Choosing the Best Auto Body Shop for Your Car – Not for Your Insurance Company

January 31, 2019

Whether it’s a few simple dents and scratches or a serious collision, accidents are nobody’s idea of fun. The goal is to get our cars fixed as quickly and professionally as possible to minimize the inconvenience of accidents. What most people don’t realize, however, is that they are free to go to whichever body shop they want to get their car repaired. This short guide will walk through the accident process so you can understand how to get your car into the best auto body shop, and not the best one for your insurance company.

1) Do a Little Research Beforehand

Nobody plans for an accident, but that’s why we buy insurance. When we go in for medical treatment we select doctors based on recommendations and reviews, and it should be the same for your car.

When choosing an auto repair shop, check around to see which shop not only has a good reputation for quality service, but also has the right tools and experience for your specific vehicle. There’s a huge difference between imports and domestic cars, or classic and modern, so see who are some of the best auto body shops are for your car before selecting one shop over another.

2) Following the Insurance Process

The relative severity of the accident will determine how the process goes. If you can still drive your vehicle, you have a little bit of time to work through things and do your research. If your vehicle needs to be towed, do note that you are under no obligation to get the repairs done to the shop where they tow it to.

3) Discuss With Your Insurer

Your insurance company generally will have a few preferred shops that they choose to work with. They have many different reasons for these relationships. Both the auto body shops and the insurer’s give each other incentives for referred business; i.e. reduced rates for the insurance companies, and consistent business for the repair shops.

There’s nothing wrong with this, but often times they do not have your vehicle’s best interest in mind. Blindly giving business to these mechanics and shops is like the equivalent of a general medical doctor. If you are suffering from heart problems, then you’ll want to see a cardiologist instead. The same goes for your vehicle.

4) Don’t Be Afraid to Go Where You Want

Your insurer may pressure you some to go to one of their preferred shops. Once again, they cannot legally force you to select anywhere you don’t want to go. It might take a little back and forth, but you, as the customer, have the right to choose the best place for your vehicle.