There are four key factors to selecting a reputable body shop that will not only do a great job fixing your car or truck, but also be upfront with excellent customer service. The period after a collision can be stressful and filled with errands and phone calls. Don’t settle on the first body shop you find in the yellow pages because it is listed as such and you want to get this whole ordeal behind you. While we understand your motivation for getting back on the road, it’s critical your car is repaired safely and back to its original condition.
Four Key Factors to Selecting the Best Auto Body Shop
Credentials
As with all professions, it important you hire someone who knows what they’re doing and is certified to perform the work for which you’re hiring them! The auto body industry has clearly defined credentials that differentiate excellent body shops and that serve as a guide for consumers to help them with the selection process. It’s important you check on credentials. Select a body shop that has proper certifications, training, and equipment to repair your vehicle. For best results, be sure you select an I-Car Gold Class Facility.
Technology
What worked great 40 years ago to repair cars and make them road-ready, isn’t necessarily a good idea anymore. Industry and safety standards have changed, along with technology, techniques, and manufacturers specifications for repairing automobiles back to their original condition. Science and safety tests provide insight into safely repairing vehicles instead of just making them appear repaired. If a body shop says they’ve “been doing it this way for 40 years and have never had a problem”, chances are they don’t have the proper equipment and training you’ll need. *Hint: Take a look around at the types of vehicles currently at the facility. Is it filled mostly with old cars and hot rods, or is it full of late-model collision type work?
Focus on Safety
Have you heard that looks aren’t everything? The saying applies heavily to repaired vehicles. While a nice paint job is admirable and the outside looks are most noticeable at first glance, what’s underneath and the techniques and parts used to repair your vehicle matter immensely. The use of incorrect parts or practices that sway from the manufacturer’s recommendations could compromise the safety and reliability of your vehicle. Most body shops will tell you they are qualified to get the job. Make sure quality work and safety are at the forefront of the conversation, not just aesthetics.
Transparency
Look for a body shop that invites conversation, encourages questions, provides answers, and gives upfront information. You want a body shop that has a track record of inviting customers to take a look around and talk to other satisfied customers. Make sure you select a body shop with a history of dealing fairly and honestly with customers.
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