No one ever expects to be in a car accident. But unfortunately, they happen every day. If you’re unlucky enough to find yourself in one, it’s important to know how to find the best collision repair shop to get your car back in tip-top shape. But, according to Statista, there were approximately 234,700 automobile repair and maintenance businesses in the United States at the end of 2020. So, how do you choose the right one? Here are a few tips on how to find the best repair shop after a car accident.
1. Get Recommendations
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 13,825 motor vehicle crashes involving semi-trucks in Texas in 2020. With such a high number of accidents, it’s likely that someone you know has had to find a repair shop. Ask around for recommendations from friends, family, or co-workers who have been in a similar situation. They can give you first-hand insights into the quality of the work and customer service they received.
If you don’t know anyone who has been in a car accident, you can also check online review sites like Yelp or Google Reviews, where you can see people contacting professionals such as the experienced Orlando personal injury lawyers at Bengal Law. You can also visit the site to get in touch with personal injury lawyers and keep each other updated on the case. Just be sure to take the reviews with a grain of salt, as some people are more inclined to leave a review if they had a negative experience. Choosing an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial as it will greatly improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
2. Check What They Specialize In
Different repair shops specialize in different things. Some may be better at fixing cosmetic damage, while others may be better at fixing mechanical issues. It’s important to find a shop specializing in the damage your car has sustained. That way, you can ensure they have the experience and expertise to fix it properly.
For example, in 2019, the building and infrastructure sector used more than half of the steel produced globally, while the mechanical equipment and automotive sectors came in second and third, respectively. So, if your car has sustained damage to its carbon steel frame, you’ll want to find a shop that specializes in repairing that type of damage.
3. Check if They Are Licensed and Insured
You don’t want to entrust your car to just anyone. So, before you take it to a repair shop, be sure to check that they are licensed and insured. This will protect you in case of any damage that occurs while your car is in their care. You can typically find this information on the repair shop’s website or by calling them. If a repair shop is hesitant to provide you with this information, it’s best to take your business elsewhere.
You can also check to see if they are certified by independent organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This certification is only given to repair shops that meet a high standard of excellence. So, if a shop has this certification, you can be sure that they’re up to the task of repairing your car.
4. Compare Prices
After you’ve narrowed your options to a few reputable repair shops, it’s time to compare prices. Be sure to get an estimate from each shop before making your final decision. The estimate should include the cost of parts and labor, as well as any other fees.
Once you have all the estimates in hand, you can start to compare the prices. But, don’t just choose the cheapest option. You also want to consider the quality of the work and customer service. For Lynchburg auto repair call Ed’s Automotive, Inc..
5. Ask About Their Warranty
A good repair shop will stand behind their work. So, be sure to ask about their warranty before you make your final decision. Most reputable shops will offer a warranty on both parts and labor on all the cars they repair. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the work will be done right and that you won’t have to pay for any repairs if something goes wrong.
These are just a few things to remember when choosing a repair shop after a car accident. By following these tips, you can be sure to find a shop that will do the job right and get your car back on the road in no time.