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As a car owner, your
chances of needing a collision repair facility are greater than you
think. Whether from storm damage, rust, corrosion, acid rain, harsh
sunlight or an accident - the risks are real. It's wise, then, to know
how to select a body shop. People in accidents often think "the
Insurance Co. will take care of it." In fact, it's your responsibility
to choose who'll do repairs. It's not a choice to be taken lightly, as
it can involve protecting a major investment.
Start looking for a shop before you need one; you make better
decisions when not rushed or in a panic. Ask friends & associates for
recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned
"word-of-mouth" reputation's still valuable. Check consumer
organizations about the facilities reputation. Get the number of
complaints, if any, & how they were resolved. Arrange for alternate
transportation in advance so you're not forced to choose solely on
location.
We exceed
all of the above variables when selecting a body shop.
Always try to visit the
shop before making your decision. Ask how long they've been in business.
Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with cars in the parking lot
equal in value to your own & modern equipment in the service bays. Once
inside, you can see the cars being repaired. Are you impressed by
the type of cars they're fixing & the way they're being handled? Ask if
they customarily handle or specialize in your type of repair work, and
vehicle make & model. Many manufacturers recommend specific repair
procedures & equipment. Ensure the facility you choose is trained in
these procedures & has the proper equipment.
We've been
in business 35+ years & work on all vehicles.
Professionally run
establishments (like ours) have courteous, helpful staff with service
writers willing to answer all your questions. Look for signs of
professionalism in the Customer Service Area: Customer Service Awards,
Civic & Community Service Awards, Membership in the Better Business
Bureau, etc. See that all policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic
fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc. are posted or
explained to your satisfaction.
The backbone
of any shop is the competence of all its employees.
Find evidence of technically
competent staff & qualified technicians: Trade School Diplomas;
Certificates of Advanced Course Work Training from I-CAR (the
Inter-Industry ASE Conference on Auto Collision Repair) & Certifications
- A National Standard of Technician Competence issued by the non-profit
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
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