Five Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Body Shop

When you’ve been in an accident, you usually want to get the repairs done right away. The faster they’re done, the sooner you can get back on the road in your own car—or so you might think. Unfortunately, if you choose an auto body repair shop based on how fast they can slot you in, you might find yourself overcharged and disappointed with the repairs.

Finding the right auto body shop requires a little extra research and time, but you’re more likely to be fully satisfied with the results. Here are our best tips for choosing a great shop:

• Get word-of-mouth recommendations: Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted family members, friends and colleagues can be even better than advertising. After all, when you get great service from a company, you’re more likely to tell the world—and if you were jilted by a particular shop, you want to make sure no one else gets taken. Ask for recommendations from your social circle, and compare them to your internet research. You’ll quickly find out who offers fair prices and who you should avoid.
• Compare several estimates: Whether you’ve gotten any shop recommendations, your next step should be comparing several estimates. This often means visiting shops or calling to talk to a repair tech. Watch out for ultra-low quotes—that usually means you’re not getting full service or there’s something else of which you should be wary. On the other hand, sometimes shops will price-match other estimates. In the end, the only way you can be sure you’re getting a good deal is to get a thorough idea of the repair cost range.
• Ask plenty of questions: An auto body shop should be happy to answer all your questions. Be sure to ask what kind of parts are used: new, used or aftermarket? What kind of paint does the shop use, and how many coats? Does this include the clear coat? Does the shop carry fire and theft insurance? Do they offer warranties? How long do the warranties last, and what are the terms and conditions? These questions will help you determine whether a particular shop is a good match for you.
• Think about location and overhead: Location and labor are two of the biggest reasons an estimate may vary in price. Some shops charge significantly more for labor—often because they’re in a prime location. Other times, they’ll charge by what they think they might have to do, rather than based on industry time and part estimates. You can ask how they get to their estimates and what makes the price vary.
• Choose the shop that makes you feel comfortable: When it’s all said and done, trust your gut. Choose the shop that treats you with respect and is transparent about their pricing—one that gets good reviews from your peers as well as the people online.

When you need a trustworthy auto body repair shop, visit Lentz Auto Body. With nearly 70 years in business, you can rest easy knowing your vehicle is in good hands.

Categorised in: Auto Body Shop

This post was written by Writer