How to Choose an Auto Body Shop
Locating an auto body shop with skilled and honest employees can be complicated. There are many shops out there, but its hard to find one you can trust. It is best to start your search prior to finding yourself in an emergency situation. These shops can perform routine maintenance as well as major repairs. A good mechanic is an ally, so take your time to find one. Auto body shops may be owned and operated by a single person with basic equipment or they may employ dozens of employees using the latest technologies. Reputable shops exist in each category.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Ask for auto body shop recommendations from family, friends and as many people as you can, making notes of recommended shops and those to avoid. If you are new to the area, find a local online forum.
-
2
Narrow down your list to the top two or three shops.
-
-
3
Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the top shops on your list have a business membership and rating.
-
4
Visit the shop and ask questions. Ask if the shop's employees hold any certifications such as an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certificate. Ask how many years experience the employees have, whether they provide a warranty for their repairs and if they have a customer satisfaction policy.
-
5
Shop around if your car is in need of a major repair. Obtain written estimates from each shop and compare them. Vastly different estimates could mean one shop could be misdiagnosing the problem, or charging for unnecessary repairs and replacements. Ask the technician to explain the problem to you on your level. Ask him if he's done similar repairs.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Auto body shops in small towns and rural areas may lack certifications and Better Business Bureau ratings. In these cases, rely on word of mouth. Generally what these people lack in formal education, they make up for in experience.
The absence of a Better Business Bureau membership does not denote an inferior business. Listed businesses have ratings; you will be able to find out if complaints have been issued along with the resolution or lack thereof.
Trust your instincts. If you are uncomfortable with a technician for any reason, go elsewhere. An honest and trustworthy technician or shop owner should be comfortable answering all of your questions.
