Nobody wants to get into an auto collision, yet it’s an unfortunate fact of life that millions of accidents happen every year in the United States. A 2019 report by the auto insurance company Esurance found that 77% of drivers surveyed had been in at least one car accident. That’s a lot of accidents — and that’s a lot of potential damage to your automobile.
Regardless of what ends up causing you to get into a car accident, you’ll almost certainly need to get your car repaired at some point or another. But if you’ve never gone through the process before, it can be intimidating. If you’re beginning to look for local DFW collision repair centers, we’re here for you! Ask these questions as you search for the right auto body repair shop.
Are You Recommended By Insurance Companies?
All car owners are legally required to purchase auto insurance, but not all auto insurance policies are alike. Auto insurers give drivers the right to have repairs done at any qualified auto body shop, but there are some restrictions and specifics that your individual auto insurance company will want you to follow. Therefore, one of the more important questions for your auto body shop is, “Will you work with my insurance company?” followed by “Are you recommended by insurance companies?”
Some auto body shops perform the work, then give you an itemized receipt that you must send to your insurance company. Others cut out the middleman and communicate directly with your insurance company, saving you the trouble of going back and forth. If a body shop is recommended by insurance companies, it likely falls into this second category.
Are You Certified?
There are many people out there offering auto body repair services, yet not all of them have the same credentials. Some are not credentialed at all and offer only their word as a recommendation. When it comes to your car, don’t risk “good-faith” offers. Only entrust your vehicle’s safety to professionals working for a certified, high-quality, full-service collision repair shop.
Can You Work With My Car?
To ensure that the auto body shop you choose can make quality repairs to your car, specify the make and model to technicians while you’re making up your mind. Some shops specialize in foreign cars, while others focus on classic antique vehicles. Still, others are specifically dedicated to repainting or dent removal. Make sure you choose professionals that can take care of your vehicle specifically!
Do You Offer Estimates?
If you’re looking for the best price possible on repairs, it’s not a bad idea to collect several approximate estimates from auto body shops. However, the shop will need to actually inspect your car to provide a true written estimate. The estimate should include the cost of parts, labor rates, tax if applicable, and any other relevant payment details.
Do You Have a Repair Warranty?
Did you know that some auto body shops offer warranties on their repairs? Before you choose a shop, ask for detailed warranty information — and follow up with specific questions as needed. Does this specific kind of warranty apply in your situation? How does the body shop handle warranties on specific replacement parts?
Even though warranty details can get long and boring, don’t zone out during this important conversation. Don’t throw away any warranty-related paperwork, either! Tuck it away in a safe place with your other important automotive documents.
How Long Will the Job Take?
It’s always worthwhile to inquire how long the repair process will take. After all, unless you’re borrowing a friend or family member’s car, you’ll be renting, ridesharing, or carpooling to work until the job gets done. Based on the damage to your car, experts will be able to let you know what kind of timeframe you can expect.
Do keep in mind that repair time estimates are just that: estimates. If auto body repair professionals discover your car is more damaged than they initially thought, they may need to spend more time getting it ready for the road. However, in the event that something unexpected does need repair, reputable shops will share an updated timeline with you and communicate all information clearly.
How Should I Care For My Repaired Vehicle?
After you drop off your car, body shop experts will handle ordering parts, looking up paint codes, and smoothing out dents in panels. But when they’re finished with their work, there’s one more important thing to ask: how should you care for your car now? In many cases, there isn’t much you’ll have to keep in mind, but sometimes, maintenance professionals will have useful advice for your specific situation. All in all, it never hurts to ask how to better protect your car!
Dinged, Scratched, Dented, or Crashed? DFW Pro Bright Star Can Handle It!
Been in a car crash? Our experts will bring your car back to brand-new before you know it. Dealing with weather damage? Our specialized DFW hail repair process can make your car look like nothing happened. Schedule service anytime or browse our informative articles on bumper replacement, rear-end collision damage, and more. We’re always ready to help revive your ride, so feel free to make the call or contact us online today!