Don’t Get Taken for a Ride: Selecting an Auto Body Shop for Your Truck

Accidents happen. One second you’re cruising down the highway minding your business, the next a car rear-ends you. Your heart breaks with the sound of screeching metal. 

The damage is done. Your beloved truck is a shadow of its former self. Now that you’re over the initial shock of the accident, the next thing to do is get your vehicle back to tip-top shape.

You only want the best for your pick-up. How can you ensure you’re getting good value from a service? Below, we’ll explain key factors for selecting the right auto body shop for your truck following a collision.

#1. Big Reputation

Richard Branson once said, “Your brand name is only as good as your reputation.” That’s why it’s important to base your decision on this criterion. A strong company reputation reflects the quality of service you can expect.

Before booking your truck in, check online reviews. Platforms like Google and Yelp are excellent sources of real reviews. Social media provides valuable information.

Check the company’s overall rating, recent reviews, and how they respond to negative feedback. It’s a reflection of brand loyalty and whether they are a trusted service provider.

Mizzoni’s Auto Body says a reputable auto body shop should have five-star reviews and be highly regarded in the local community.

#2. Certifications

You want your vehicle in the best hands. Recognized certifications indicate that the company is an auto body collision repair specialist.

I-CAR and ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) show the shop meets the highest standards. Both industry bodies require ongoing training to keep staff updated on complex repairs and the latest auto repair technologies.

You can rest assured that certified technicians trained under these umbrellas are the best at their jobs and adhere to strict industry standards.

#3. Warranties

Some auto body shops are so confident in their workmanship which is why they offer a lifetime warranty on repairs or paint jobs. However, these warranties come with conditions. Be careful to read the warranty fine print.

There are several types of warranties. These are:

• Lifetime
• Paint job
• Limited

A lifetime warranty covers repairs for as long as you own the vehicle. Limited warranty refers to specific parts or labor for a period. A paint warranty specifies the car’s paint job, ensuring it doesn’t paint, peel or crack.

#4. Transparency

Car repair costs have increased nearly 20% in the past year, according to the Consumer Price Index.

Several factors have driven the sharp increase. AAA spokesperson Robert Sinclair Jr. tells CNBC that advanced vehicle technologies are pushing up higher repair costs.

Sinclair adds that electronic sensors in bumpers, fenders, and grilles – areas often damaged in accidents – support these technologies. Repairing advanced technology is more costly, requiring greater precision and time.

Given these factors, the auto body business must be transparent with customers. It should let clients know beforehand the costs involved in repairing their vehicle.

#5. Estimates

Your insurance company might give you a list of approved service vendors to take your vehicle to. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be asking for estimates.

Experts agree to get written estimates from three or four reputable agents. Most companies offer free quotes while others allow you to calculate an estimate on their websites.

Remember, the lowest estimate isn’t always the best. Examine the quote for the quality of parts being used and warranty terms.

#6. Communication

There’s nothing more nerve-racking than dealing with a business that doesn’t respond to your emails or phone calls. Once again, here’s where reputation plays a huge part.

A collision repair service should communicate with its customers, from the initial estimate to the delivery of the repaired vehicle. 

Every step of the process must be clearly explained and estimate a timeline. Should the repair not be done at the agreed time, the business must let you know well ahead and give a reason why.

#7. Value-Added Services

Clients like it when a business goes above and beyond to ensure they are well taken care of. 

For instance, a courtesy vehicle or rental car is welcome for customers stranded without wheels while their car is in the shop. 

Some companies offer to assist with the insurance claim, cutting down the need for you to deal with the admin of unnecessary paperwork.

These value-added services make the repair process less stressful.

No one can predict when you’ll desperately need the services of an auto body shop. As long as you consider the above factors, you’ll drive out a happy and satisfied customer.