Your car is a major investment that will require repairs sooner or later. The most important thing to remember is that communication is key when acquiring estimates. Ask what the estimate includes and, if there’s a significant price difference between shops, find out why. Unusually low estimates might not include everything you need done. For a quality repair, choose a shop that will use genuine manufacturer replacement parts, which are parts meant for your specific car.
It’s best to have your car serviced at a shop that offers a warranty or guarantee. Guarantees are standard, but vary greatly in length. Lifetime guarantees aren’t uncommon on some repairs, but sometimes the guarantee can be as short as six months. Get the guarantee in writing and keep it in a safe place.
The technicians working on your car should be certified by i-Car, ASE or a similar company. This certification means the mechanic has passed a test to prove his ability to repair cars. In the US, mechanics are not required to achieve certification before being hired at shops or setting up their own shop, so always ask about their qualifications. You can rest assured that your car is in capable hands when being fixed by a certified mechanic.
In addition to restoring your car, many shops can arrange towing and car rentals, negotiate insurance claims and keep your car in storage overnight. The shop may or may not charge for these services, and they’re rarely covered by insurance, so inquire before taking advantage of them.
If you’re paying through an insurance company, you’ll need a valid check from them written out to the shop of your choice. Insurance companies usually cut a check immediately after inspecting the car and deeming at least some of the damage their responsibility. Before the car can be driven off the lot, all auto body shops require payment in full.
