Car accidents can cause stress, injury, and the overwhelming task of finding a trustworthy repair shop to fix your vehicle. Whether someone hit your parked car or you’ve had a collision on the road, it’s essential to act fast when your vehicle requires repairs. Finding a reliable, trustworthy, and skilled repair shop can take effort, but making an informed choice ensures you get the care your car needs. Selecting the right repair shop is crucial, as it can substantially impact the cost and quality of repairs and your overall satisfaction with the outcome.
If you don't have a trusted auto body shop in mind, consider asking your car insurance company, family, and friends for recommendations. You’ll want to consider several factors to ensure you make an informed decision when selecting the right option. In this article, we’ll provide you with information about selecting a repair shop after a collision, including crucial considerations like reputation, certifications, insurance compatibility, and customer service.
What to Consider When Looking for an Auto Repair Shop
Before trusting an auto body shop with your vehicle, there are several factors you may want to consider. From certifications to warranties, here what you should keep in mind:
Certifications: Move shops with proper certifications to the top of your list, such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) or manufacturer-specific credentials, as these indicate expertise and commitment to quality. Also, verify the shop is licensed and insured so you know they’re following legal requirements and you’re protected should something happen while they have your car.
Reputation: Check the shop's reputation through online reviews, ratings, and testimonials from previous customers to discern their reliability and customer satisfaction. It is also beneficial to pay attention to how the owners respond to negative online reviews.
Experience: Consider the shop's experience with your specific vehicle make and model. Specialized knowledge can lead to more accurate repairs. Taking your foreign car to a shop that advertises it specializes in domestic vehicles might not be your best bet.
Warranties: Ask about the warranty policies on parts and labor to determine whether protection continues against issues after the repair.
Equipment: Evaluate the shop's technology and equipment; modern diagnostic tools and up-to-date repair techniques are essential for addressing contemporary vehicle complexities.
To ensure you’re choosing the right option for your budget, you may also want to get quotes from multiple body shops before making a final decision.
What is a direct repair program?
When a car is involved in an accident, the insurance company recommends that policyholders use specific repair shops from their network of pre-approved shops to handle the repairs. This is part of a direct repair program (DRP) that streamlines the repair process to offer convenience and protection to the customer and the insurance provider.
These shops have met specific criteria the insurance company sets, including quality standards, pricing agreements, and operational efficiency. Policyholders are not required to choose a DRP shop. The work performed through a DRP is typically guaranteed by the repair shop and the insurance company to provide an extra layer of assurance for the customer. This assurance can bring relief and peace of mind during a stressful time.
What are the benefits of a direct repair program?
Direct repair programs offer several advantages for insurance companies, repair shops, and policyholders. DRP shops are familiar with the insurance claims process and often have systems to fast-track the repair process. This familiarity can result in quicker repairs and less paperwork for the customer, bringing relief and lessening the burden during a challenging time.
Many DRP shops offer priority service to insurance-referred customers, potentially resulting in faster repair times. Because the repair costs are pre-negotiated between the shop and the insurer, there may be fewer unexpected expenses for the policyholder and less need to get multiple quotes. Quality assurance is another key benefit. Insurance companies inspect DRP shops thoroughly, ensuring they meet specific equipment, training, and customer service standards. Knowing this can provide peace of mind to policyholders about the quality of repairs.
Stay Protected in the Event of An Accident With Coverage from SelectQuote
When you’re in a car accident, it’s not just about getting back on the road—it’s about guaranteeing you have safe and reliable transportation for the long term. That also means ensuring you have the right car insurance coverage. Fortunately, SelectQuote is here to help. With nearly 40 years of industry experience, our licensed insurance agents compare rates from several of the nation’s most trusted carriers. In just minutes, you can get the rate and plan you need to fit your budget and get back out on the road.
