When you’ve been involved in a car accident and your car needs collision repairs, it can be overwhelming trying to pick the right auto collision repair facility that will take care of you. Unfortunately, not all auto body repair shops are created equal. You have the national chains that look the same from state to state and the independent shops that serve a smaller geographical area. In the article, we’ll help you find the right auto collision shop for you and it’s all in the questions that you ask.

Why take your time to find the right auto body shop

There are a few reasons why you need to take your time to find a local reliable auto body shop. Here are the top reasons:

  1. You want to avoid unnecessary delays in repairs,
  2. Your car may need specialized equipment,
  3. The body shop may not work with your insurance,
  4. Some auto shops offer extra benefits such as loaner cars which you may need

Now that we’ve looked at the reasons you should take your time to find a reputable auto repair shop, here are a few questions you need to ask your local auto body shop:

Question #1: How long with the repairs take?

One of the first things you should know is if the body shop has time to fix your car. If they are backed up for 2 months, it may be too long for you to sit around waiting for your car to get fixed.

Question #2: Do you guarantee your work? For how long?

Not all repairs are created equal. You need to get a guarantee that your car will be fixed correctly and if issues arise from the repairs, the shop will be able to resolve it. Body shops that offer a warranty are bound to do a much better job and be careful with your car.

Question #3: Do you work with my insurance or help with paperwork?

Navigating through insurance claims and the paperwork that comes with it can be challenging. Many times drivers make mistakes that cost them money when filling out the required paperwork. A body shop that helps with insurance paperwork will save you headaches during the repair process.

Question #4: Does the body shop have any certifications?

Auto collision certifications are designed to keep body shops up-to-date with the latest methods of safe repairs. Having automotive certifications shows that the body shop is serious about providing the best and accurate repairs and that helps you save money. Davis Paint & Collison Auto Center has several automotive certifications because we believe the investment allows us to provide the highest quality of repairs.

Question #5: Will you put everything in writing?

Contracts and related paperwork keeps us all honest. If one party is reluctant to agree on paper it may be a sign to walk away. Ask for and insist on written estimates and an itemized bill for your records and also as a confirmation that the said items were indeed added/repaired.

Question #6: will the body shop match your car paint?

Get a confirmation that the body shop will match the color of your car after repairing the body of your car. In some cases, there may not be a need for painting and sometimes the body shop may use paintless dent repairs but you need to be sure.

Question #7: Do you provide loaner cars?

Depending on your insurance coverage, you may not have the option of a rental car. Some auto body shops do offer loaner cars and that can save you money. When the auto body shop offers you a loaner car, they have the incentive to finish the repairs promptly so they can get back the loaner car. Here at Davis Paint & Collision Auto Center, we have loaner cars so you won’t be stuck Uber-ing around.

Conclusion

I hope these questions shed some light and help you find a reputable body shop. If you’re in Oklahoma, give us a call. Davis Paint & Collision Auto Center has been in business for almost 30 years and we’ve helped hundreds of Oklahomans get back on the road after an accident. We’re a family-owned business with 3 locations. Oklahoma City location: 405.733.9797, South Oklahoma City location: 405.691.1820, & Midwest City location: 405.732.0762.