Collision repair isn’t a fun process for vehicle owners. First, you may have just survived a dangerous and painful collision. Second, you know you’re going to have to spend money on a potentially expensive accident repair for which you hadn’t budgeted. And through all of this, you might well be wondering if you can even trust the auto repair shop you’re going to.
It’s unfortunate that a few unscrupulous technicians have made so many drivers distrustful of everyone who works in auto repair. But there are collision repair shops out there that will overcharge you or waste your time. So, how did you find a trustworthy auto body shop near you?
Finding the right auto body shop near you
You can use your search engine of your choice and find an auto body shop near you in seconds. You can probably find several auto body shops near you. But if you haven’t been to any of them before, how do you figure out which one is your best local auto body shop?
How do you avoid ending up in a situation where a simple dent repair takes over a week to finish? Or a scratch repair results in a blotch of discolored paint where the scratch once was? Or a glass repair that costs twice as much as originally quoted?
Thankfully, today there are more ways than ever to judge the trustworthiness and overall quality of a collision repair shop without even going there yourself. This article will describe some methods you can use to find the best auto body shop near you without visiting them all and getting different quotes in person.
Methods for evaluating an auto body shop near you
If you’ve purchased or leased a vehicle for the first time, or if you’ve moved to a new home, then it’s wise to scope out the auto body shops near you before you need to schedule an appointment. This way, you won’t feel rushed when making an important decision with too little information.
After a collision, knowing where you want to go for repairs means there’s one less thing to worry about during a hectic time. And if your first visit is just for some routine maintenance, it will still be a less stressful endeavor if you’ve done your homework ahead of time. Here are some ways you can find the best auto repair shop near you:
Ask around
The first way is old-fashioned, but it’s still effective. Ask friends, neighbors, or coworkers where they’ve gone for an accident repair or routine maintenance. Maybe there’s a local auto body shop that they love and which they highly recommend. Or maybe there’s an auto body shop near you they do not love and warn you to stay away. Either way, you’re getting valuable information.
Researching reviews
If nobody you know can recommend a good auto body shop near you, don’t worry, strangers can. This is the era of online reviews, so you can probably find many reviews of the auto repair shops in your area. There are whole apps and forums dedicated to reviews of businesses.
You can check multiple platforms and read dozens of reviews on all the auto repair shops in your area and get a good sense of how happy customers are with their services. However, this probably shouldn’t be the only research you do.
Online reviews aren’t 100% trustworthy. First, some businesses hire companies to give them high ratings online and even fake positive reviews to make them look good. Conversely, real human customer reviews are likelier to be negative. People often feel more compelled to leave an online review when they’re angry or disappointed, not when they’ve just received good service.
Verify certifications
If you know what kind of auto maintenance or accident repair you need, you can check if the auto body shops near you are certified for the type of work you need or by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Good collision repair shops have numerous certifications and the best shops have a lot of certifications. Some types of certifications include:
- Technical Certifications The auto repair industry has various certifications available to technicians. For example, Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE, certifications are available to highly skilled technicians who are especially knowledgeable about certain components or systems. These include brakes, electrical systems, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, and transmissions. Electric vehicles such as Rivians may also require unique certifications and expertise, which is why it’s vital to consult a Rivian certified body shop.
- Manufacturer Certifications Some auto manufacturers certify auto repair shops to service and maintain their vehicles. For example, if you own a Toyota, you can visit a Toyota Certified Repair shop. Or, if you drive a Ford, you can go to a Ford Service Specialist. This way, you know a technician who is trained to repair your type of vehicle is working on it. These shops can guarantee to protect your warranty.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer Some auto repair shops have Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, certifications. OEM certifications are also key to warranties. With OEM service, you can rest assured that any replacement part the technicians use is compatible with the make and model of your vehicle.
The best collision repair shop for you
Don’t hesitate to ask the staff at an auto repair shop near you about their certifications. Remember, they want your business, so they work for you. Whether you need a total accident repair, a quick scratch repair, or a new windshield or glass repair, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind knowing you’ve found the best local auto body shop for you.
