5 Questions to Ask When Choosing an Auto Body Repair Shop

When seeking a collision repair shop, ask questions. When it comes to your safety and dependable repair services done right the first time, what are your next steps? The expert team at Lake Marion Collision in Lakeville, Minnesota, suggests two possible approaches. You can work with your insurance company to identify a collision repair center, or you can do your homework. Let’s look at both.

Benefits of a Direct Repair Program

A direct repair program is a network of collision repair shops that your insurance company has approved. While you are not obligated to choose one of these preferred repair centers, it does come with benefits. It streamlines your payment and repair process, and you will often get preferred treatment. These repair facilities are also screened in advance to meet certain quality standards for things like extended warranties. They are often one-stop shops offering estimates, repairs, and rental car pickup. However, you can also choose your collision repair center.

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Collision Repair Shop

What are the collision center’s certifications?

Ask the customer service representative what industry certifications the shop carries. Certified technicians indicate the shop and its mechanics have invested the time and money into proper training, repair, and safety protocols. The most common U.S. certifications come from organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), and OEM certifications (shops certified by Original Equipment Manufacturers such as Mercedes, Ford, et al.).

What warranties does the repair facility offer?

Ask about the repair center’s warranty program and get it in writing. Many auto body shops offer warranties to cover a part that was replaced. Additionally, parts often come with warranties, so ask about that.

What are your auto body repair options?

A good collision repair shop will provide a detailed explanation of the repair process and answer all your questions. If you don’t understand what’s being said, ask them to break it down in simple terms. Be sure you understand if the auto body shop will be using OEM parts or aftermarket parts made by companies other than the car’s manufacturer. You have the right to refuse aftermarket parts but may have to cover the price difference for installing OEM parts.

What services does the auto body shop charge for?

Before handing over your keys:

  • Ask what the shop charges for, including estimates and diagnostic tests in addition to repairs.
  • When it comes to the estimate, ask for a thorough, written estimate of all repair work, including a breakdown of parts and labor.
  • If something isn’t clear, ask questions.

    • What reviews and recommendations does the repair center come with?

    It’s always a good idea to get referrals from your insurance company, family, and friends. You can also read online reviews to get a feel for the level of service you can expect.

    Get An Estimate

    Seeking auto body repairs can be a challenge. Still, at Lake Marion Collision, we’re committed to providing you five-star service by ASE-Certified technicians that you can depend on. Call us today at (952) 469-2277 to schedule an estimate from paintless dent repair to major restorations.