What to Ask When Getting Auto Body Collision Repairs
After being involved in an automobile accident, the first thing on your mind will be to check for any damage. Auto body collision repairs may be needed. If that’s the case, there’s a good chance you’ll have some questions about repairs.
Automotive Training Center knows that finding the right auto body shop is important. Trusting certified, knowledgeable technicians will ensure a properly restored vehicle. Here are the pertinent questions to ask when receiving auto body repairs.
What are your current credentials and experience?
Before choosing an auto body shop, it’s a good idea to know how long they’ve been in business and what kind of experience they have. Providing repairs takes knowledge. It’s also a good idea to ask if the shop can repair your vehicle. Some shops may not specialize in a European model like a BMW, Porsche, or Mercedes-Benz, for example.
Looking for a reputable body shop includes checking certifications from vehicle manufacturers and industry associations. A competent body shop will typically carry certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), along with the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR®).
Will there be a rental or loaner car offered?
Not having a car can be inconvenient, so having a rental or courtesy car while yours is in for repairs is imperative. A number of auto body shops will have a car rental facility attached to their location, or nearby. Other auto body repair shops may offer a loaner or courtesy car to be used while they’re working on your car.
Make sure to read any fine print with a rental agreement. Taking pictures of the car with a smartphone before it leaves the lot and when it’s returned isn’t a bad idea. Take note of mileage, too.
How long will the repair take?
This is usually the top question an auto body shop will receive. Of course, it can depend on the extent of the damage to a car and how busy the shop is. The average auto body repair can take about seven to 10 days.
Repair technician certifications and training also must be taken into consideration, along with the parts suppliers the shop uses and how they’re acquired. If a warranty is offered, ask how long it lasts and what it will cover.
Is the car covered while it’s in the shop?
It’s worth asking whether the auto body shop carries fire and theft insurance. In case your car is damaged, destroyed, or stolen while it’s at the shop, you’ll want to make sure it’s covered. You’ll also want to keep paying auto insurance premiums while the car is being repaired. You don’t want to have any lapses in auto insurance when the car is back in your hands.
Trust a Certified Technician with Any Auto Body Repair
You’ll want to receive auto body repairs from an I-CAR Certified technician. They’re well-qualified and prepared to provide dedicated repairs. Check out our infographic about some of the successful traits of certified technicians.
Is I-CAR certification something you’re interested in? See what it takes to become certified at Automotive Training Center.
