Top Auto Body Repair Tips for Consumers

Getting into a car accident and then being surprised by a high estimate for the auto body repair costs makes a bad situation even worse. Considering how expensive auto body repairs can be, it is very important to know how to handle a car accident before and after it happens – especially if the cause of the accident was your fault.

Helpful Auto Body Repair Tips

When taking your car to an auto body repair shop for the first time, you should know a few things before arranging to have any work performed. You should also know what to look for after getting your car back from the auto body repair shop.

SELECTING A GOOD AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP:

• You can read online ratings and reviews on Carwise.com to get a sense of the quality of the auto body repair shop based on real customer feedback.

• When doing preliminary research on an auto body repair shop on a review website, pay close attention to the reviews that are well-written and more through. Even the best companies receive one-liner bad reviews from time to time.
• According to a Harvard study, 16% of Yelp restaurant reviews are fake. The auto body repair shop reviews on Carwise.com are 100% real customer reviews from real people who have had their vehicles repaired at these auto body repair facilities.

Anticipate auto body repair costs

Knowing that an auto body repair can be quite expensive. Before filing the claim check to see how much your current collision deductible is on your auto insurance policy. Most deductibles can range from $250 – $1,000, if you chose to file a claim, know that you will be paying the full deductible amount. . Keep in mind that if you do file a claim your insurance premium will most likely increase at your next renewal. Therefore you may want to get an estimate from a qualified auto body shop before filing the claim.

Read auto body repair shop review and recommendations

There are several review sites on the web, but few specialize in auto body repair. Using Carwise.com you cannot only find an auto body repair shop near you but also read ratings and reviews from actual customers that had their cars repaired at those facilities. With this research available, you can use your best judgment when selecting a shop to repair your vehicle.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE HAVING YOUR CAR REPAIRED BY AN AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP:

• You should never drive a damaged car because it might not be safe.

• Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments. To find a good auto body repair shop, you should go to a review website like Carwise.com so that you can protect your investment by getting it repaired properly.

• A signed copy of the written estimate should describe the condition, what needs to be repaired, the affected parts and the estimated labor charges.

• The estimate should also state that the auto body repair shop will contact you for approval before they perform any work that might exceed the time or cost on the written estimate.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your auto body repair. A professional auto body repair shop will take the time to explain the entire process.

• If you bring your car to an auto body repair shop within the Carwise network, you can view your car’s detailed repair status updates via the Carwise website or mobile app. Many of the Carwise network shops also can send you frequent repair status updates via text messages or email, eliminating the hassle of calling to get updates.

Visit an auto body repair shop

Call or visit auto body shops in your area. The best time to call or visit an auto repair shop is after the morning rush. Visiting an auto body repair shop when they are busy may not be the ideal time to get the full attention of the shop staff.

Get everything in writing

Most states require that auto body repair shops give you a written estimate. Make sure you have the opportunity to review the estimate before the shop begins your repair. When you pick up your car, make sure you compare the written estimate to the final bill to verify that everything matches. Don’t be afraid to ask the auto body shop about any discrepancies.

Verify your insurance coverage for a rental car

You’ll need to know what your insurance policy will cover when it comes to getting a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop. For example, if you need a bigger vehicle like an SUV or van to fit your lifestyle, you should be aware if your insurance only reimburses you for the rental of a compact car. By checking your policy in advance, you can reevaluate as needed to avoid future problems and fees.

Certifications are signs of a reputable auto body shop

When selecting a repair shop, look for certifications. A certification usually means that the auto body repair facility is committed to the continuous training of their staff on proper repair procedures. Certifications also show that the auto body repair shop has the information, knowledge, and skills required to perform complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer. The most common certification programs are offered by I-CAR and ASE.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AFTER GETTING YOUR CAR BACK FROM THE AUTO BODY REPAIR:

• The auto body repair bill should describe all the work that was done. It should list every repair, which parts were used, labor charges, and the odometer reading of the car before bringing it in.

• If there is a discrepancy between the itemized bill and the written estimate, don’t hesitate to ask the auto body repair shop about the differences.

• In some cases, you might not notice any problems until a few months later. For example, you may notice uneven tire wear on your car. This might be a result of the front suspension not being aligned and repaired properly. A good auto body repair shop will stand by their work and fix the problem under the warranty.

• Remember to always keep your paperwork and receipt so that if you discover issues later, you can bring it back to the auto body repair shop to assess what is causing the problem.

Sources:
Today.com
AOL Autos
i-Car.com

Harvard University

FTC.gov