When looking for a go-to body shop and after talking to friends and family for recommendations, it still may require a little more research.
Here are some questions that will help give you a good feel for the reputation and experience of the shop.
Experience
Ask what makes and models of vehicles they work on the most.
If you have a different type of vehicle like a classic car or foreign model, ask how much experience they have in repairing, restoring or painting these specialty types of vehicles.
If you don’t feel comfortable with their level of expertise with a particular type of vehicle, it’s good to know before any work begins on your car.
Prices, Estimates and Itemized Bills
Prices
You should know ahead of time what forms of payment are accepted and when payment is due.
Your go-to body shop should be completely transparent in providing pricing schedules, labor rates, types of materials used, and warranty policies.
Written Estimates
It should be standard operating procedure to get in writing a list of work to be performed and the cost estimate for performing the work. It should be very detailed down to if the parts are refurbished or fresh from the manufacturer.
With most body shops, the estimates are free.
Itemized Bills
Once you’ve signed off on the estimate and the work has been completed, will you receive an itemized bill so you can compare the estimate to the final bill?
If there are discrepancies, which should be discussed ahead of time, you’ll be able to do an easy comparison of the bill against the original estimate.
Painting Capabilities
It’s better to ask questions about paint matching and techniques before needing those services in order to avoid disappointment down the road.
Even though your paint code may be listed in the owner’s manual or on a door jamb, it still takes skill and experience to mix and match the paint to exact specifications.
Ask for a quick tour of the shop and paint booth. Ask about the number of painters employed and their experience. Also ask about the methods they use to match paint.
Warranty
If the body shop offers a warranty, it shows that they are confident enough in their work to do so.
When asking about warranties, here’s a basic list to get you started:
- Type of warranty
- Length of the warranty
- What is covered under the warranty
- What might void a warranty or a manufacturer’s warranty
Insurance
A big concern for anyone involved in an accident is how to coordinate insurance payments and collision repairs.
Since auto insurance is a factor in most collisions, it’s important to know exactly what the policy is regarding the coordination of insurance claims and payments.
Repair Lead Times
Obviously the more damage to your vehicle, the longer you can expect to wait for the repairs to be completed.
Other situations that could delay body work are due to backordered parts, a busy time for the shop, or upcoming holidays.
You should still walk away with a general idea of how long you can expect to wait for repairs.
Conclusion
After checking out the shop and asking these questions, you should feel very confident that you have found your go-to body shop.
If you’re looking for a body shop with the right mix of experience, high quality work and excellent service, call or stop into Downtown Collision in Santa Rosa.