Someone crashes into the back of your car – what do you do? Once you have checked yourself and others for injuries and gotten to safety, you will want to check over your car as even a minor collision can have devastating and costly consequences for your vehicle.
The average cost of car repair was $384.90 in 2019, but common car damages can also interfere with your life as most people rely on their car for work, taking their kids to school, shopping etc.
This is why motorists need to know the best auto body repair shop in the area will get them back on the road quickly while providing peace of mind knowing that they will fix your car to a high standard.
So, how can you go about finding the best place to repair your car? Keep reading to discover how to find some of the best auto body shops in your area.
Research the Best Auto Body Shop in Your Area
First, you should search for “car repair near me” to find auto body repair shops in your area. Going out of town can be a real hassle, so you should look online to find the places nearby and then take a look at the customer reviews that you can find to see what others have said.
Ask Around
You are sure to have friends, family, and even colleagues that have been in this situation in the not-so-distant past and you might find people in your network to be more reliable than businesses that are promoting themselves online.
Check in with your network for their recommendations for Surrey auto repair shops and to get an idea of what to expect. Additionally, many businesses in this industry offer referral benefits, so you could even get a discount if you say that an existing customer referred you.
Get a Few Quotes
You should never just go with the first place that you find for convenience as you might find that you end up paying way more than was necessary.
It is remarkable how much collision repair and other auto work can differ in cost depending on where you go, which is why you should always get a few quotes to avoid getting overcharged.
It is smart to visit a few auto body repair shops to get a few quotes, but don’t be lured into thinking that cheapest is best when it comes to this type of work as it could end up costing more in the long run. Instead, make sure that you are using a certified and reliable auto body shop.
Research Certifications
When researching online, you should also check to see what certifications the auto body repair shop holds.
Typically, you will find that the best auto body repair shops will be certified to work on the major brands and models such as Kia repair, Nissan repair, Ford truck repair, and even Ford F-150 collision repair.
You should also look into ICBC-accredited auto body repair shops to ensure the highest possible standards are being met consistently.
Gauge the Customer Service
Many people are daunted by taking their car in to be repaired, but this should never be the case. You should always take your car to an auto body repair shop with excellent customer service and staff that puts your mind at ease.
Cars are an important part of life, so when something goes wrong it is important that you feel confident enough to ask any questions you may have.
The best auto body repair shops will always make an effort to make customers feel welcome and also educate them on how they can look after their vehicle.
Speak With Your Insurance Company
Another important step to take is to speak with your insurance company. They will be able to refer you to the closest affiliated auto body shop in your area and this can streamline the entire process as they will be aligned with your insurance company.
While it is certainly smart to contact your insurer and to check out their recommended auto body shop, do not limit yourself and be sure to check out a few other places, as mentioned above.
Compare Evidence
When comparing collision repair shops, be sure to look for any evidence that they have such as photos or videos of their repair work – if they are not on the website, you can always ask them for materials.
This will give you an idea of what to expect and you should pay close attention to the small details. For example, many places will provide an auto detailing service so that your car will return to you in even better condition than it was before you took it in.
Look for a Range of Services
It is also worthwhile to take the time to see what other services the repair shop offers. You may want to go somewhere that can offer a range of services to ensure that your vehicle is maintained to the highest possible standard, both mechanically and cosmetically.
A few key services to be aware of include:
- Minor and major collision repair
- Body refinishing
- Auto detailing
- Glass replacement
- Full frame repair
Assess Convenience
One of the worst aspects of needing repair work carried out is that it can leave you car-less. The best auto body shops in your area will understand this dilemma as they deal with it every day.
A courtesy vehicle may be offered to keep you on the road while your car is in the shop, or perhaps they provide a valet service where they pick your car up and drop it off for you so that you do not have to worry about getting to or from the shop.
Lifetime Guarantee & Warranty
You should seek out auto body repair shops that offer a lifetime guarantee and warranty on the work that they carry out.
This means that you are financially protected in the unlikely event that something goes wrong as a result of the work carried out. This can provide peace of mind knowing that you have protection.
Find the Best Auto Body Shop & Get Back on the Road
Choosing the best auto body shop is a tricky decision, but it is important that you get it right so that you are back on the road quickly and safely.
Contact us today for a consultation to find out how we can restore your vehicle after an accident or breakdown and get you back on the road.
