Getting involved in a vehicular accident is never fun. When you get hurt and your car has been damaged, it can be worse. Not only do you need to deal with increased insurance, but you also need to schedule a collision repair from a company offering the right price.
When comparing auto collision repair estimates, one thing to remember is that price should not be the only consideration. Several shops out there may undercut the estimate you already have, but lower prices do not always equate to high-quality repair services.
Do you want to get the most from your money? Here are the things you need to consider when comparing estimates from various auto body shops:
1. Certified Technicians
There are auto shops that offer very low prices to attract more customers. Unfortunately, they can do so because they don’t have the expense of certifying and training their technicians.
Professionals who have gone through extensive training to be accredited by industry organizations obviously have more experience. They are also more reliable and better trained when it comes to the latest repair techniques. As a result, customers have more confidence in the work they provide.
2. Warranty for Parts and Repair
Another thing you should consider when comparing estimates is the warranty. Check whether or not the body shop offers a warranty on the collision repair services. While parts are typically covered by the manufacturer warranty, this can be voided if the part is not installed correctly. That’s why you need to make sure the body shop also offers a warranty on their services.
3. Proper Estimate from Experts
The internet is an effective tool if you are looking for advice on getting a collision repair estimate – but it’s not always 100% accurate. Each model and make has a certain set of repair procedures created by the car manufacturer. An estimate or repair can be done properly only by following these specific procedures.
Take note that you can’t freely access these procedures online. That means you’ll need to personally take your car to a collision repair shop and have it examined by an expert. It’s best to take it to more than one shop, if possible, so you can better compare the estimates given to you.
4. OEM Repair Guidelines
Overhead costs, labor, and parts can vary from shop to shop. Higher costs do not always mean better parts or repairs. If you get an estimate that’s significantly lower than others in the area, ask why. There are times when shops use different types of parts, and the parts you choose have an impact on the cost.
Remember that shops need to follow OEM repair guidelines at all times, be willing to answer any questions, and have a good track record. Don’t be afraid to find out if they do all three or not.
5. Open Communication
As a customer, it is your right to ask questions about an auto body shop’s collision repair services. An excellent repair shop should be willing to explain what they do and what you are actually paying them for. Although an estimate might take time to create, it should give you a detailed breakdown of all repairs, including the expenses for labor and parts.