6 Top Questions to Ask Your Auto Body Repair Shop

6 Top Questions to Ask Your Auto Body Repair Shop

It can be difficult to think clearly after getting involved in a car accident. One could get so worked up about all the things that need to be done that one could forget to ask the important questions before making a decision.

When dealing with the aftermath of a collision, it might not be a great idea to hastily decide to take your car to the first auto repair shop that you find. Before deciding to leave your car to any service, it is crucial to do research, ask the right questions, and learn more about a repair shop’s services, so you can make informed decisions.

Here are six of the top questions to ask your auto body repair shop before striking a deal with them to fix your vehicle:

1. How long will it take to fix the car?

Eager to see their vehicle back in shape in the shortest possible time, car owners usually ask this question first. However, there are no definite answers to this question because the repair time will depend on the extent of the damage to your car.

With highly-trained professionals at auto body repair shops, repairs should take 3 to 7 days for minor collisions. However, the number of other cars in line for repair, as well as the available parts and the staff present on-site may cause delays.

2. What kind of warranty can you offer?

As a rule of thumb, it is a red flag if a repair shop does not offer insurance. A repair warranty can cover services that include finishing, functionality, and general quality. Ask the auto body repair shop the following questions regarding warranty:

  • What’s the warranty period?
  • When will the warranty period begin?
  • What does the warranty cover?
  • What will void the warranty?

3. Can I get a written estimate?

Insurance companies will need to know how much money to give you for repairs. A reliable repair shop will easily be able to give you an estimate of how much the repairs will cost depending on the damage.

Make sure that the estimate is as detailed as possible. The written estimate should have a comprehensive list of everything that needs to be repaired, the service crew’s hourly rate, and the cost of replacement parts.

4. Will you match the paint?

Auto body repair shops sometimes offer paint jobs separately. Ask the service crew if they can match the paint after the restoration. Fortunately, most car models nowadays have a paint code plate that the repair crew could refer to when color matching, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find the paint that would perfectly match your car’s original color.

5. What is the payment policy?

Reputable repair shops have transparent payment policies and payment methods. Ask for the repair shop’s payment policy first to avoid confusion and additional stress before having your car repaired.

6. Do you have experience with my car model?

Perhaps this is one of the most important questions to ask auto body repair shop. Not every auto body repair shop has the resources and knowledge to fix and repair all cars, especially the newer models.

Asking this question regarding auto body repair will save you time and energy and prevent further damage to your car.

Northwest Collision Center Is Your Go-To Repair Shop

If you find yourself in a fender bender or a major collision accident, Northwest Collision Center is the shop for Auto Body Repair in St. Petersburg, FL for you. NCC guarantees to place your car under the care of highly-skilled professionals who have the knowledge and technical understanding of the latest technology in car repair.

Call us now, and let us answer your auto body repair questions!

Picture of Greg Descent

Greg Descent

The proprietor of Northwest Collision Center, boasts a remarkable journey in the auto repair industry. Originating from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Greg spent his formative years in California, where he cultivated a deep passion for automotive work. In 1996, he seized the opportunity to acquire Northwest Collision Center, a reputable establishment founded in 1959 and situated on Tyrone Boulevard for over five decades. Greg's hands-on approach and dedication to the business have been pivotal since he first joined the team. Under his leadership, Northwest Collision Center has continued to thrive, maintaining its legacy of excellence and commitment to quality service in the automotive repair sector.

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