Have you gotten into an accident or a fender bender? According to Forbes, the average car accident happens between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, when most people are exhausted from the day, but unfortunately, they can strike at any moment. No matter when your accident takes place, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to find an auto body repair shop as soon as possible. That said, it's important not to rush if you're not sure who to count on. Here are some of the most important questions to ask your auto body repair shop to make sure you're entrusting your vehicle to the best possible service provider.

1. Do You Have Certifications?

As you likely know, you don't want just anyone working on your car. After all, your vehicle isn't just something to take you from point A to point B. It's also a worthy investment, and you don't want to have to take your car back to a different auto shop because the initial mechanic didn't know what they were doing. To protect yourself and your vehicle investment, ask about what type of certifications and training they have.

2. Do You Offer a Guarantee?

Most reputable contractors will offer some type of guarantee for their services. Your professional auto shop may also offer this, whether it's for the service or the parts that they use on your car. Make sure you understand the terms and limitations of any warranty they offer you. After all, if it's for a service, they agree that you can bring your car back within a certain amount of time to get additional repairs without charging you more money. However, if it's for a specific part upgrade, then the warranty may be even longer.

3. Can You Give Me an Estimate Beforehand?

It's always a good idea to get an estimate before you allow the auto shop to work on your car. After all, just because you brought the car into their shop doesn't mean you have to let them work on it. You're always free to turn around and go to another location. However, if you're in a situation where your car is totaled and it has to be towed, then you may need to discuss the job over the phone. Some auto body shops may agree to give you an estimate for free. You should certainly take advantage of that, especially if you have the time on your hands. After all, auto body work isn't just for when your car has an accident. You may want to go back to them again for future maintenance work if they do a good job.

4. Do You Have References?

You should always ask any potential contractor for references. When you ask to speak to past or present clients, the way they respond can speak volumes about how they feel about their work and their relationships with their customers. Asking for references isn't just for professionals who work in your home. You should have the same due diligence when choosing someone to work on your car. Asking for a couple of references isn't out of line, as most careful customers will do that. If the auto body shop is proud of their work and knows they can stand on it, they shouldn't hesitate for you to speak to some of their other clients.

5. Can You Help With My Insurance Claim?

If your car was totaled or severely damaged in an accident, you're going to have to make an insurance claim. The more assistance you have from anyone who may have helped you through the accident, such as your auto shop, medical professionals, or police, can all play a role in ensuring you get a proper insurance payout. In most cases, the auto insurance professionals are prepared to help you and may even communicate with the insurer.

6. When Will My Car Be Ready?

Of course, you want your car back as soon as possible. If your main vehicle was totaled or damaged in an accident, it can be inconvenient to be without reliable transportation for an extended period of time. However, it's also important to be realistic about how long the auto body repair shop will take to repair your car. If it's badly damaged or needs uncommon parts, it may take several days to complete. The shop should have a good idea of how long your particular situation should take, so be sure to ask for a consultation.

7. Can You Contact Me When You're Done?

As you wait with bated breath to get your car back, you probably don't want to keep coming back to the shop to check on it. While your auto repair professionals may normally call customers to alert them to pick up their car, it's a good idea to double-check with them to see if it's part of their policy. Good customer support and communication practices are a good sign of quality work.

8. Do You Offer Second Opinions?

Of course, this is something you should expect from any auto body and repair shop you visit. An expert will have the knowledge and experience to know when a quote you've received for your job is inaccurate. When you call for a free estimate, ask if the specialist can offer a second opinion estimate. They may even be able to provide the estimate virtually without seeing the car in person for your safety and convenience. At City Side Auto Body, we believe honest second opinions are a key aspect of quality customer care.

9. What Is Your Range of Service?

Not all auto body shops do the same type of work. Before you go there, you could always ask the auto body repair shop about their range of services. Do they do engine or suspension work? They may be able to handle brake services, or they might not. Can they do auto waxing or interior cleaning? The point is that you may be able to go back to the shop again for additional work, whether it's emergency care, cosmetic services, general tuneups, or general checkups. If you love their service, you can always recommend them to people in your inner circle.

Taking your car to the auto shop is something every car owner experiences every once in a while. However, if you were involved in a car accident, it may be a stressful time. After all, no one wants to be in a car accident, and you certainly don't want to have to deal with and pay for a totaled car. You can prepare for this situation by understanding the right questions to ask to ensure you get the best possible care. If you have these questions in mind, it'll be easier to find the right auto body repair shop for you. You can ask questions over the phone or go into the shop as needed. As professional and experienced auto body professionals who've been in the business for years, we welcome any questions our potential customers may have. You can ask the above questions as well as any others. Visit our team at City Side Auto Body or call us today for information about our services.