One of the most painful experiences for any driver is an auto accident. Even if you’re lucky enough to walk away unharmed, the chances are that your car will need bodywork to repair damages.
Finding an auto body repair shop that you can trust can be daunting, especially if it’s a new experience. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of horror stories involving shady mechanics, overpriced services, and poor auto body work.
If you’re worried about finding an auto repair shop that you can trust, we’ve got you covered! Below are five things to do before you bring in your car for auto body work.
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask the Hard Questions
When choosing an auto body repair shop, don’t hesitate to ask questions about their process, services, and performance with customers. Any reputable shop will not shy away from answering your questions.
You can even go as far as asking for referrals from past customers. Even if a particular repair shop has tons of great reviews online, nothing beats a personal conversation with a former client. It’s better if you have friends or family who can refer you to an auto repair shop.
2. Get an Estimate
All reputable shops will give a free estimate for the work your car will need. What’s more, these estimates should be non-obligatory; never feel pressured to work with a company simply because they provided a quote.
Getting an estimate is a great way to determine the cost and prevent surprises before bringing in your car for repair.
3. Have Your Insurance Policy Ready
Before agreeing to any auto body work, make sure that your insurance policy covers as many repairs as possible. Ask the company whether they accept your insurance provider.
Reputable auto shops will typically accept most major insurance policies. They will also be the ones to file the claim on your behalf, so it helps to have your insurance ready before taking your car in.
4. Understand the Repair Process
Whether you’re getting something as small as dent repair or a full-on collision repair job, you should understand each step of the repair process. That way, you’ll be able to better understand the costs and timeline.
Understanding the repair process will also help protect you against any unnecessary body work and extra charges. For example, if you’re getting a paint job done, any additional body filler work would be questionable.
5. Clean Your Car Thoroughly
Before getting your car repaired, you should clean out the interior. Removing all the clutter can help the mechanic finish faster and get you back on the road quicker. Removing your valuables before dropping off your car also saves you from potentially losing them.
Get Reliable Auto Body Work with Desoto Collision
Finding a trustworthy and affordable auto body work shop is a must for all car owners. For car owners across the southeastern United States, Desoto Collision should be the top choice! Whether you need dent or sheet metal repair, we have the tools and expertise needed to restore your vehicle and get you back on the road.
We have branches in Tennessee and Mississippi. Find the nearest branch to you and request a free consultation today.
