Being in a car accident is stressful enough, but the situation can worsen as the driver has to deal with insurance companies, salvage parts, poor repair work, and possibly being without a vehicle. Most of these challenges can be eliminated by choosing the right auto repair shop. Below are tips on what to look for in Auto Body Repair in Johnson County.
Insurance Company Recommendations
While insurers aren’t supposed to recommend a specific shop, they do have a list of auto repair shops with which they’ve worked in the past. Use the preferred provider list to narrow the field, and research shops online to find a good one that’s local.
Determine Whether the Shop is Certified
There are three important factors to consider when choosing a shop: equipment, training and quality control. Once a customer chooses a shop, they should tour it to ensure that it has the right equipment for the job. Customers should choose a shop that’s certified by an accrediting body, and one where the technicians undergo continuing education on best practices.
Consider Overhead and Shop Location
When a customer visits an auto repair shop, they should consider the surrounding neighborhood and the shop’s staffing level. If a shop is in a better part of town and has a large staff, its overhead costs are likely very high, and the extra expense is typically passed on to the customer.
Get Competitive Estimates
Comparing prices at local auto repair shops is a good idea, and it can help customers avoid paying too much for repairs. However, customers shouldn’t base their decisions on price alone, and they should choose a shop only after considering other relevant factors.
Ask Questions
A reliable repair shop should be able to address a customer’s concerns on job duration, work quality and warranty. Of these factors, a good warranty is especially important. Customers should choose a shop that offers, at least, a year’s warranty on parts and labor, with a minimum of two years of body work and three years on paint applications.
If a customer works with their insurer to get Auto Body Repair in Johnson County, they should not feel pressured to use the body shop the insurance company recommends. Hiring decisions should be based on what’s best for the car and for the driver, and drivers should Visit us for estimates for all types of auto body damage.
