Were you involved in an accident? Need auto repair? Knowing the qualities of a reputable auto body shop can make the experience a little easier. A car crash can be a scary experience, especially if injuries are involved. At Brother’s Auto Collision and Frame Repair, we are here to assist Akron car owners through every step of the process.
There’s so much to take care of in the aftermath of a crash — police reports, insurance claims, medical bills, etc. Not to mention fixing or replacing your car.
Finding a reputable auto body shop in Akron that you can trust can make the task of moving on a little less daunting. Consider these tips for finding a high-quality shop.
Check the auto body shop’s certifications
Looking for a shop’s certifications is a good way of finding out whether it’s reputable or not.
While some states have their auto body industry associations, some popular national associations are the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and the Independent Auto Body Association. Also, ask whether the technicians and the shop have received certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
Do they warranty their work?
Auto experts say any reputable auto body shop will provide a lifetime warranty, no matter whether the insurance company or customer pays the bill.
Don’t settle for less
When a vehicle is not a total loss, some people are content taking it to a body shop their insurance company suggests or works with. Although this may be the course you want to take, it’s important to note that you are not required to do so by law.
“The insured or claimant can choose any repair facility that they want,” says Karl Spencer, owner of Brother’s Auto Collision. “Don’t let insurers steer you to their preferred shop. Remember that the shop is working for you, the consumer, and not the insurance company. It’s a conflict of interest for a shop to confuse the relationship, but it happens. You don’t want a repair facility to take shortcuts on your repair because they’re worried about their relationship with an insurance company.”
Spencer says the majority of insurance companies have contracts with body shops. This is a benefit to the insurance company, he adds because in most cases it has negotiated lower rates and discounted parts. Highly rated body shop owners say insurance companies may try to sway you to use their body shop. There’s nothing wrong with using the shop your insurance company recommends, but you may receive better service if you shop around.
Considerations before choosing an Akron auto body shop
Some of the smaller, but still important, tips when looking for an auto body shop include:
– Check whether the shop uses aftermarket or used parts or original factory parts. Original factory parts, Spencer explains, are better for the car and are often recommended by the manufacturer.
– Look for a company with a history of solid customer service and quality repairs.
– How secure are the shop and lot?
– How long will the repair take?
– Read online reviews from a trusted source, like Google.
– Find one with experience working on your type of car.
– Get three or four estimates. If the repairs cost more than your deductible, finding an estimate may not be as important as your insurance company will cover the rest.
Brother’s Auto Collision and Frame Repair has been serving car owners for more than 30 years. Call us today at (330) 434-6829 to talk about how we can help with your Akron auto body repair needs. Quotes and advice are always free!
