10 Things You Should KnowHere at Bodycraft we know just how important it is to have your vehicle returned to you in pre-damaged condition and working order. With so many body shops to choose from how can you be sure you are choosing a shop that is best? We have developed a list of the top 10 things you should know when choosing a body shop.
1. How long has the shop your selecting been in business? Many times consumers choose a shop based on price or location. Don't be to hasty in your decision. Sometimes a shop that has not been in business for long can end up being a poor choice. Body shops with a long standing, such as Bodycraft have not only the experience needed to get your repair done right, but the reputation that backs the repair in case you need it.
2. Are you getting everything you need with this repair? Getting several quotes (typically 3) will help you be informed regarding your repair. It's always a safe bet to shop around a bit. Even if you are certain of the shop you want to go to. Shopping around will help you know if anything has been overlooked. You might find that your estimates differ in more than just price. If you see that one estimate has more repair line items than another one, you might want to see if the additional repairs from one shop were a possible oversight from another. You might find that one body shop is padding the bill or encouraging you to make unnecessary repairs. Regardless, you have just become a bit more knowledgeable about your repair and the auto shops in your area. Note: you are not required by law to get more than one estimate.
3. Even if you are working with and Insurance Carrier, you are entitled to choose your own repair shop, AND even shop around! Insurance companies can and will make the decision on who repairs your vehicle if you let them. However, as a paying customer you are entitled to use a body shop of your choice. Although the insurance carrier will usually choose a body repair shop that is reliable, it is a viable option for you. (see what you should know rule 2)
4. Check the repairs yourself. Don't just take the shops word for it. Ask them to show you what they did. Even check it against your estimate. When you go to pick up your vehicle, ask the representative to show you all of the repairs they have completed. You should have an estimate and you can go down the list. You will know right then if something has been overlooked.
5. You are entitled to your old parts that have been replaced during your repair. If you are worried that the shop fixing your vehicle is not replacing specific pieces or parts on your repair, you can ask for them to save the parts they replace. This does not prove without a doubt that the parts are replaced but will be a helpful sign if they are reluctant or might even cause them to replace parts in your repair that they normally would not.
6. Make sure the shop you choose is properly licensed, insured and certified. Choose a shop that has unibody repair
equipment and certified (by I-CAR or ASE for example)
technicians.
7. Make sure the shop you choose will give you a repair warranty. Its important that the repair shop you use will back their work. You will want to get this in writing. Repair shops that back their work in writing are more likely to be a shop you can trust.
8. Get to know the quality of work your repair shop produces. Ask to have a tour of the shop when you go to get your estimate. You will be able to see the type of work the shop does, whether or not they are clean and organized and you will see first hand vehicles in the repair process at all different stages.
9. It is against the law for a repair shop to waive a deductible or "pad" the bill to cover your deductible or offer you monetary incentives. It is illegal for the consumer and/or the auto body shop to present a false damage report to an insurance company in order to save on the deductible or to keep excess proceeds of an insurance claim.
10. You do not have to accept the insurance company's appraisal of damage.
Check the "appraisal clause" in your policy on how to resolve
any differences. This is also true on "total losses".
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