It is a crucial decision to choose the right auto body shop. You will have your car for the long haul, and shoddy work could lead to further damage or even safety issues.

Start by inquiring friends and family for recommendations or checking online reviews. Use this guide to help you select the best auto body shop for your repair needs:

Reputation

A good reputation is a big part of what makes or breaks a body shop. Customers can learn about a shop’s reputation through online reviews, word of mouth, and visiting the facility to observe their professionalism and customer service.

Customers want an honest shop that does not try to sell them on repairs and enhancements they don’t need. Additionally, they want a shop that offers fair prices and is transparent about their estimates.

A solid reputation will help you build trust with your customers, as they will be confident that their vehicle is in the right hands. It will also help you to stand out from the competition and attract new customers. Many of your customers will only consider a few shops before choosing one.

Experience

Most people will need to use an auto body shop at some point in their lifetime. From minor fender benders to major collisions, you need a shop you can trust to provide quality work that will return your car to its pre-accident state.

Getting recommendations from friends and family and online reviews is integral to decision-making. But it’s also essential to consider the experience of the shop’s technicians.

The auto body shop with more experienced technicians will have higher insurance, training, and equipment overhead costs. These costs can affect the estimated price of a repair. This is why avoiding shops offering a dramatically low initial estimate price is essential. They may be cutting corners or ignoring other factors that could impact the final price of your repairs.

Warranty

A warranty will protect you if the work done doesn’t meet your expectations. If a shop doesn’t offer a written warranty, look elsewhere.

Shops that advertise in your local newspaper or sponsor events in town tend to have a better reputation than those that don’t. Online reviews checking can also give you a sense of how well a shop works.

Many insurance companies have a list of preferred shops that they work with. This doesn’t mean you have to use these shops, however. Familiarizing yourself with your policy’s language around freedom of choice can empower you to prioritize your preferences, trust, and satisfaction throughout the repair process. Understanding what types of damage or activities may void a warranty is essential. For example, misusing the vehicle, tampering with the odometer, or environmental damage may all void a warranty.

Equipment

At some point, most drivers will need to find a reliable body shop to work on their cars. The right body shop can guarantee high-quality repairs and restore the car to its pre-accident condition. Choosing the right shop can help save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

Some shops specialize in a single manufacturer, while others can repair any vehicle. Those who are I-CAR certified or have manufacturer certifications can provide the best results.

It would help if you also asked what materials they plan to use. Some shops cut corners to save money or increase turnaround times, which can compromise the safety of your car and other drivers on the road. Using original equipment parts will ensure the repair is done correctly and safely.

Pricing

There are many reasons why shop prices can vary. Some are based on location; other factors include overhead costs like required licensing and insurance, technician training, and equipment needs. Shops can also differ in what type of parts they will use – new, aftermarket, or used pieces can significantly affect the cost.

When selecting a body shop, be sure to ask how much each part of the repair will cost and the total estimate. It would help if you also asked about the one-year warranty- a reasonable minimum. Be wary of shops that insurance companies favor, as they may prioritize the insurer over you. This can lead to shoddy work and more expenses down the road. Follow your intuition and look for a shop that will work for you!