Decisions, Decisions: How to Choose an Auto Body Shop
Your car is central to your life, but like most people, you’re probably not sure what to look for in a body shop when you need some work done. Not all body shops are the same, and there’s a vast difference between those shops that can restore your car to its former glory and those that just can’t.
When you’re in an emergency situation and just need your car fixed now, it’s easy to want to pick the first body shop you see to fix your car. Knowing what to look for in a shop ahead of time can help you select the right body shop and avoid ones that will give your car a disaster of a makeover.
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Look at Reviews
Reviews are your best friend when going into an auto body repair shop search. A quality repair shop will have multiple reviews from satisfied customers and ideally pictures of the work they’ve done for them. Less reputable body shops won’t have any or will just have a handful of middling or poor reviews and few or no pictures. Also check to see if the shop offers incentives for reviews, as this could skew the results.
ASE-Qualified Technicians
You can take your car into the shop, but how do you know what kind of service you’ll get? The non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifies individual technicians who have demonstrated a level of competency in core areas. The best body shops will work only ASE-certified technicians, but be wary of shops that attempt to use these individual certifications to make it seem like their shop is ASE-certified. Shops that actually have been recognized by the ASE for their level of service may be awarded an ASE Blue Seal.
Compare Prices and Hourly Labor Rates
Even though your insurance company may pick up the tab for your repair shop visit depending on your situation, you still need to know how much your repair will cost. Gather and compare prices between shops in the area and ask each one how long it will take to complete the work on your vehicle. The last thing you want is to be surprised by learning that your car will be in the shop for weeks.
Customer Service
The level of care that you receive from customer service directly reflects the type of work you can expect to receive for your car. If the people at the front desk are ready to assist you and answer your questions, and if the technicians are willing to answer your questions, it’s a good indication that they will deliver you quality service. If a shop doesn’t give you the care and attention that you deserve, find another one.
Their Equipment
Auto repair shops can be loud, messy, and dirty, but that area should be relatively confined. A clean, well-lit shop with attentive service people is a mark of professionalism. High-end shops will also have factory-grade equipment in order to bring your vehicle back to looking and feeling brand new.
When You're Choosing an Auto Body Shop, Choose Wisely
While every body shop is different, there are a few key aspects that you can look for to find the one that’s right for your car. A quality body shop won’t be afraid to open itself up to you, whether it’s online through reviews, through the interior and layout of their shop, or through the level of customer service they provide you. Whether you live in Flagstaff or if you’re passing through, get in touch with us today for the auto body repair services you need. At Flagstaff Collision Center, all of our technicians are ASE-certified and we use top-of-the-line collision repair tools and equipment to restore your vehicle to like-new condition.
