8 Tips to Spot the Best Auto Collision Repair Specialists

We have all been there. Despite the utmost sincerity to be responsible drivers on the streets, we end up with bumps here or there. At times, our vehicles end up spinning off the road or slam headlong into oncoming traffic. Or find a note in the windshield apologizing for a ‘minor inconvenience’ as you walk out of the grocery store to find a gaping dent on your SUV’S door.

1)  Just Stop!

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Count sheep. Just stop. You may be facing a huge amount of stress right now, it pays to relax a bit and gain clarity on the best way to handle the situation. The calmer you are, the more capable you would be able to call in for help.

2) Safety of Your Co-passengers is Always a Priority

Ensure the safety of your passengers. If the car is drivable condition, make a reasonable effort to move the vehicle to a safe spot. Be aware of the laws of the state you are traveling through.  In some states it's illegal to move your car from the scene of a crash, though.

3) Yep, Warranty Matters

Often body shops offer independent on-site warranties to cover the maintenance of their serviced vehicles for a limited amount of time. Keep in mind, the better a warranty, the merrier the service would be.

4) Be Picky – and Let Them Know It

Let the shop know that you’re nit-picky and expect high quality work. Drive home the point that you expect good quality spare parts to run your car and be serviced with professional care and sincerity. If you let them mend their own fence, your vehicle might end up with some ill-fitted panels or cheap graded spare parts after the work is done, which is further going to creak and groan. We wouldn't want that to happen, do we?

5) Written Agreements Count.

When your insurance adjuster or auto body shop representative promises to “pay for everything,” “restore your car to its pre-accident condition,” or “completely cover the rental car,” it pays to have written commitments for future references.  What if an ill fitted panel gives you a headache and the shop doesn't take the blame for it?

6) Do Your Bit of Digging before the Repair

Google, bing and yelp  reviews are quite useful to aid you with reviews related to the services you desire, but take them with a grain of salt. Keep an eye out for well written reviews across the web.

A bad review might not imply a shoddy business but spotting a bunch of them might provide you valid reasons to stay away.

Forums are available through which you might be able to find fellow auto enthusiasts who might be able to recommend shops based on their experience. These suggestions are valuable and can help you make the right decisions.

7) Get More than One Estimate

According to duraleigh's tips for auto collision repair and deciding on which body shop to trust with your auto , it's better to get multiple quotes from different sources. Step up the gas when it comes to getting estimates from shops at diverse price quotes. The more the merrier and wiser the decision to have your vehicle serviced. You are bound to find that shady dealer who is swapping over a lot of quality parts to make a quick buck. Stay clear. The final estimate cost comparison wouldn't do you any good as the shops might be pricing it one different services and parts’ quality that would be offered. Seek out the shop that is customer friendly and known for its quality servicing. That should be able to narrow it down.

8) Go to Shop which Specializes in your Auto Manufacturer/type

Different manufacturers have their ways of nuances  which their specialists would be able to better handle. Choosing a service shop is like picking out a restaurant to dine in– you wouldn't want your audi to be fixed at a Chevrolet specialist shop. Be the wiser.  It might work for a run of the mill servicing to change oils, but for a longer term fix, it's safer to consult a specialist.