Getting an auto body repair estimate is the first step to getting your car back in working order. An estimate is a vital part of the process, and it should never be skipped. When getting an estimate from an auto body shop, you should keep these four things in mind:
- Hidden Damages – Ask about any hidden damages that are not visible to the eye. Insurance will usually provide you with an incident report based on what is visible, but you will want everything fixed and not just what is visible.
- Take Charge – When dealing with an insurance company, they will often give you a list of auto body shops that they recommend you choose from. There may be great auto body shops on that list, but don’t be afraid to stand up and say something if the auto body shop you prefer is not on that list. You have the right to go to whichever shop you choose.
- Multiple Estimates – It is always recommended to get several auto body repair estimates before making any decisions. You don’t want to get overcharged, but you also don’t want to choose the least expensive shop either, as they may use sub-par materials or cut corners in other ways.
- Time – Be sure that your estimate includes how long the repairs are expected to take. This will make a big difference in how you schedule your rental car or make arrangements to be without a car for a while.
These four tips should help you examine your auto body repair estimates and therefore select a good auto body shop. Feel free to give us a call at Crash Management Auto Body for a free estimate.