As much as we try and avoid them, accidents do happen when driving. And when they do, we want to make sure our car is in the best possible hands to get it looking like new again. But how do you choose the best accident repair shop? Even though your insurer may suggest their preferred repair centre, at the end of the day, the choice is yours and yours only.
Here are 5 tips to help you choose the best accident repair shop:
Talk to the staff
a good accident repair shop will have great customer service and friendly staff members. They should be willing to talk to you about all aspects of your car and show a real passion for what they do. You will be able to get a really good feel for a place, simply by starting a conversation and getting to know the people who work there. The way they talk to you, treat you and the time they give you are all indications of the service they deliver.
Check out their reputation
Thanks to the internet, it’s even easier than ever to check out reviews on your chosen accident repair shop. You can go directly to their website, check out their Facebook page, or take a look at their Google reviews. If you are looking for the best option, it helps to go into a local Facebook group for your area and ask your neighbours! It’s the best way to get an unbiased opinion about others’ experiences.
Ask about their warranty
A good warranty period means the shop stands by their work. In turn, it means you can also rely on their work, and if something does happen to go wrong or needs fixing, you know they’ll stand by their offer. A good warranty is a great indication of the service they offer.
Speak to a certified dealer
It’s always helpful if you can find a smash repairs centre that specialises in your particular type of car. If they are familiar with the make and model, they are likely to have all the parts on hand they need to fix it as quickly as possible. You can approach a certified dealer for your make of car and ask them their advice. They will have a good idea of the repair shops in the area and will be able to recommend a great one for you.
Check they are licensed
While they are required to be licensed by law, it doesn’t mean all repair shops are. It’s always a good idea to ask and check, just to make sure you are in good hands when it comes to fixing your car.
Getting A Quote
If you’re struggling to choose between a couple of panel beater shops, asking for a quote can help to narrow it down. Some repair shops will avoid quoting altogether, which leaves you open for plenty of surprises to crop up in the repair process.
Other shops will provide a very open quote with lots of ‘what ifs’ and ‘maybes’ throughout it. This once again leaves you open to a higher bill at the end. You can get multiple quotes for free with Dinggo.
You want a repair shop that is very open and honest with their quote – breaking down all the costs in an easy-to-digest manner. If things are left open, they still offer up a price range and give an indication of how much they expect it will cost.
At the end of the day, when you find a repair shop that works for you, your gut feeling can be the best indicator. Consider your relationship with the employees there and how comfortable you feel leaving your car to be fixed. This can sometimes be the most reliable indicator.
