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Choosing
A Body Shop
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Information » Car
Care Tips »
Choosing a Body Shop
As a vehicle owner, your chances of needing the services of a collision
repair and refinishing facility are greater than you think. Whether it's
from storm damage, rust and corrosion, acid rain and harsh sunlight, or
an automobile accident outright, the risks are real. It's wise, then, to
know how to select a body shop.
Many times when people are involved in an accident they think "the
insurance company will take care of it for me.'' In fact, it is your
responsibility to choose who will do the repairs for you. This is not a
choice that should be taken lightly, as it can involve protecting a
major investment.
Start shopping for a body shop before you need one; you can make better
decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic. Ask friends and
associates for their recommendations. Even in this high-tech era,
old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still valuable. Check with
your local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the
facility in question. Ask about the number of complaints, if any, and
determine how the complaints were resolved. Always try to visit the shop
before making the decision on who will repair your vehicle. II. At the
Shop
Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Ask how
long the shop has been in business. Look for a neat, well-organized
facility with modern equipment. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend
specific repair procedures and equipment for the repair of their vehicles.
Ensure that the facility you choose is trained in these procedures and
has the proper equipment. Professionally run establish meets will have a
courteous, helpful staff willing to answer all of your questions. Look
for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and
community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau,
customer service awards. Many times you can see the vehicles being
repaired by the shop. Are you impressed by the type of vehicles the
company is repairing and the way the vehicles are being handled? Also
look for signs that the staff is technically competent, such as trade
school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work training from
I-CAR (the Inter-Industry ASE Conference on Auto Collision Repair, and
certifications—a national standard of technician competence issued by
the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE). All policies, guarantees, and methods of payment should be posted
or explained to your satisfaction. The backbone of any shop is the
competence of its technicians. |
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