You've been in an accident. You've traded insurance information with the other person and got everything sorted out except for who's going to do your repairs. It might seem like your best option is to pick the cheapest auto body repair shop you can find. That isn't actually a great idea if you only want the work done once. You might save money at first by going with a cheap collision shop; however, when you have to take it to a different shop to fix those cheap repairs, you'll end up losing money. It's best to get it right the first time. Here are some things to look for.
1. Car
Formally known as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, I-Car is a nonprofit organization that trains specialists in different techniques. I-Car programs are not the only way to learn these techniques, but they are a great way to ensure that the person you're hiring knows what he or she is doing. If you're looking for a new technician, go with one who is I-Car-certified.
2. Water-Based Paint
Depending on your jurisdiction, water-based paint might be mandated by governmental regulations. Traditional car paint was made with volatile organic compounds (VOC), which are chemicals that evaporate quickly into the atmosphere. Recent research has indicated that VOCs are detrimental to the atmosphere. Many auto body repair shops have moved to water-based paints that are much friendlier to the environment to remedy this. As an added bonus, they also provide better coverage than the older kinds of paint.
3. Free Pickup and Delivery
You've already been in an accident, and you're about to pay for a mechanic. You shouldn't have to drive your car to and from the shop as well. If you're busy or if you just don't feel like driving to the shop, certain shops will offer you pickup and delivery for free.
4. Lifetime Warranty
You only want to pay for your repairs once. You want them done and done right the first time. However, there are certain situations that might require multiple attempts at a solution. Certain complicated jobs might require a little bit of trial and error. That's a natural part of the process, and the best shops acknowledge that. That's why you should pick an auto body repair shop that offers a lifetime warranty on its work. Don't pay for the same work over and over.
5. Direct Communication With Insurance Companies
Dealing with your insurance company is stressful and difficult, especially after you've been in an accident. If you can find one, some of the best auto body repair professionals will deal directly with your insurance company.
These features can be the difference between a massive headache and quick, efficient service. If you know what you're looking for, you can get your car back to its pre-accident state with few hassles.
