If you’ve experienced an accident, you’re probably looking for collision repair shops and getting estimates before you decide on an auto shop. In some cases, the difference between repair estimates is so high that you cannot help but question how can there be such a large difference for repairing the same parts of the same car by various body shops and which one should you trust?
How Estimates are Made
To answer these questions, it is important to understand how estimates are made. Estimates are based on what defects are found upon inspection of the car. Estimate qualities differ from shop to shop. When work is started on the car, the estimate may change if more damage is discovered. So, make sure you take your car to reputable and reliable repair shop where they do a good job of their inspection to give you the most accurate estimates.
Estimates also vary, as different shops employ different methods to do their respective jobs. Which means you will need to ask them questions regarding each step. There can be various approaches to the same result but difference in quality.
Materials Used
New parts will be more expensive while used or recycle parts would be lower priced but at the expense of quality. Usually your options for replacements are OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, non-OEM parts, or re-cycled parts. The materials used in those parts may also vary from shop to shop and affect the quality of the parts which lead to varied estimates.
Experience Versus Less Established
Another factor can be the experience of the business. Established and reputed businesses with loyal clients may charge more as they must cater to a larger audience. While less experienced, newer businesses would be more willing to negotiate on the prices and provide lesser estimates in order to gain more business.
Location, Location
Estimates can also differ based on the business’s location. A business with higher rent or taxes will generally have a higher cost as they need to accommodate their employees. While an auto body shop el cajon based in a less expensive area will have lower overhead costs and that can be applied to customers final bill.
Quality of the Estimate
Some auto body shops give accurate estimates while others may initially give lower estimates but increase them over time and potentially provide low quality work. One auto body shop el cajon may perform a more thorough repair that requires them to dismantle your vehicle, thus the amount of labor time increases, but the car is completely fixed from bumper to bumper. Overestimating or underestimating labor can have a significant impact on the final bill as well.
Choosing the best body shop to get the work done will take you the consumer a little more understanding of the process and where to ask questions. Look over the estimate line by line to try and get the most accurate information, so that you can make the best educated guess about which shop is the best for you.