Four Tips on Finding a Good Auto Body Shop
Every driver is required to have insurance, but there are legal minimums. This coverage is mandated by law to protect other people and their property when you cause an accident. But this minimum coverage does not cover your car. If you find yourself in need of an auto body shop to repair your car, you will want a good price and quality work. You should find the following tips useful.
1. Look for industry certifications
There are several certifications that an auto body shop can carry. Although you can't expect any single shop to carry all of them, you should see at least one. Any company that has been in operation for several years should have had enough time to become certified. There are several organizations to look for, but the most prevalent are the Automotive Service Association, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. You can ask about these certifications before you ask for an estimate for the cost of the repairs.
2. Check to see if the shop is a member of the Better Business Bureau
The BBB is a non-profit organization that exists for consumers, so they can have confidence in the businesses they are patronizing. They work to settle disputes, and because members are motivated to have a good rating with the BBB, they will go out of their way to satisfy their customers. To find if a body shop in your area is a member, you can visit the BBB website and search for shops by state and zip code.
3. Contact your insurance company
One way to find a good auto body shop is to contact your insurance company. Although you won't be filing a claim with your insurance company, they will have one or more shops in your area that they use for policyholders who have collision and comprehensive coverage for their cars. These shops are important to know because insurance companies screen them for many factors before using them for their customers. These body shops are reputable and cost-effective or no insurance company would use them.
4. Ask about the length of the warranty
This is a crucial aspect of any body shop. As a minimum standard, the shop should give a one year warranty. Some shops will offer two years. At the high end of warranties, you will occasionally find a lifetime warranty, but this only applies as long as you own the car and is never transferable.
For more information about collision repairs, contact companies like Select Collision Group.