A Guide to Collision Repair Estimates

The first step thing you should do before you decide to get your vehicle repaired is to estimate the collision repairs. Talk to your insurance agent and provide the required documents beforehand, so later on it does not cause a problem. Your insurance company will be providing you a list a recommended auto body shops but, in some cases, it is possible that your insurance company only allows you to use the body shops they are associated with.

Take Time to Research

Research various local body shops before you decide on one. Compare the prices of the services being provided before you settle on it. If the price of a body shop is higher than the others find out why. It is possible that they use a more reliable and efficient method for repairing. Word of mouth is also a great way to select a body shop. Ask your insurance company, friends, family, and co-workers for referrals regarding body shops.  Look online to see reviews of the collision repair shop el cajon, it will give you an idea of what customers thought about their experience.

Ask Questions

It is absolutely okay to be bold and ask questions. After all, your own resources are being used on the shop. A reliable collision repair shop el cajon will be quick to accommodate your needs. Break down all the repairs that need to be done and compile a list. Individually ask for the cost of each component and the labor fee as well. Immediately getting an exact insurance estimate is hard. However, they should be able to provide you a range of costs in which the grand total will fall. Also, ask them for turnaround time. You may need the car for urgent business. Also, confirm the method of the payment beforehand to know which method acceptable. In case of a large insurance deductible, you may have to make financial arrangements to pay the auto body shop el cajon yourself.

Weigh the Cost

It is a good practice to weigh your options and compare the cost and services being provided by multiple body shops before you choose one. Costs will vary from shop to shop, however, don’t get stuck on the total cost, reputation should be considered as well.  Higher costs do not always ensure better repairs or better parts. A good auto body shop has excellent reviews, good customer satisfaction and should always use the OEM repair guidelines.

Although a lot of free information is accessible on the internet, it is not always accurate. Each car has different make and model. So, the repair of a single part cannot be the same for each car. So, you can only get an accurate estimate of collision repairs by getting your car looked at by a knowledgeable technician.

It may be a time taking process, so you should try to remain patient and keep in contact with the insurance agent as well as the collision repair shop in question.  By making a well-informed decision once you get your car back it will be back to pre-accident condition and you will be pleased.