Yours, Mine, and Cars

All auto body shops are not created equal.  So how should you choose?

Referrals.  Referrals can come from many sources…friends, family, insurance agents, tow truck drivers, co-workers, etc.  Whomever the referral comes from, be sure to ask why they like that shop.  This is important since not everyone’s needs are the same when it comes to auto body repair.  If you’ve got a friend who likes a particular autobody shop because they waived her deductible, this might not be the shop for you.  (See “Ask Me About Waiving Your Insurance Deductible“) If your friend loved the service the body shop staff provided and you like the look of the repaired vehicle, that’s a much better indication that you’re on the right track to finding a good shop.  Referrals are great!  Back them up by asking a few good questions and you’re well on your way to finding a body shop that will value your business and treat you accordingly.

Direct Repair Programs.  Your insurance company may have agreements in place with some local area auto body shops.  This can be a good thing…or not.  (Read “The Dangers of Steering”)  Never lose sight of the fact that it is your vehicle and you have the right to have it repaired at a body repair shop of your choosing.  Using a body shop that is part of your insurance company’s direct repair program can be convenient and save some time up front.  There are many very reputable auto body shops participating in direct repair programs (ours included).  As with any referral, be sure to do a little checking on your own before making a decision.  What your insurance company’s claims division looks for in a body shop may in some cases not be the same thing you want out of the company who will be putting your vehicle back together again after an accident.  Quality conscious shops choose which Direct Repair Programs they deal with very carefully.

First Impressions.  Give the body shop a call.  How was their phone presence?  In general, you should feel attended to when calling to inquire about an auto repair.  Were they friendly?  Did they seem to welcome and value your call?  Were they interested in your concerns?  Did they help you understand the process?  A good autobody shop values its customers, not just their cars.  When you arrive at the body shop is there ample customer parking?  It should be easy to determine where to find the office and you should be greeted upon your arrival and met with a clean and comfortable customer waiting area.  Go with your gut…if you are made to feel out of place, or worse yet like you are an interruption, it most likely won’t get better.

Withstanding the Test of Time.  When a business is doing things right and taking good care of its customers it tends to survive the tests of time.  How long has the body shop you are considering been in business?  Do they have connections to the local community?  Are they locally owned?  Do they stand behind the work they do with a lifetime warranty?  Will they still be there to honor that warranty should you need it in the future?  A reputable auto body shop will be there to take care of you and any reasonable concerns related to the work they did for as long as you own the car.

Bottom line…think it over and make sure you are entrusting your vehicle to a shop that will take care of you and get you and your family safely back on the road after your accident!

*To learn more about the author and her family- owned company, ACI (Auto Collision Inc.) visit www.acibodyshop.com

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