Following an auto accident, there can be many things to worry about. How are you doing physically? Mentally? How is the driver of the other vehicle and any other passengers? There may be many questions that come to mind when it comes to repairing your vehicle as well.
Here are the top five questions to ask your auto collision repair shop after you have been in an accident.
1. Do I have to use the collision repair shop that was recommended by my insurance company?
The quick and easy answer is no. No, you do not have to use the shop recommended by your insurance company. Insurance companies will often have relationships with certain collision repair shops, but each customer is allowed to pick whatever repair shop they want.
2. Will the collision repair shop provides an itemized list of repairs needed along with an estimate?
You should receive a detailed list of all repairs that will take place on your vehicle before any work is performed. An estimate can be helpful for insurance purposes, but no work should be started on the car or truck until you have seen a list of all repairs and agreed to the work to be done.
3. Does the collision repair shop have experience working on my make and model of vehicle?
If you have a foreign car, an antique or vintage car, or a rare model, it is important to make sure that the collision repair shop has the skills and knowledge to repair your vehicle. With rare or foreign cars, specialty tools may be needed. Be sure to ask before they begin repairs.
4. What certification do the auto body technicians carry?
Like with all professions, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in your job’s field. Collision repair is no different. It is perfectly acceptable to ask what certification the collision repair technicians carry. You will feel confident that they have the skills and knowledge to repair your vehicle.
5. Do the repairs carry a warranty?
Most collision repairs should come with a warranty, but be sure to ask this before any work is completed. If a warranty is not included, it may be best to find another collision shop that does back up their work. Also, be sure to ask what the warranty covers and how long it will last.
BONUS - Will the collision repair shop help me with processing my claim?
A collision repair shop has to deal with insurance companies on a daily basis, unlike you who may be dealing with an auto insurance claim for the first time. Talk with your repair shop and ask what type of relationship they have with your provider. The collision center can be a wealth of knowledge and help you navigate these often tricky and sometimes complicated claims.
Having good communication between you and your collision repair shop will help to keep the process moving along smoothly and get you back in your vehicle quickly.
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