Does your car need some bodywork repair?
Maybe you were in a crash that left your car in ruins. Or it’s been accumulating dents and scratches here and there, and now it’s looking battered.
Regardless of your specific circumstances, one thing is certain: you need a good auto body shop.
But with over 125,000 car body shops across the United States, finding the right shop is easier said than done. Worry not, though. This article will help you narrow down to the best car body shop in your region.
Belt up and keep reading!
Make a List of Potential Auto Body Shops
Start by creating a list of auto body shops that could be your potential choice.
Contact people in your social circles and ask whether they know of a good body shop. If someone knows, they’ll give a recommendation.
If this search doesn’t yield lots of results, you can drive around your region, finding shops that could work on your car.
You can also search online. A simple “car body shop near me” search will yield several results. Pick a few and compare the options.
At this point, your list should have about five car body shops.
Consider the Make/Type of Your Car
When creating a list of potential auto body shops, it’s essential to consider the type or make of your car. Some cars can only be worked on by manufacturer-operated facilities. If the car that needs bodywork is a Tesla, for example, your only option is to take it to a Tesla service center.
Even if yours is a common make, such as a Toyota Camry, it’s still essential to ensure that all the body shops on your list are manufacturer-certified or accredited.
Evaluate the Services Offered
Look at the range of services offered. If your car was involved in a collision, ensure the shop offers auto collision repair, not just general bodywork. If a shop on your list doesn’t offer the specific service you need, drop it.
Consider the Reputation of the Shop
Do the body shops remaining on your list have a reputation for offering quality services?
To find out, go online and read their reviews. If a car body shop has been in existence for some time, you will online reviews from past clients on Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and other review platforms.
If a shop does a shoddy job or keeps customers waiting for their cars for longer than agreed, stay away. You want to take your car to a shop that has lots of positive reviews and high ratings.
Competent Technicians
At the end of the day, it’s the shop’s employees who will work on your car. How competent are these technicians?
Don’t assume that just because a body shop has a solid reputation its mechanics are competent. Maybe there are new hires who are still learning the ropes. You don’t want your car to be a training ground.
This is why it’s important to know the qualifications and experience of the specific technicians who will work on your car.
Finally, when you visit the body shop, look around. Do you like the quality of work being done on other cars that have been brought in for bodywork?
Go Find the Right Auto Body Shop
Car bodyworks are costly repairs, so you want an auto body shop that knows its craft to work on your ride. With these tips, you now have the information you need to find the best auto body shop for your vehicle’s needs.
Keep tabs on our blog for more car repair tips.