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QUESTIONS TO ASK ANY SHOP BEFORE YOU TRUST
THEM WITH YOUR VEHICLE
1. Ask if the shop will be writing you
a detailed Damage Report or just an estimate?
Most repair shops don’t write damage reports. Instead,
they write an estimate. An estimate does not contain the detail of a damage
report. A damage report is the “blueprint” for repairing your
vehicle. A damage report can only be created with an investment of time
and effort by a competent collision repair professional. Be sure you ask
for a damage report.
2. Ask if the facility is a member of the
ASA, the BBB, or your local chamber of commerce?
When a shop is a member of the Automotive Service Association
(ASA) they have agreed to uphold the association’s strict Code of
Ethics. This code sets the standards for professionalism in the collision
repair industry. In addition, consumers may wish to check out a shop’s
affiliation with consumer organizations such as the Better Business Bureau
or the Chamber of Commerce.
3. How long has your shop been in business?
The longer the length of time a shop has been in business
is a good indication that they may be around in the future to take care
of any problems you may have. Ask how many years experience their technicians
have. Remember too, that some shops specialize in repairs of certain vehicle
makes and models, and some specialize in only late model vehicles.
4. Ask if the shop is State Licensed?
This may sound like a given, but you would be surprised
how many shops don’t have a legal repair license or haven’t
renewed theirs. They should have their license displayed in the lobby,
they should also have the phone number for the attorney generals office
for you to call if you have a major problem.
5. Do you have a lifetime guarantee on
all your repairs?
The good shops all have a warranty or guarantee on all their
parts, workmanship and paint. Request a copy of their “Written Warranty”
including labor, materials, parts and paint. Remember this, if your shop
tries to install aftermarket parts on your vehicle, the factory warranty
will be void, and you will have to chase down the aftermarket parts company
if you have a problem. Do not accept less than one year on workmanship
and in most cases three to five years on the paint.
6. What kind of parts will be used to
repair my vehicle?
Some insurers parts replacement policies vary, parts that
will be used will be consistent with the policy that you have signed. All
parts will accompany a warranty consistent with the repair performed to your
vehicle.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Aftermarket
Recycled, used, LKQ (Like Kind and Quality)
Reconditioned (Previously repaired OEM part.)
7. Do you have a book of testimonials or
referrals I can look through to call a few of them?
Many people may ask for referrals or testimonials, but feel
embarrassed to call any of these people. Think about this, if you had
exceptional service from a business, and one of their prospective customers
called you to ask your opinion, you would talk to them wouldn’t
you? Don’t be afraid to call anybody, you are protecting a major
investment and should investigate the shop thoroughly.
8.. Do you use a complete paint system
all the way through?
You would be amazed of all the different primers, sealers,
paints, and clearcoats there are. The top shops use one complete system
throughout out the entire repair. If they don’t use a complete system,
then none of the companies will warranty any of the system if they have
a problem. Make sure the shop you use has a complete paint system they
use, this will assure that there will be no compatibility problems. Most
all of the top paint companies will have at least a three year guarantee
on their finishes, some have a five year and some will stand behind their
paint for as long as you own your vehicle. Make sure you ask, because
many shops will use cheap paint materials to try to save money.
9. Will you have a rental car waiting
for me when I drop my vehicle off for repairs?
If you will need a rental car for you to drive when your
vehicle is in the shop, make sure that the shop can reserve one for you
ahead of time. All the top shops will have agreements with the rental
companies and will always have rental cars available. Reserve yours when
you make your appointment, tell them you want one at least comparable
to the one you are driving, don’t let them cram you into a little
econobox. Make sure it’s a late model from a reputable company you
can trust, no junkers allowed.
10. Will you handle all the paperwork with
the insurance company?
This is a part of all repairs that can be a pain in the
you-know-what. Some shops will submit the estimate and repair bill to
your insurance company for you, but you are still responsible for the
payment to the shop. Most shops will not release a vehicle until the bill
is paid in full. This is a part of the process you may have to oversee
to be sure it gets done. Some insurance companies will want you to go
to their DRP shops and will tell you there is no paperwork for you to
do, just drop it off and it will be taken care of for you.
11. How will any repair supplements be
handled?
Many times when a shop starts repairs they find items that
were either missed on the original damage quote or they could not see
until the vehicle was disassembled. This is when a repair supplement will
need to be added to the original order. Ask if the shop will be approving
this directly with the insurance company or will you need to be notified.
Almost all estimates that are originally written by the insurance claims
people will need a supplement. Insurance claims people try to leave items
off estimates on purpose to see if shops will do the repairs missed for
free, this process saves the insurance companies millions every year.
See the Q and A section for more.
12. Who will be my contact person throughout
the entire repair process?
You will want one contact person who will keep you informed
on the progress of your repair. Even if your vehicle is in the shop for
only a few days you will want one person who you can talk to, who will
know your situation. There is nothing more frustrating than calling to
check on your vehicle and nobody knows anything about it. All the top
shops assign a representative to each repair and client, this will help
you to build a relationship with a quality shop and have some one to call
for all your questions you may have.
13. Can you give me a tour of your shop?
Some shops will take you on a tour of the facility and you
should ask for one. They may tell you they can’t, but tell them
you have never seen inside a real body shop and think it’s interesting
and fascinating on how they can take a wreck and make it like new. This
will let you see how clean and neat they keep the shop and give you a
chance to see the technicians that will be working on your vehicle to
see how careful they are with other customers vehicles. You can learn
a lot from this.
What To Do If You
Have An Accident
It’s traumatic to be in an accident but you have to
remain calm.
1. Obviously the first thing you need to
do is make sure everyone is all right and call for help if anyone needs
it.
2. Always call the police even if the damage
appears to be small, make sure to get a police report with all the important
information such as names, drivers license info, insurance information,
etc.
3. If your vehicle needs to be towed to
a shop, be sure to remove all your valuables and document who the company
is doing the towing. If you want it towed to our shop, call our 24 hour
number Circleville 740-474-3235, Jackson 740-286-1642, and a tow truck
will be immediately sent for your vehicle free of charge to you.
4. Call your insurance agent and company
immediately for further instructions on how to file your claim. If the
other party is at fault, call their company to file your claim.
5. Get a quality damage report from the
shop of your choice to see what it will cost to restore your vehicle to
its pre-accident condition.
6. You need to authorize any repairs to
be done, the insurance company can not do this for you. They will agree
to pay for the repairs from the shop of your choice.
7. Choose your repair shop carefully, get
involved in the repair process and use this consumer guide as your guide
to getting the best repair possible. Call our shop if you have any questions.
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