When it comes to auto body repair, having a reliable and trustworthy shop you can depend on is a must. Repairs are an investment and you deserve your money’s worth! Before entrusting an auto body shop with your vehicle, it is important to make sure that the shop you choose is reputable and qualified for the job. There are several red flags that may be signs of potential problems when looking for a trustworthy auto body repair shop.
Communication
Open and honest communication between the shop, customer, and insurance company is essential for a successful repair. Likewise, poor communication with the auto shop can be an immediate red flag. If you have difficulty getting in touch with the shop or they do not respond promptly to your questions or inquiries, it may indicate that they are unprofessional or simply untrustworthy. No reputable shop would ever fail to return a phone call or give you a vague answer about something specific.
If there is a lack of clarity regarding repair estimates and timelines, this can also be a major concern. You should also watch out for any verbal promises made by the technician that aren’t backed up in writing – if something goes wrong during the repair process, these promises may not hold water unless they were properly documented beforehand. Additionally, customers should ensure they receive regular updates on the progress of their vehicle’s repair so that no surprises crop up down the line.
Green flags are mostly the opposite of red flags in this case. If the staff is friendly, direct, and helpful, you’re in good hands. Other great signs are when you are provided with a written, itemized estimate and a firm timeline, and if during a job you are regularly updated on how repairs are proceeding.
Reputation and Reviews
The reputation of a shop is another key factor to consider before bringing it in. Generally speaking, it’s good to make some allowance for a poor review or two so long as they’re not the norm–and pay attention to see if the review was responded to by the business in a professional manner!
You want your car in the hands of someone that has put in the effort to have top reviews by regular users. You can, of course, always ask for recommendations from family or friends or even co-workers.
The Better Business Bureau rating is a great way to understand the responsiveness of a business. Remember, however, that BBB ratings only track the responsiveness to complaints, not necessarily the quality of a business’s products or services.
Insurance and Warranty
When selecting an auto body repair shop, it is important to check if the shop accepts your auto insurance and that the warranty offered for their repairs covers what you find satisfactory. Reputable auto body shops should provide a written estimate before any repair commences which clearly outlines the cost of labor, parts, and any additional services.
Furthermore, it is important to be aware of “steering,” an unethical practice that insurance companies may engage in. This happens when an insurer makes a deal with certain shops to ferry (or “steer”) customers between them. The right to choose your own body repair shop is yours by law, and any suggestion otherwise is wrong. Guarantees on repairs are made by body shops, not insurers, and so you need only ensure that the shop you work with offers a comprehensive warranty on the work you are receiving.
Quality of Work
It is also important to assess the quality of work that a shop can provide. You can look up photos of completed work on their website or other social media (body shops often have a Facebook or Instagram page). It’s also perfectly acceptable and encouraged to inquire about repair materials and techniques used by technicians at the shop. Car people love to talk shop about cars; if they’re evading your questions, that’s a red flag!
More so, you may even consider asking for references from other customers who have had work done at the same auto body shop to get an idea of their level of satisfaction with their experience. Additionally, paying close attention to any certifications and accreditation held by the shop will serve as further proof that they are capable of providing high-quality service. Certifications come in many forms, but the most common are ASE, I-CAR, and OEM, all of which are encouraging green flags of quality.
Go to an Auto Body Professional That You Trust
If you’re in search of an experienced and reliable auto body repair shop with green flags galore, look no further than Shur-Way Auto! Our commitment to excellence has earned us countless customer reviews that speak to our dedication towards providing customers with high quality service. We have set an industry standard for premium repair services at an affordable rate – so why go anywhere else? Contact Us today and let Shur-Way Auto show you what exceptional auto body repair looks like!