Selecting an Auto Repair Shop

By law insurance companies can't dictate to you which auto body shop to use. However, when it comes to selecting one, what criteria should be used in determining which shop to pick?

Here are some valuable tips for chosing a qualified auto body repair shop:

1. Ask if technicians are ICAR trained or ASE certified. If body technicians, painters, office staff, and even the detail person that cleans your car are ICAR trained, it means they have attended a course or series of courses offered by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (ICAR) to help upgrade their skills. Businesses with trained personnel are likely to display these and other certificates or diplomas in the customer waiting area. Look for the symbol of excellence in collision repair, look for the ICAR Gold Class Professional emblems proudly displayed. This indicates the business is committed to a higher level of training and professionalism.
   
   
2. Ask about the business' industry and consumer affiliations. For example, a business that is a member of ASA has agreed to uphold the association's Code of Ethics, which sets the standard for professionalism in the collision repair industry.
   
   
3. Expect the collision repair facility to be neat, clean and well organized. The flow of existing work should be almost unnoticeable.
   
   
4. Note whether the employees are helpful and courteous. This will give you an idea of how you will be treated throughout the repair process.
   
   
5. Ask about the shop policy on replacement parts. When does the shop feel that non original equipment manufacturer's parts are to be used? You have the right to choose which type of parts go on your car.
   
   
6. Ask how long the shop has been in business.
   
   
7. Ask about the shops painting procedures. Does the shop have a computerized system for mixing the paint and keeping up with the waste? Ask about the paint manufacturer's guarantee.
   
   
8. Check what guarantees the shop offers. Quality collision repair shops should offer a "Limited Lifetime Guarantee". Ask to see a copy of a printed guarantee, read it and ask questions if you do not understand what is covered and not covered.
   
   
9. Make sure you get a written Visible Damage Appraisal. Most Insurance Companies require that a shop only appraise what can be seen, this means that there is usually hidden damage not appraised. An Insurance Company has the right to inspect the damages they are paying to repair or replace and have procedures for these supplemental items to be submitted for payment.
   
   
10. A Quality Collision Repair facility can usually be found by asking your Insurance Agent, family, friends, neighbors and co-workers for their recommendations.