When dealing with any car damage, probably the first question that pops in your head is, “How do I find a reliable shop that does auto body repair near me?” All car owners want the best service at a reasonable price, and they don’t want to spend three, four hours on the road to get to it.
However, searching for a body repair shop in your area that can cater to all your needs can be tricky— especially if you need help with car painting, glass replacement, collision repair, and more.
You need to find a reputable shop that you trust to get your vehicle in almost-perfect condition as quickly as possible. Additionally, you want to deal with honest experts who charge fairly for the quality of their work. How do you find such an establishment? Here are the things you need to consider first:
1. Price Estimate
Being the car owner, you decide where to have your car repaired, regardless of your insurance company’s agreement with other body shops. To find a reliable expert, shop around and weigh your options.
2. Track Record
When you Google the phrase, “best auto body repair near me,” you need to consider is reputation of the shops listed in the results. How long have they been in the business? What are their credentials?
An important sign of a reliable body shop is certification. You can trust a company that is certified by car manufacturers and industry associations. Examples of good national certifications are the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Independent Auto Body Association (IABA).
3. Warranty and Insurance
Body shops that are confident about the work they do should provide all customers with a written warranty. As a car owner, it’s your duty to inquire about the warranty, how long it lasts, and its specific coverage. The minimum should cover the parts, paint job, and the repair work for one full year.
Also, be sure to choose an auto body shop that carries insurance for theft and fire. If your car will be held on the shop for several days while the repair is ongoing, make sure that it is insured from more damage.
4. Parts for the Repair
Ask the repair shop about the parts that will be used for your car. Are they going to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or parts that have already been used? Can they verify the quality with papers or receipts? In order to preserve the integrity of your vehicle, it’s best to use brand new parts every time a repair is done. Be wary of shops that install salvaged parts to save money.
So the next time you find yourself searching the phrase “best auto body repair near me?,” don’t just sign up with the first body shop that pops up. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask around to be absolutely sure you’re getting a good deal.
At California Collision, we value your trust when it comes to your car repair needs. We are always willing to answer any question you may have about our services and how we conduct business. If you need an estimate or have any other concern, feel free to contact our team now.