From small door dings courtesy of runaway grocery carts to full-on collisions that leave your car undriveable, you’ll probably need the help of an auto body repair shop at some point in your life.
Finding a trustworthy auto body shop is essential to ensure that your vehicle receives quality repairs and that you leave the shop happy with the work that’s done. Here are some steps you can take to find a reputable auto body shop.
Ask for Recommendations
Your best resource when you’re in a pickle after an accident may be a neighbor, friend, or family member. If you have the time to do some extended research, start by asking around for recommendations.
Once you have some recommendations, take a look at whether or not the shop has a good reputation and how long it’s been in the community. Considering factors like this in addition to personal referrals is a great way to find a trustworthy auto body shop.
Check Online Reviews
Reading online reviews is another easy way to vet an auto body shop. Take a look at platforms like Google, Yelp, Nextdoor, and Facebook to assess the overall satisfaction of previous customers. You should look for a shop with consistently positive reviews and pay attention to any recurring themes, both positive and negative.
You should also inquire about the quality of parts and materials used in repairs. Ideally, the shop should use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or high-quality aftermarket parts.
Assess Shop Professionalism in Person
Take a trip to the auto body shop to get a sense of its cleanliness, organization, and professionalism. If the shop seems messy or disorganized, that may be a red flag. You want your vehicle in hands that you trust.
Inquire About Warranties
When you’re getting an estimate from an auto body shop, ask about the warranties they offer on repairs. A trustworthy shop will stand behind its work with a warranty, which can provide peace of mind in case issues arise after the repair.
Get an Estimate in Writing
Any estimates from a reputable auto body shop should be free and in writing. The estimator should explain the repairs and what they’ll need to do to fix your car. When you have your car estimated, there should be detailed notes and photos taken of the entire vehicle. All of this should then be put together in a file for both you and your insurance company.
Check for Insurance Coverage
If you’re filing an insurance claim, check that the auto body shop works with your insurance provider. They should be able to handle the paperwork and communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
At Stan’s Auto Body Shop, we accept all insurance providers!
Trust Your Instincts
At the end of the day, you should always trust your gut when choosing an auto body shop. If something feels off or if you’re not comfortable with the communication or service, it’s okay to look elsewhere.
Stan’s Auto Body Is Your Trusted Neighborhood Shop
As one of the only locally owned and operated auto body shops in the area, we’ve built our business on decades of quality work and customer service. We treat every customer like family, and our employees take pride in their work each day.
When you’re in an accident, trust our team at Stan’s Auto Body to get the repairs done right and to help you feel at ease! Contact us today to schedule your collision repair service!