There’s nothing more stressful than finding a reliable auto body repair shop after experiencing car damage. When searching for a body shop, you’ll want a business that isn’t just reliable, but also offers excellent service. The technician you choose should be able to have your car up and running in the shortest possible time without sacrificing safety, and for a reasonable rate.
Given all that, here are some of the ways you can find an honest auto body repair shop in Dublin, CA.
1. Check the company’s track record.
Considering how easy it is to search for information online, you should have no problems looking for ratings and reviews about an auto body repair shop. An effective way to check a company’s reputation is by checking legitimate feedback platforms with verified comments from customers.
2. Ask for estimates.
Shop around and ask estimates from different businesses near you. Most reliable companies offer free quotes while others allow you to calculate an estimate through their website.
Take note, though, that the lowest estimate is not always the best. Remember, part of the quote is the quality of parts used and the expected durability of the repairs as well. Trustworthy technicians won’t have an issue explaining your repair options and putting a proper estimate in writing.
3. Find out what parts will be used.
It’s your right as a customer to know what type of parts will be used for the repair. Check if it will be used, aftermarket, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Regardless of the make and model of your car, it’s always advised to use new parts, or those made to fit your vehicle. Be wary of body shops trying to save more money by installing salvaged parts.
Related Content: Collision Repair: OEM vs Aftermarket Auto Body Parts
4. Look for certifications.
A trustworthy auto body repair shop has certifications from different industry organizations and car manufacturers.
Some of the associations you should look for are the Independent Auto Body Association (IABA), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), AAA, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), and the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). These groups can certify that technicians have undergone training and possess the skills required to conduct repairs properly and safely.
5. Check if the repair work has a warranty.
High-quality shops generally back their repair with a written warranty that covers a specific amount of time or number of miles right after the job is completed. The minimum warranty should include the parts, paint job, and repair work for a year.
Choose Your Auto Body Repair Shop Carefully
We’ve all heard stories about drivers not being satisfied with the work of auto body repair shops, making them hesitant to get services from the same company again.
Getting car repair work can be stressful but finding a trustworthy shop in Dublin, CA should not be difficult. To keep your mind at ease, look for local or family-owned auto body shops where services are expected to be high-quality and staff members are bound to be friendly.
Be sure to ask the right questions upfront so you can prevent hidden costs. It also helps if you start a good relationship with the company so you know you can rely on them not just in the present, but in the future should you need to call on them again.