Finding The Best Place For Auto Body Repair

If you have been in a car accident, it’s crucial that you know that auto body shops only sometimes have your interests in mind. Sadly, some auto body shops will routinely downplay claims, minimize auto repair costs, use cheap parts, or even neglect to fully repair problems. These practices can devalue your vehicle and give you even worse problems down the line.

Here are a few basic principles from Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois on things to look for when selecting an auto body shop, and tips on how to be an active participant in your car’s auto body repair to make sure that it comes out looking fantastic and costing you only what is necessary.

Research Before You Repair

Angieslist.com, Yelp.com, and Google reviews are useful sources to get a feeling of an auto body shop’s quality according to customer reviews, but take the online reviews with a grain of salt. You will want to pay attention to well written, thought out reviews – not nasty one-liners, since even the best businesses can end up with an unsatisfied customer from time to time. You might also be able to find discussion forums specific to your vehicle’s make and model where forum members can suggest good auto body shops near your home.

Choose an Auto Body Shop with a Warranty

Some auto body shops offer their own independent warranties on their repairs for fit, finish, functionality, and overall quality. Request to see their warranty and ask some questions relating to it prior to agreeing to do business with a given auto body shop and make sure it doesn’t have a time frame. A good auto body shop will provide a lifetime warranty. Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center offers such a warranty for the people of Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, and Highland, Illinois.

Keep Your Existing Manufacturer Warranties Intact

Ask your chosen auto body shop if any mechanical repairs will nullify or alter any existing warranties you might have on your new or recently purchased car. Factory warranties on engines and accessories may be compromised if your car needs mechanical repairs following a collision, so be sure your car’s factory warranty isn’t being compromised with aftermarket parts, or repairs that otherwise are not manufacturer-approved.

If your insurance provider is trying to “mandate” aftermarket or used parts that will void your factory warranty, demand that the insurer provide you with a written warranty identical to your factory warranty. Nine times out of ten they’ll just pay for original parts, rather than giving you the runaround.

Get More Than One Estimate

It is best to get estimates from a number of different auto body shops. After your first estimate, show their estimate to the second shop and the third shop, and ask how they match up against the first auto body shop’s quote. You could find that one or the other is skipping over some important items. Do not simply compare the final estimated cost, since one auto body shop might be quoting for an entirely different method of repair than the other. You’ll want an auto body shop that's both thorough and friendly.

Do Not Be Willing To Settle

Do not settle for anything less than totally new factory-original parts for your vehicle, and be sure to let the auto body shop know it. Of course, there are some jurisdictions where auto body shops can opt to utilize aftermarket or used parts, but those are generally not the way to go. Look at the work closely to make sure that your vehicle was restored to original condition by the parts used, or you have the right to ask for new parts. The shop managers should have no doubt that you are not willing to settle and that you want nothing but top-quality work. If you do not tell them that you won’t settle, there might be shoddy work done on your vehicle. That is why you need to look for qualities like thoroughness and friendliness in every auto body shop you consider.

Make Sure Everything Is Written Down

It used to be that you could trust people to live up to their word. Sadly, that’s just not the case anymore. There are key phrases that insurance adjusters and auto body shop people like to throw around like “totally cover the rental car,” “restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition,” and even “pay for everything.” Those words sound really great, but you will want to make sure that those kinds of things are all in writing. If you are talking to an insurance adjuster over the phone, follow up with an email so that you have a written record of what was promised by all parties involved. That will also make sure that everything is clear for everyone so all parties are on the same page. If you end up having to appeal a decision or call someone out for a broken promise, you will be glad that you got it all in writing.

These are just a few of the precautions that you should take whenever it comes to your next car repair. After all, your car is the second-largest investment you will make after your home, why not ensure that it’s fixed right? If you have any more questions regarding auto body repair or would like an estimate, contact Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois to get the answers you need.