When you’re looking for a reliable auto body repair shop and need auto repair or auto maintenance services, it’s important to prepare for your upcoming appointment beforehand. It’s really not hard to take a few extra steps to make the process easier and less time-consuming. So, keep the following tips in mind when planning your next trip to an auto body repair shop.
Clean Out Your Vehicle
As you prepare for your appointment, it goes without saying that cleaning out your vehicle is important. A lot of clutter in your car can make it more difficult and time-consuming for a technician to be thorough about their job. Although it’s understandable that this is not always an option during an emergency situation, it’s a good step to take when there’s time. And, of course, some people are messier than others.
Prepare Your Questions
Once you call an auto shop, it’s typical for them to ask questions about the incident, your car’s details, and your personal information. But, the conversation shouldn’t stop there. Don’t hesitate to ask questions too! If they haven’t clearly walked you through the process, you can always ask for clarification. For instance, you can ask if they work with your insurance company. Or, find out if they offer towing services if you need a lift.
Write down a few questions to ask your auto shop technicians, so they don’t slip your mind once you’re on the phone. This is also important when you have a scheduled appointment. Overall, it’s useful to fully understand any issues with your car, as well as the costs of maintenance or repair.
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Get an Estimate
Most reliable auto repair shops will offer you a free estimate even before they start working on your vehicle, which is great. This includes written documentation that consists of anticipated costs and everything it takes for the repair to get done, including parts and labor. If the estimate is beyond your budget, you can always talk to other auto body shops.
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Understand Your Insurance Policies
A local auto body shop will typically ask you if you’re going to pay out of pocket or through your insurance. If you’re choosing the latter option, you’ll need to file a claim with your auto insurance company. Most shops will speak directly with your car insurance provider on your behalf. What’s covered depends on your policy.
Know the Scope of Damage
Auto body shops will review the scope of the damage before starting any work. Make sure you understand what sort of shape your car is in before you approve anything. Do you only have a broken headlight? Or does your car have more extensive damage beyond its cosmetic appearance? Knowing what needs to be repaired or replaced will give you the most accurate estimate. In case there are additional parts that they’ve fixed, ask the shop to write down a list of all the work they performed, as well as the parts they replaced and what they cost. This can give you a clear insight into your expenses.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your auto body shop appointment is easy, as long as you know what to do. Once you have finalized these things, you can now reach out to your local auto body shop. At California Collision, we’ll not only ask you the right questions, but we’ll also walk you through the process. For more information about our appointments, don’t hesitate to call us today!