At some point during the lifetime of your vehicle, odds are you will need the services of an auto body shop. Whether it be due to an accident, or a new paint job is in order, you should feel confident when going in for an estimate.
Understanding the auto repair estimate process and how estimates are calculated prepares you in advance to know exactly what to expect.
Assessing Damage
The first step of the process is to schedule your appointment for an estimate. Most auto body repair shops in Sonoma County offer free estimates before going ahead with the work.
It’s a good idea to meet with the estimator in person and together, walk through the damage assessment in detail. Now is the time to bring up questions or ask for further clarification if you feel unsure about anything listed in the estimate.
Scope of Work and Timetable
After assessment of the damage, you will be provided with a printed list showing the scope of work. The estimate should include parts, labor, taxes, fees and any other costs associated with repairing the damage.
The estimate should include the expected timeframe of how long the work will take, so you have an idea of how long the vehicle will be in the shop.
With potential delays due to shipping and availability of parts or supplies, it may take longer these days to complete the repairs. Remember to factor in the cost of a loaner car if your vehicle will be tied up for a few days or weeks.
What Parts and Labor Really Cost
It can be quite shocking to find out how much paint really costs. Another eye opener is what seems to you to be a very minor scratch or dent that turns out to be tied in with other parts that also need replacing.
The paint and repair parts, even for something like a headlight, can come back with a surprisingly high price tag.
It’s recommended to visit a couple of body shops, even mandatory if insurance is involved, just to make sure that all the shops are fairly comparable in price. If one estimate comes back a lot higher than another, do your research to find out why.
Recommendations and Research
Word-of-mouth and on-line recommendations are worth their weight in gold simply because you’re getting honest reviews from actual customers. The more positive the reviews, the better you’ll feel about doing business with an honest, reputable auto body shop.
Downtown Autobody has been serving the Sonoma and Marin County areas since 2004. We work hard to earn your trust and business. Visit us on-line to read our reviews, ask questions or schedule the time for a free estimate.