How to Choose the
Right Body Shop
Your chances of needing the services of a
collision repair and refinishing facility are greater than you
think. Whether it's from storm damage, rust and corrosion, acid
rain and harsh sunlight, or an automobile accident outright, the
risks are real. It's wise, then, to know how to select a body
shop.
People often think "the insurance
company will take care of it for me. In fact, it is your
responsibility to choose who will do the repairs for you. This is
not a choice that should be taken lightly.
I. Preliminaries
- Start shopping for a body shop before
you need one; you can make better decisions when you are
not rushed or in a panic.
- Ask friends and associates for their
recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned
word-of-mouth reputation is still valuable.
- Check with your local consumer
organization regarding the reputation of the facility in
question. Ask about the number of complaints, if any, and
determine how the complaints were resolved.
- Try to visit the shop before making
the decision on who will repair your vehicle.
II. At the Shop
- Ask if the shop customarily handles
your vehicle make and model. Ask how long the shop has
been in business.
- Look for a neat, well-organized
facility with modern equipment. Many vehicle
manufacturers recommend specific repair procecures and
equipment for the repair of their vehicles. Ensure that
the facility you choose is trained in these procedures
and has the proper equipment.
- Professionally run establish meets
will have a courteous staff willing to answer all of your
questions.
- Look for signs of professionalism in
the customer service area: civic and community service
awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, Blue
Seal of Excellence Recognition Program status, customer
service awards.
- Are you impressed by the type of
vehicles the company is repairing and the way the
vehicles are being handled?
- Look for signs that the staff is
technically competent, such as trade school diplomas,
certificates of advanced course work training from I-CAR
(the Inter-Industry ASE Conference on Auto Collision
Repair). Also look for ASE certificationsa national
standard of technician competence.
- Policies, guarantees, and methods of
payment should be posted or explained.