Making the right decision after your car is damaged can be overwhelming. Taking it to just any auto body shop would be a hasty decision. You need to take your vehicle to an auto body shop that you can trust to repair your car in a short period and at an affordable price.

Take time to research the best auto body shops near you that sell original auto body parts and provide high-quality repair. To help you with that, here are eight questions to ask an auto body shop before giving them your car for repair.

1. Does the Auto Body Shop Warranty Its Repairs and Replacements?

The most important question to ask an auto body shop is the kind of warranty they offer. An auto body shop that provides quality repairs should offer a written warranty. Ask how long the warranty lasts and the type of repairs and replacements that it covers.

2. Is the Auto Body Shop Certified?

A distinguished auto body shop should have certifications, such as ASE and I-CAR. These certifications imply that the business has the proper knowledge and skills needed to conduct high-quality repairs.

Certified auto body shops offer quality and professional services to their customers than non-certified shops.

3. What Types of Service Does the Auto Body Shop Offer?

Many renowned auto body shops offer all auto body repair services on all car makes and models. Nevertheless, some auto body shops offer only a few repair services and repair selected care makes and models. Therefore, you should ask about the types of services an auto body shop offers. This will help you determine its capability and limitations. You should take your car to a shop that provides the necessary parts and services your vehicle needs to be up and running. This will help you avoid subcontracting your car to different shops for repair.

4. What Is the Estimated Duration of the Auto Body Repair?

The repair duration depends on many factors, including the extent of damage, the auto body shop's schedule, or its procurement process. According to a study conducted by CC information Services Incorporations in 2017, the average repair duration is ten days.

Knowing the duration of the repairs will help you determine if you need a rental car. Remember to follow up on the repair after a reasonable time to keep track of the process. Do not pressure the mechanics to repair your vehicle, as this can lead to a hasty, low-quality job. Avoid hanging around for a quick repair as it can be distracting to the mechanic.

5. Does the Auto Body Shop Provide Rentals Cars?

Having your car in an auto body shop for a couple of days will be inconvenient, especially if it is your primary means of transport. Therefore, you will need a rental or courtesy car to use while yours is undergoing repair. Some shops offer rental cars, while others provide courtesy cars. Carefully review any available pre-agreement documents before taking rental or courtesy vehicles.

6. What Rates Does the Auto Body Shop Charge?

Money is an essential factor to consider when finding the right shop to repair your car. Ask about the rates the business charges on different parts and services. Ask if they provide any deductible discounts to clients. Do not select cheap service shops as you may receive substandard auto body parts and low-quality repair. Remember to ask for a cost estimate before allowing the mechanic to start repairing your car.

7. What Is the Payment Policy?

After knowing their rates, the next thing you might want to check is the payment policy. Many trustworthy auto body shops have clear payment policies that customers can easily access. The payment policies may include acceptable methods of payment, warranty information, and labor rates. Thoroughly review the payment policy before the shop starts to repair your car.

8. How Long Have They Been Operating?

Auto body shops that have been operating for a long time tend to have a good reputation. You should ask how long the shop has been in business to determine their experience. You can also go through online reviews and feedback provided by past and loyal customers. Avoid shops with many negative reviews and unsatisfied customers.

These are some of the critical questions you can ask an auto body shop. They will help you identify the best auto body shop to repair your car. Are you looking for a one-stop auto body repair shop? Contact us today to schedule an appointment or for inquiries.