Harry Gibson on August 28, 2024 No Comments
You might need to take your car to an auto shop after an accident or when it isn’t in great condition and you want to sell it at a higher value.
Whatever the case, you should pick the right auto repair shop to ensure you get the best service. If your car has insurance, your insurer may choose a designated shop for you, which is equally good. A designated auto shop means a lifetime warranty and saves you the time and effort of finding a reliable auto shop.
Nevertheless, you can still pick an auto body shop if your insurer doesn’t agree with the repair costs. If you don’t already have an ideal workshop in mind, the process of choosing one can be quite overwhelming.
To help you make the right decision, we offer tips you can use to ensure you choose the best auto shop. Let’s jump right in.
Ensure the Technicians Are Experienced
A car is a valuable asset you wouldn’t want to have checked by an inexperienced person. Therefore, it’s important to find out how experienced the auto body shop technicians are. The best way to find out is to look at their certifications.
A qualified mechanic will have credible certifications from well-known institutions like the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The mechanic should also be quick to show you the certificate and reveal more about any other training programs they may have undertaken.
Besides the certifications, you should also consider the years the technician has worked in the auto repair industry. While new graduates can still deliver, an experienced person will likely work faster and deliver well because they have the necessary experience.
Ask the technicians how long they have worked in the industry and only pick an experienced one. You could also check their portfolio to know the quality of the work they deliver and learn more about their expertise. The ideal technician will readily show pictures and videos of their previous work to prove their exemplary services.
Ask About Warranty
A warranty allows you to get a free repair or replacement service at the same auto shop should you notice any fault in the vehicle. Some auto shops offer limited warranties for two years or less, while others provide lifetime warranties.
When choosing an auto shop, you should ask if it offers a warranty or additional repair and guarantee in case its services don’t meet your expectations. Find out how long the warranty lasts and understand its terms and conditions.
Auto shops offering repair warranties are usually confident in their services. Even if a problem arises, they will gladly service your vehicle again at no additional cost. That said, you should avoid companies that don’t offer a warranty for the repair service or any auto repair materials you buy.
Check the Customer Service
Don’t overlook its customer service quality even when you’re mainly focusing on the technical skills of auto shop technicians. As a customer, you should feel respected and honored by the auto shop management and the mechanics. The team should be ready to answer your concerns with utmost respect.
If this is your first encounter with the shop, check how they respond to your inquiry regarding the service and the cost. If you’re visiting the shop physically, check how friendly and welcoming the team is to you. A friendly staff will be easy to work with, as you can easily communicate with them.
Ensure the Auto Shop Is Insured
Confirm that the auto shop has insurance from a reputable company. That’s because anything can happen while your car is under the care of the auto shop. For instance, there could be fire, or someone may steal the car or some of its important parts.
If the shop is insured, you won’t have to incur additional costs for repairs should the car sustain more damages. That’s why it’s important to inquire about insurance coverage before leaving your car in its yard.
Consider the Pricing
Price is an important factor to consider if you are on a budget. Therefore, compare what different auto body shops offer for the same service, so you can pick what suits your pocket. You should also ask about the services included in the price quote to avoid incurring extra hidden costs.
The ideal auto body shop will be transparent about pricing. They will break down the costs so you know how much you pay for materials and labor. They will also write the price estimates for your easy reference.
That said, you should avoid technicians who overcharge the services or ask for an upfront payment before the service begins. Moreover, only engage technicians willing to explain the pricing or give you a quote before the work starts.
Check Customer Reviews
Customer reviews help you learn more about an auto body shop before you engage them. Most reviews are from past clients and can give you a clear picture of the shop before trusting them with your car.
To check the reviews of an auto shop, visit its website and go to the customer review section to learn what past customers have said about the shop. Your ideal shop should have more positive reviews and fewer negative reviews.
If the company doesn’t have a website, use search engines like Google to check reviews of the company. Other platforms that you can use to check customer reviews are Yelp and Yahoo local listings. All these offer incredible review insights for different companies.
Picking the Right Auto Body Shop
If you own a car, you will likely have to visit an auto body shop for maintenance, minor repairs, or car body replacement. When that time comes, you should be keen on choosing the right auto mechanics to handle your vehicle. Your chosen team should have the tools needed to complete the work efficiently. They should also be friendly and offer a warranty for their services.
Choosing an auto shop may take some time, but it will be worth it once you find a reliable one.
