Finding the right auto body shop is important and can save you time and money, not to mention a large amount of unwanted stress. Whether you recently experienced an accident that requires collision repairs or you are looking to fix up your car for other reasons, the last thing you want is to spend time searching all over for an auto body shop that will take care of your vehicle in the way that you want. 

Since finding the right auto body shop shouldn’t be a difficult ordeal, we’ve compiled a list of six tips that will help you find the perfect business to take your vehicle to. Keep reading to discover some of the most important things to consider when looking to have car repairs done. 

1. Ask the Right Questions

It’s essential to ask the right questions when you are looking for an auto body repair shop. You can get a lot of helpful information from reviews or word-of-mouth recommendations, but going straight to the source and communicating directly with the business can ensure you have all the correct information you need to make sound decisions. 

Here are some questions you should ask before agreeing to service or paying for anything. Some of these may be obvious, but many tend to be overlooked in many initial interactions. 

• What is your estimate process? 
• Do you provide written estimates?
• What kind of warranties do you offer on parts? Do you offer warranties on labor?
• Do you work directly with insurance and/or rental car companies?
• What security measures do you have in place on your lot?
• How will I get my car to the repair shop?
• What are my repair options, and can you explain each?
• What can I expect for a turnaround time?
• What are your payment options and policies?

This isn’t a comprehensive list of possible questions, so be sure to do some research and have an idea of what you are looking for. 

There are some other things to consider and look into that can help you choose the right auto repair shop; this includes the following:

2. Skilled Technicians

If fixing cars was easy, any average person could do it. But having the knowledge and experience to repair vehicles properly requires the right training and skills. The best auto body shops hire skilled technicians who know exactly what they are doing and provide opportunities for their technicians to stay up-to-date with the industry’s best practices. 

Many auto body shops offer information about their technicians and their specific certifications or specialties. It is a good idea to take a quick look at the people who are going to be working on your vehicle to make sure they are qualified. 

3. Certifications

Having the proper certifications shows that a shop or a technician is qualified and capable of diagnosing, repairing, and servicing vehicles. There are many different certifications available, depending on the type of cars and services that are being done. It’s important to ensure that the certifications are applicable and up to date. 

It is not uncommon for auto body shops to have a variety of specialists with different certifications on staff. This variety shows that the shop can handle a wide array of repairs because they have multiple skilled technicians with the knowledge and experience to be able to work together and properly take care of the repairs.

One of the most prominent certifications to look for is an I-CAR, or Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. Having an I-CAR certification guarantees that the shop and its technicians are industry experts and have demonstrated the skills and knowledge to provide quality repairs that are safe and complete. It’s one of the industry’s highest standards. 

4. Good Communication

While it is imperative that you choose an auto body shop that is capable of providing the right services, it is also crucial that the shop and its employees practice good communication. Establishing clear expectations from the beginning can go a long way to preventing stress or frustration, and consistent communication will help ensure your vehicle is repaired safely and thoroughly. 

This kind of communication is important when it comes to client interactions, but it can also make a huge difference in interactions with insurance companies. Filing a claim with your insurance isn’t the end of the line, and having someone from your auto body shop advocating on your behalf can help the entire collision repair process go much smoother. 

5. Attention to Detail

When it comes to car repairs, small issues that may seem insignificant can quickly escalate into tremendous problems. That’s why the right auto body shop must value attention to detail, from charging the correct amount to your credit card to using the right tools and equipment on your vehicle. 

Attention to detail dramatically improves the quality of the work done on your vehicle, so be sure to look for this characteristic in the shops you consider. 

6. Business Values

A business's values are more than words on a wall, and knowing what values a business promotes can impact how you do business with them. Schneider Auto Body & Paint is an excellent example of how positive values can impact all aspects of a business. 

All of the interactions at Schneider Auto Body & Paint are based on gratitude, hard work, integrity, and respect. You are guaranteed that when you trust them with your vehicle, you will see all these values at work throughout the process. 

Trust Schneider Auto Body & Paint

The expert team at Schneider Auto Body & Paint exemplifies all the tips in this article and more! Since 1984, we have provided the highest quality in collision repairs with state-of-the-art equipment and dedication to our customers. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and locally owned and operated, Schneider Auto & Paint makes car repairs as easy as possible. Contact us today for an estimate!