So you’ve been in an accident and now you’re looking for collision repair centers near you that can fix the damage to your car. Maybe you came across this blog because you don’t know how to go about picking the right collision repair shop from the handful you’ve found in the area. And that’s okay.
Choosing the right shop when there are so many choices can be overwhelming, especially when trying to figure out who will provide your vehicle quality repairs at a fair price. We’re here to help prioritize the slew of information and narrow down your search to the top two to three best options.
Follow these 8 tips to find the right collision repair center for you:
- Ask Your Mechanic
- Do you have a mechanic or auto shop you trust and/or frequent? Odds are they know what the most reputable and trustworthy local collision repair shops are.
- Read the Reviews
- Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau can be reliable online sources to start your search with as long as you keep a discerning eye. What are people saying they liked about the collision repair shop you’re looking at? Even if a location has 4 to 5 stars, take note of any negative reviews. And remember, generally speaking, people who leave reviews online are either very happy or very unhappy with their experience.
- Ask Friends, Family, and Coworkers
- Sometimes casting your net closer to home provides better results. See if your friends, family, or coworkers have a body repair shop that they recommend. Word of mouth from those you trust is often more reliable than online reviews which can be curated.
- Look for Certifications, Accreditations, and Specialties
- A good auto collision repair shop employs highly trained, certified professionals. Look for certifications from associations like the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), the Automotive Service Association, AAA, and more. Certifications aren’t just pieces of paper on a wall; they are trustworthy representations of specialized and specific expertise in body repairs. Some technicians may even have specialties in your car’s specific make/brand.
- Insurance-Recommended Collision Repair Shops
- Insurance carriers may have deals worked out with certain collision repair shops and will advise you to go with their partner shop. Keep in mind that while this may save you some steps in the claims process, it may also mean that your needs are not being matched with the best possible service in the area.
- Clarity and Transparency in Their Estimate
- Once the collision repair shop provides you with an estimate, do they take the time to walk you through what it is they plan on doing to your car? Are they up-front with why the repairs cost what they do? If the shop’s customer service or sales representative isn’t crystal clear about what everything will cost you and why, consider shopping around some more.
- Do They Provide Warranties?
- Once your car is repaired, what happens if there’s a defect in the materials used or workmanship provided? This question is absolutely crucial to finding the right collision repair shop for you. Will they provide you with a warranty once your car leaves their property? How long is the warranty guaranteed for, etc.
- What Does Your Instinct Tell You?
- Perhaps the most important advice in this list is to trust your instincts. If you have a bad feeling about any part of the process, then it might be better to reconsider or look elsewhere for collision repair shops nearby that leave you feeling secure and comfortable with your choice.
Here at W&L Collision Center, we pride ourselves on meeting the right criteria. We’re a highly rated, locally known and respected, transparent, and trustworthy auto collision repair shop focused on providing our customers with the best possible experience. Rest assured your car will be in good hands and schedule your appointment with us today. We look forward to working with you!
