How You can Identify the Right Body Shop

 

Fixing automobile body damage is not simply a matter of removing the visible effects of an accident. Cosmetic repairs can result in underlying damage being hidden from sight. But hidden damage can continue to get worse, and lead to body defects and even structural damage over time. Because these defects will come to light later when no accident is involved, your car insurance may not cover the cost of repairs. Fixing a dent, replacing a panel, using plastic fillers, matching paint finishes and much more each require a great deal of specialized skill and experience.

Repairs done in a body shop that does not have the ability, or the dedication, to perform high level repairs can leave the vehicle visually unattractive and potentially structurally unsafe. Finding the right body shop is essential to retaining the value of your car and ensuring it is returned to a pre-accident condition. Your life will be a lot easier if you know in advance where to take your car should an accident occur. Here’s how to go about it.

How to identify the right body shop

• Prior identification: Look for a professional body shop before you need one. There will be a lot of things you need to do after an accident and you will be in hurry to get the repairs done. The combination of time pressure and the desire to get back on the road quickly can lead to making mistakes in the choice of the right body shop. 
• Recommendations of friends: Ask friends for recommendations – word of mouth is a good source of information on such matters. Also check with local consumer organizations about the reputation of the shops you shortlist. Take a look at automotive specific repair sites like: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/a-superior-collision-shop-campbell-ca-95008/464356 
• Personal visit: Visit each of the shortlisted shops when you can. Spend a little time looking at the facilities. Talk to the manager about the types of work they specialize in and ask about the specific strengths the shop has in comparison to others you maybe thinking of. Even if you have no mechanical aptitude, just watching how things are done and observing the attitude of the staff will give you an idea of how professional and quality-focused they are. 
• Work experience: Find out if the shop is familiar with the make and the model of the car you own. A shop that has experience in repairing the same model is always a better option. 
• Repair procedures: Many car manufacturers recommend specific digitized repair procedures with the use of specialized equipment. Check if the shop is familiar with all these procedures and is properly equipped to do the repairs. 
• Staff skill sets: Find out about the skill level of the staff. Check whether the mechanics have trade school training, diplomas, or other types of certification. 
• Payment terms and policies: Find out about payment terms and policies. 
• Expertise in insurance procedures: Check if the shop carries out insurance repairs and if they will work directly with your insurance company to ease the procedural burden on you. 
• Guarantees: Get to know the kind of guarantees given on the repairs that the shop does.  
• Honest response to queries: Be careful of a shop that is hesitant in answering your questions or evasive in its replies. A shop that is proud of its works will be happy to talk about it.

Hopefully you will never need the services of a body shop. If you ever happen to, it’ll be reassuring to know in advance exactly where to go, what kind of service you will receive and what condition your car will be in when you get it back. Remember, body work is a very specialized field and your car deserves the best.