The need for collision repair work is an event you will only go through a few times in your life. Vehicle collision repair is continuously becoming more difficult as the technologies and materials used when making the vehicle continue to advance. High-quality repairs focused on safety are of the utmost importance; therefore, feeling confident in the facility you choose, and it IS your choice, is the most crucial step you'll take through the claims process.
Here's What you Need to Know:
* FIND A QUALITY AUTO REPAIR SHOP: Insurance companies will tell you that they have "preferred body shops." Their preferred body shop is simply the company that will give the insurance company, not the customer, the most significant discount on the work. Their preferred status with the insurance company has nothing to do with the quality or safety of the repair.
Find the right repair shop by researching and going with your gut. Who has the right equipment? What do former clients say about them? Read the reviews. Who invests in continual training? How long have they been an established company? Will they complete manufacturer research to ensure they are correctly repairing the vehicle?
* YOU WON'T OWE ANYTHING MORE BY GOING TO A "NON-PREFERRED" REPAIR FACILITY: The insurance company is responsible for restoring your vehicle "back to pre-accident" condition, regardless of the facility chosen.
* WARRANTIES ARE THROUGH THE FACILITY, NOT THE INSURANCE: This lie always makes us laugh. Insurance companies are notorious for misleading consumers by telling them that the work will not be warranted if they go to a non-preferred facility. Why does this make us laugh? Insurance companies have never been the ones to warranty work. The shop is responsible for warranties. Choose a reputable facility with a reliable warranty that stands behind its work.
* ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL WORK WITH WHATEVER FACILITY YOU CHOOSE: Occasionally, insurance companies will say that they don't work with the shop of your choosing or that they have only worked with the facility a "couple of times." All established facilities know how to work with all insurance companies.
Here's What We Hope We've Made Clear:
The decision is entirely yours! Choose the shop that you trust! Talk to friends, family, and colleagues. Look at reviews. Ask questions! Make thoughtful decisions for the safety of you and your family.
Trust your gut when receiving your initial estimate, and know that whatever facility you choose should represent your interests, not those of the insurance company and their "preferred" shops that may cut corners on your repairs, as the facility AND the insurance company both work for YOU!