Are you in need of a good auto body shop to fix your car following an accident? Finding a collision repair shop is easy, but making sure you find the right one can take a bit more time, effort, and consideration.
The days and weeks following a collision can be stressful. You deserve to work with someone who will get the job done right the first time, and who will provide top-quality service at a reasonable price.
So, without further ado, here are 6 tips on how to choose a collision repair shop:
1. Ask Your Family and Friends
Most people have worked with an auto body shop at one time or another. That’s why asking your family, friends, coworkers, or acquaintances for referrals is a great place to start. If your friend is raving about the great work a particular shop did on his car, it’s probably worth checking them out. Just be careful to still do your due diligence, ask plenty of questions, and look into your other options as well.
2. Read Reviews
When you’re trying to find a quality auto body shop, reviews are an excellent resource. Take the time to visit some trusted online sources and get a sense of what other customers are saying. Oftentimes, you’ll be able to find before-and-after pictures and detailed descriptions of the work that was done and the level of professionalism the customer experienced from the shop.
3. Check With Your Mechanic
If you have a trusted mechanic, it’s a good idea to ask them if they have any recommendations, as they undoubtedly deal with auto body shops on a regular basis and may have a few for you to check out. Of course, it’s still important to take the necessary care and do your own research, but checking with your mechanic is a great place to start.
4. Look for Certified Technicians
The best auto body shops employ qualified industry professionals. This means they’ve been certified by associations like the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR). The best collision repair shops will also be certified collision centers for individual makes and models. For example, a Tesla-Approved External Body Shop means that a collision center is certified for body repairs. Most auto body shops will proudly reference these certifications on their websites or display them in their waiting areas.
5. Ask the Right Questions
There’s nothing wrong with asking questions, and a good collision repair shop will not only answer them but welcome them. Here are some questions we recommend asking any auto body shop you’re considering working with:
- Do you provide written estimates?
- Do you offer warranties?
- Do you work directly with insurance companies?
- What is your estimate process?
- What lot security measures do you have in place?
- What can I expect in terms of turnaround time?
- What are your payment policies?
It’s also a good idea to ask more specific questions about the particular work you need to be done. For example, how often do they do those types of repairs? Can you expect your vehicle to look like it did before the accident?
6. Trust Your Gut
It doesn’t matter how many positive reviews you’ve read or how many certifications a shop has; if you don’t feel good about leaving your car with a particular shop, don’t use them. You deserve to feel confident that your vehicle is in good hands and that whatever shop you choose is going to get the job done right the first time. If you feel like something’s wrong or you don’t feel like you can trust them, there’s probably a good reason. There are other shops out there and it’s worth taking the time to find the right one.
Quality Collision Repair Services in the Portland Metro Area
At Mackin’s Auto Body, we take pride in offering the most comprehensive collision repair services possible. From providing reliable estimates and delivering top-notch bodywork to arranging rental cars and dealing with insurance companies, we put our all into everything we do. With more than 75 years of experience, we’ve earned our reputation as the PNW’s most trusted collision repair shop.
Have questions? Need an estimate? Call us at 1-800-653-0665, contact us online, or visit us at one of our 9 Portland/SW Washington locations.