, or lead to other mechanical problems down the line, so make sure you shop around. You should be comfortable with the people who are fixing your car.

1 comment:

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