5 Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Body Shop

Not sure who Phillip Reed is, but he should have done more research instead of just speaking to “ONE” shop. Phillip does not address anything about safety, resale value, technician qualifications, training, or equipment. If "as" Phillip indicates one shop charges $500.00 and another charges $2000.00 then there is something the $500.00 shop missed, or just is not going to fix. A correctly repaired vehicle invoice will not vary more than 10% from East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast. In actually the labor rate per hour has little bearing to the final repair cost. Areas with higher labor rates per hour tend to have less chargeable hours listed. Phillip needed to address the “overhead” issue in real terms. Body shops that are meeting all the “New” EPA rules and keeping their employees updated on training and using the appropriate equipment and materials will have an exponentially higher “overhead”, compared to a poorly equipped, poorly trained facility. Quality, safety, and protecting the valve of your investment, should be your top three tips......

Unfortunately this article appears to provide some information which may indeed prove detrimental to consumers. Getting “Several Estimates” is surely not the best method to select a competent collision repairer. The collision industry is a highly competitive industry and as in most professions, not all participants conduct themselves ethically. First of all running around getting estimates is time consuming to both the consumer and the repair professional and is at best a waste of gas. Secondly, one gets what they pay for! If free estimates are offered; well expect to get your monies’ worth. Lower estimates often overlook important procedures (e.g. corrosion protection) and some repairers may intentionally omit such costly procedures and materials to keep their “estimated costs" low as to “seize the keys” only to up the price after they have the vehicle dismantled in their shop and when the consumer is powerless to combat overcharging. Know that all body shops are not alike! Consumers should do their research and due diligence (i.e. get personal referrals, check with Better Business Bureau, tour the facility, interview management, obtain references etc.) before making a decision; once they select a repairer; then and only then should the consumer request a written estimate. The estimate should be explained and be thorough and contain all the procedures necessary to properly and thoroughly restore the damaged vehicle to its pre-loss condition in safety, function, reliability and value to the best of human ability. Today’s vehicles are highly technical and an improperly repaired vehicle can pose serious safety concerns for unwary consumers and their family. Poor and insufficient repairs can also economically harm the consumer due to loss or diminution in value of the vehicle. After Market Parts: Remember: Cheaper is Rarely Better and Better is Rarely Cheaper! Aftermarket (non-original equipment manufacturer or non-OEM) parts are indeed cheaper and for good reason; these parts are counterfeit copies and often made overseas and are not crash tested. It has been found where parts such as hood latch components have failed and the ability to transfer collision energies as the originals were designed remain questionable. The use of such non-original manufacturer (non-OEM) parts can and does lower the desirability and value of a once damaged and repaired vehicle. Warranty: Most consumers would agree that the longer the warranty the higher the quality of repair. Today’s higher quality automotive finish manufacturers (i.e. DuPont, Sherwin Williams and others) offer “Lifetime” warranties. Why then, if they use high quality products wouldn’t a quality repairer offer such warrantees? A “lifetime Warranty” will protect you for as long as you own the vehicle. If a repairer provides a "lifetime Warranty" it illustrates their committment to quality. When it comes to your family’s safety and economic wellbeing, what is the value of peace-of-mind? Most would agree… it’s priceless! Finally; a wise man once said: Never Take Advice on How to Collect Money by Those Who Owe it to You”! If your repairs involve an insurance claim or someone else is paying for the repair; select a repairer of your choosing! Do not allow the insurer to choose one for you. Most state laws agree: It’s your vehicle and your choice of repairer! Hope this offers assistance to those who may have a need. Barrett Auto Damage Experts, Inc. www.AutoDamageExperts.com