When you hit the road, getting into a car accident is the last thing on your mind. But the possibility of crashing is always lurking. The average American driver will be in about 4 accidents over the course of a lifetime.
When you get into an accident, you could die and/or cause the death of other road users. Or you’ll get away with injuries. Sometimes you’ll get out just fine, but your car will sustain body damage.
In this article, we’re telling you how to find the best car body shop to beat your car back into shape. Read on!
Get Car Body Shop Referrals
Fixing a wrecked car body requires skilled mechanical craftsmanship, as well as special tools. Walking around from garage to garage won’t help you identify one with these qualities.
This is why you need to call friends and relatives and get referrals. If someone close to you knows an auto body shop that did an awesome job on their car, they won’t hesitate to recommend.
You can also go online, do a car body shop search, read the reviews of each, and pick out the most reputable ones. This search exercise should yield about 3-5 car body shops.
Consider Shop Experience
The number of years an auto body garage has been in the game is a subtle indicator of its competence. If a shop offers poor quality services, customers will dry up, and it will close down. On the other hand, excellent service delivery means more customers, which means a thriving business.
As such, give more preference to shops that have been in business for at least 5 years. Avoid or be very skeptical of newly-opened shops.
Possession of an Industry Certification Is a Mark of Excellence
Next, consider whether an auto body shop holds any relevant industry certification.
The Auto Mobile Association of America, for instance, recognizes body shops that meet its rigorous service quality standards. When you take your car to an AAA-approved shop, expect a stellar job.
It’s also important to settle for a body shop whose technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
Also, consider the Better Business Bureau rating. Any car body shop that’s committed to quality services should have a BBB rating. If you find a shop with an A+ rating, bingo!
Get Estimates
By this step, you should have narrowed down your list to 2-3 shops.
Call them up or do a physical visit and get an estimate. Be wary of shops offering you a quote with asking to physically examine the condition of the car.
You’re free to choose a quote that fits your budget. That said, don’t be too quick to move on from a pricey shop. Negotiate. Many shops are usually flexible with their pricing.
Consider Getting Legal Advice
Depending on the nature of the accident, you might need to get legal help.
If your car is comprehensively insured, for instance, the insurer should pay for the repairs. A lawyer can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve.
When lawyering up, be sure to hire the right auto accident lawyer. If your vehicle is a truck, for instance, you need a truck accident lawyer.
Get Your Car’s Body Beat into Shape
When your car’s body gets damaged in an accident, you have to find the best car body shop to restore it to its original condition. We have shown you how to find the best shop, now read how to buy auto parts without overpaying.
