Vehicle accidents are never fun, let alone deciding where to take your vehicle to be repaired. Your vehicle is a major investment – the main thing you want is to bring it back to pre-accident condition, as if it never happened. So how do you determine whom you trust enough to repair it? Here are some helpful tips you can follow when choosing a repair facility:
Choose a facility that’s clean and where staff is courteous and professional – if they treat you well, you know they’ll treat your car with the same dignity. And, make sure they thoroughly explain the repair process of your vehicle.
Choose a shop that specializes in collision repair, instead of the “Jack-of-All-Trades” shop. It’s also best if they employ experienced, industry-trained technicians such as I-Car and ASE Certified.
Don’t choose by price alone – some repair estimates may be lower because of necessary work that may have been omitted or the shop may be using incorrect repair techniques and will sacrifice the quality of the repair. Ask for clarification if one estimate is higher.
Check if they are members of the Better Business Bureau or check their rating with the BBB.
Seek referrals from friends, family, co-workers and dealerships, and find out how long the shop has been in business. You should also inquire about a lifetime warranty.
By law, you aren’t required to obtain more than one estimate, and you also have the right to choose a repair facility, your insurance company cannot demand where you go.
If you are unsure of where to take your vehicle for repairs, visit a few shops to help you decide which one you can trust and one that makes you feel the most comfortable.
If you use the above as a guideline should you need a repair facility, you will be much happier with the outcome. Please Drive Safely!
It is our policy that the original insurance check be used as form of payment. Please endorse the back of the check upon delivery of your vehicle. For any payment that is not an insurance check, we require cash, money order, check (with a valid driver’s license), Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
We will gladly provide the phone numbers of the local rental car offices so you can work directly with them for any rental needs during the repair process.
Common forgotten items that you might need when leaving your vehicle with us are your I-Pass and garage door opener. Should you forget these items or any other personal items, feel free to stop by the shop during our business hours to retrieve them.
We have a key drop box for your convenience if you are unable to drop off your vehicle during our business hours. Under certain circumstances, you may also use this key drop box for the return of your rental vehicle. The key drop box is located on the east side of the building (the handicap ramp leads up to it).
We offer pick up and drop off service during business hours if you are not using a rental vehicle during your repairs or if you are unable to obtain a ride.
Please inform us if you would like to be contacted via home phone, cell phone, work phone, text messaging or by email.
We strive to get you back in your vehicle as soon as possible. At times there are unforeseen circumstances that will delay your original target date. We will inform you of this delay as soon as we are aware. Feel free to contact us at any time during your repairs with questions, otherwise your vehicle is typically completed in the afternoon on the expected completion date. We will contact you on that date to let you know when it will be ready for you to pick up.
Once repairs commence, there may be additional damages discovered. Often times we can still complete the vehicle as scheduled, but the need for additional parts or labor my require us to keep your vehicle longer than anticipated. We will notify you of the additional damages causing delays as well as handle the communication with the insurance company (if applicable).
We offer a written lifetime warranty on your repairs for as long as you own your vehicle (unless otherwise indicated). Warranty is not transferable.
Don’t choose by price alone – some repair estimates may be lower because of necessary work that may have been omitted or the shop may be using incorrect repair techniques and will sacrifice the quality of the repair. Ask for clarification if one estimate is higher.