Choosing a Collision Shop

For most, a vehicle will be the second largest investment you make in your lifetime. It is in your best interests to pick your repair shop carefully. The right shop will not only give you an excellent repair, they will handle most of the claims process for you. Picking the wrong shop can lead to any number of problems as well as financial loss. Below are some suggestions to help you.

Your Car – Your Choice
In Arizona, it is the vehicle owner that decides where they want their vehicle repaired. Don't let anybody tell you that you have to go to a certain shop - it just isn't true.

Get a Personal Referral
Do you have a friend or relative that has had collision repairs performed recently? Ask them if they were happy with the shop they chose. If they were, this is a good place to start. If not, at least you know which shop to avoid.

Ask Your Agent
Insurance agents are usually very familiar with the reputation of the body shops in their area. They will often times tell you where they or their clients have had their vehicles repaired in the past.

I-CAR Gold Class
The I-CAR foundation is the main training and certification organization in the collision repair industry. A shop that is rated "Gold Class" puts a lot of emphasis on education. More information about ICAR can be found at www.i-car.com.

Equipment
Specialized equipment is needed to repair today's damaged vehicles. Make sure you are only considering shops that have made the necessary investment in this area.

Better Business Bureau
Your local Better Business Bureau can tell you if the shop you have chosen has received any unresolved complaints.

Experience Counts
Choosing a repair facility that has been open under the same management for a number of years may be to your advantage. A lifetime warranty is worthless from a body shop that has gone out of business.

Facility Should Be Neat
From the waiting area to the back shop, the building should be neat. As a rule, a sloppy facility performs sloppy repairs.

Meet the Customer Service Representative
Your Customer Service Representative should answer your questions directly and honestly and be very knowledgeable about the entire repair process. This is where you will have to trust your instincts. Watch out for fast talking salesman types.

Customer Satisfaction Index
The best shops have an independent company contact their customers after repairs are completed to make sure they were happy with the repair experience. The overall rating earned should be 97% or higher. Ask to see documentation on this.