Owning a car gives you freedom as you move around. Nonetheless, it also comes with many challenges as you strive to keep it in top shape. Car maintenance isn’t always straightforward, especially when hiccups such as collisions hit. After a collision, you want to get back on the road, but not with a car that looks awful, meaning you’ll be on the hunt for the best auto body shop. With all the services in the competitive market, the process can be daunting. It doesn’t have to be a hassle if you know where to start and what to consider. Here are tips to get you started as you look for the best auto body shop.
Ask around
Do you know someone who has had auto body work done? Your relatives, friends, and colleagues are a good starting point. Take your time to source referrals from your trustworthy social circles. From their experiences, you can identify body shops that deliver as promised and incapable services. Their input makes the process a lot quicker and efficient as you can trust the information provided. Nonetheless, don’t follow the recommendations blindly. Do your homework, especially considering the services delivered. Some shops excel at certain lines, such as paintless dent repair, but might not offer collision repair. Go for a one-stop shop; it’ll be convenient as they’ll handle all your auto body requirements.
Consider the reviews
Your friend had a good experience with the body shop. But are they consistent, or was it a one-time thing? Online reviews are an information goldmine. Read through as many reviews as you can manage. Look for red flags, such as consistent complaints on a specific line. It is less likely to please every client, but if there are more complaints, it is an indication that there could be genuine concerns. As you go through the ratings and reviews, the general rule is to take them with a pinch of salt. Not all reviews are reliable, especially as some crafty services solicit them with irresistible offers or cook some to win more business. You can also consider ratings on independent review sites for a less biased opinion.
The location
Can you conveniently get to and from the shop? Bodywork might take some time to complete, and the last thing you want is a frustrating experience if you want to check in and see the progress. Choose a shop that’s near you and easily accessible.
Customer service
Customer service is at the heart of every smooth engagement. Active and professional customer support means that you can easily contact the body shop, get an estimate, and more details you need before, during, and after the service. They’ll eagerly listen and clearly communicate, making the process a breeze. You won’t keep calling to track the progress, only to get confusing feedback or no answer. After the service, your concerns won’t fall on deaf ears, such as an issue you feel needs addressing as it doesn’t meet your expectations.
While searching for a body shop, don’t let the charges be the only checkpoint. Your budget is a significant consideration, but you don’t want to save a few bucks only to deal with unprofessional service that won’t meet your expectations.
