If you have been in an accident, it is crucial that you know that auto body shops only sometimes have your best interests at heart. Unfortunately, some auto body shops will routinely downplay claims, minimize auto repair costs, use cheap parts, or even neglect to completely repair problems. These practices can devalue your motor vehicle and give you even worse problems down the line.
Here are some basic principles from Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR in Columbia, Illinois on things to look for when picking an auto body shop, and tips on how to be an active participant in your car’s auto body repair to ensure that it comes out looking fantastic and costing you only what is necessary.
Research Before You Repair
Angieslist.com, Yelp.com, and Google reviews are helpful sources to get a sense of an auto body shop’s quality according to customer reviews, but take the online reviews with a dose of skepticism. You will want to pay attention to well-written, thought out reviews – not unpleasant one-liners, because even the best businesses can end up with an unhappy customer at times. You may also be able to find discussion forums specific to your vehicle’s make and model where forum members can suggest good auto body shops in your area.
Choose an Auto Body Shop with a Warranty
Some auto body shops give their own independent warranties on their repairs for fit, finish, functionality, and overall quality. Ask to see their warranty and ask some questions about it prior to agreeing to do business with a given auto body shop and make sure it does not have a time limit. A good auto body shop will provide a lifetime warranty. Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR offers such a warranty for the people of Columbia, Waterloo, Southern Illinois, Millstadt, Freeburg, and Athens, IL.
Keep Your Existing Manufacturer Warranties Intact
Ask your chosen auto body shop if any mechanical repairs will void or modify any existing warranties you may have on your new or recently purchased automobile. Factory warranties on engines and accessories may be compromised if your car needs mechanical repairs after a collision, so make sure your car’s factory warranty is not being compromised with aftermarket parts, or repairs that otherwise aren’t manufacturer-approved.
If your insurer is trying to “mandate” aftermarket or used parts that will void your factory warranty, demand that the insurer give you a written warranty exactly the same as your factory warranty. Nine times out of ten they’ll simply pay for original parts, instead of giving you the runaround.
Get More Than One Estimate
It is best to get quotes from a number of different auto body shops. After the initial estimate, show their estimate to the second shop and the third shop, and ask how they match up against the first auto body shop’s quote. You may find that one or the other is skipping over some important items. Don’t simply compare the final estimated cost, because one auto body shop may be quoting for a completely different method of repair than the other. You’ll want an auto body shop that's both thorough and friendly.
Be Picky – and Let Them Know It
Make it clear to your auto body shop that you want all brand-new, factory-original parts utilized in your car’s repair. In certain states, the law allows for used or aftermarket parts to be used, but if they don’t fit correctly or if they don’t match quite right, you have the right to demand new replacement parts that will restore your motor vehicle to its original condition. Let the auto body shop know that you’re picky and expect high quality work. If you leave them with the contrary impression, your car may end up with some ill-fitted panels after the work is completed, leaving your car devalued and in poor cosmetic condition.
Get It In Writing
When your insurance adjuster or auto body shop representative promises to “pay for everything,” “restore your car to its pre-accident condition,” or “totally cover the rental car,” make certain you get these sorts of commitments on paper. Even following a phone conversation, send an email to your adjuster or auto body shop to officialize the agreement or promises made and request they respond to clarify that everything is accurate. You will thank yourself later if you happen to lodge a complaint with their manager in order to get the service you had been promised.
These are only a couple of the precautions that you ought to take whenever it comes to your next car repair. After all, your car is the second-largest investment you will make after your home, why not make sure that it is repaired right? If you have any more questions regarding auto body repair or would like an estimate, contact Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR in Columbia, Illinois to get the answers you need.
Here are some basic principles from Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR in Columbia, Illinois on things to look for when picking an auto body shop, and tips on how to be an active participant in your car’s auto body repair to ensure that it comes out looking fantastic and costing you only what is necessary.
Research Before You Repair
Angieslist.com, Yelp.com, and Google reviews are helpful sources to get a sense of an auto body shop’s quality according to customer reviews, but take the online reviews with a dose of skepticism. You will want to pay attention to well-written, thought out reviews – not unpleasant one-liners, because even the best businesses can end up with an unhappy customer at times. You may also be able to find discussion forums specific to your vehicle’s make and model where forum members can suggest good auto body shops in your area.
Choose an Auto Body Shop with a Warranty
Some auto body shops give their own independent warranties on their repairs for fit, finish, functionality, and overall quality. Ask to see their warranty and ask some questions about it prior to agreeing to do business with a given auto body shop and make sure it does not have a time limit. A good auto body shop will provide a lifetime warranty. Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR offers such a warranty for the people of Columbia, Waterloo, Southern Illinois, Millstadt, Freeburg, and Athens, IL.
Keep Your Existing Manufacturer Warranties Intact
Ask your chosen auto body shop if any mechanical repairs will void or modify any existing warranties you may have on your new or recently purchased automobile. Factory warranties on engines and accessories may be compromised if your car needs mechanical repairs after a collision, so make sure your car’s factory warranty is not being compromised with aftermarket parts, or repairs that otherwise aren’t manufacturer-approved.
If your insurer is trying to “mandate” aftermarket or used parts that will void your factory warranty, demand that the insurer give you a written warranty exactly the same as your factory warranty. Nine times out of ten they’ll simply pay for original parts, instead of giving you the runaround.
Get More Than One Estimate
It is best to get quotes from a number of different auto body shops. After the initial estimate, show their estimate to the second shop and the third shop, and ask how they match up against the first auto body shop’s quote. You may find that one or the other is skipping over some important items. Don’t simply compare the final estimated cost, because one auto body shop may be quoting for a completely different method of repair than the other. You’ll want an auto body shop that's both thorough and friendly.
Be Picky – and Let Them Know It
Make it clear to your auto body shop that you want all brand-new, factory-original parts utilized in your car’s repair. In certain states, the law allows for used or aftermarket parts to be used, but if they don’t fit correctly or if they don’t match quite right, you have the right to demand new replacement parts that will restore your motor vehicle to its original condition. Let the auto body shop know that you’re picky and expect high quality work. If you leave them with the contrary impression, your car may end up with some ill-fitted panels after the work is completed, leaving your car devalued and in poor cosmetic condition.
Get It In Writing
When your insurance adjuster or auto body shop representative promises to “pay for everything,” “restore your car to its pre-accident condition,” or “totally cover the rental car,” make certain you get these sorts of commitments on paper. Even following a phone conversation, send an email to your adjuster or auto body shop to officialize the agreement or promises made and request they respond to clarify that everything is accurate. You will thank yourself later if you happen to lodge a complaint with their manager in order to get the service you had been promised.
These are only a couple of the precautions that you ought to take whenever it comes to your next car repair. After all, your car is the second-largest investment you will make after your home, why not make sure that it is repaired right? If you have any more questions regarding auto body repair or would like an estimate, contact Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR in Columbia, Illinois to get the answers you need.