Introduction:

Unfortunately, car accidents happen to the best drivers. The Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (HTSA) reports that more than 7,500 accidents happen daily, with most accidents leaving drivers and passengers injured. Personal injuries are not the only frustrating part of car accidents. Once the accident is over, it's time to hire a collision repair specialist.

 A quick google search will show 100s of repair shops that offer custom bodywork and repair services. Finding a repair shop is simple, but finding the right shop can take some time.

Not all body shops are equal. It is essential to find a reputable collision repair specialist. This task can be tricky when looking for a business that offers a fair price while still completing the job right. This article will share five tips for finding the best collision expert for car repair needs.

1.  Research Online Reviews/Get Recommendations

The internet is an incredible source for finding almost anything, and collision repair is a frequently searched topic. You can quickly read up on reviews and past experiences from other customers right from the google search results.

Google is one of many options for searching online. Sites like Nextdoor and car talk offer candid and unbiased reviews that allow you to gain insight into sales and services. You can learn about the quality of service, how the business treats customers, and issue resolution. If you need a collision repair specialist, your first stop in the journey should be online.

2. Ask Questions

Having body work completed on a vehicle can be an involved and drawn-out process. You should know what to expect when choosing a body shop. You will want to learn as much about the shop as possible to feel comfortable using its services. Be bold when asking questions to ensure you get the best value for the money you are spending.

 Do the repairs come with a warranty, and what does the warranty include?

Not all shops guarantee their services. Ask if there is a warranty, and if so, what does that include? What is the duration of the warranty? What does the warranty cover? Be careful of lifetime warranties because some shops use this as a selling point. Get as many details about the warranty as possible.

Does the collision repair shop have a business license and insurance?

Find out how long the collision repair shop has been in business. Does the shop have a business license? What about business insurance in the event of fire or theft? You are entrusting your vehicle to a shop for repair. Once in their possession, you still need your property protected.

Will new or used parts be used in the repair?

Repairing with used car parts can benefit and be cost-saving. Different body shops will source parts used in the repair from different places. Some shops only use new parts, while others purchase used parts and pieces in the restoration.

Ask the shop where they get the components used for their repair jobs. You should also be able to get receipts for the materials used. If insurance is paying for the repairs, consider using new parts. If you are handling some or all of the repair costs, allowing used parts in the repairs can save a lot of money.

Ask about painting

Most likely, the car will require some painting. Depending on the brand of paint and the application process, the repair job will need more than one coat applied. Ask what brand of paint will be used. Learn how many coats of paint will be applied. Once the painting is finished, how many coats of clear coat will be applied?

3. Use Manufacturer-Certified Repair Shops

Collision repair specialists are highly skilled and offer custom bodywork, factory and custom painting, in addition to factory body repair. Some repair specialists have learned their trade on the job through apprentice programs. However, this doesn’t necessarily qualify a collision repair shop to work with all makes and models of vehicles.

Some vehicles and parts require special tools and installation for the feature to work seamlessly how the manufacturer intended. An example is moisture-sensing windshields on newer model Mercedes. Special tools and knowledge is required for the sensors to function as expected. Be sure the repair shop is certified by the manufacturer to repair your vehicle.

4. Ask your Insurance Agent

Insurance agents deal with accidents multiple times a day. They have dealt with numerous repair shops and mechanics and can be an excellent resource for finding a quality custom bodywork business. Your agent may even know which collision repair shop is certified to work on your car brand and could get you discounts on repair services.

5. Be Mindful of Hourly Rates

Hourly rates charged by collision repair shops often vary depending on location and business size. If the custom bodywork business is located in a wealthier part of town, their shop rates can be higher because of their clientele. A more significant company that uses front-office staff will need to charge a higher rate to account for the added overhead. Collision repair costs can add up quickly when shop rates are higher.

Most reputable shops use reference guides that estimate the hours required to complete a repair. If a fender repair takes four hours and the shop rate is $60 an hour, the repair should cost $240, not including taxes. If the hourly shop rate varies much, the total cost of the repair can skyrocket quickly. The shop rate is an essential ingredient to the estimate. Make sure you understand that rate and what the rate includes.

Conclusion

Collision repair experts are not equal. Every custom bodywork shop will likely do things differently and deliver different quality levels. Be sure to get multiple estimates and spend time understanding what shops offer. If you do the research, read reviews, and ask around, chances are high that you can find the best collision expert to revive the beauty of that car you love.