Searching for a trustworthy auto body shop to repair your vehicle after an accident can feel overwhelming. According to Broadly, in the United States, there are more than 40,000 collision repair shops. However, finding the right collision repair shop is important to ensure your car gets fixed properly and safely. Here's some advice to locate a shop you can rely on.

Ask for Recommendations

Start your search by asking friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors if they've used a collision repair shop they'd recommend. Find out what they liked about the shop, such as quality work, good communication, fair pricing, timely repairs, or superior customer service. If several people enthusiastically vouch for the same shop, it's worth checking out. You can also request recommendations from professionals connected to the collision repair industry, like insurance agents or car dealership managers. They frequently work with body shops and can advise you on reputable options.

Research a Shop's Reputation

Before choosing an auto body shop, research its business practices and reputation online. Search for their website and read through customer reviews on Google, Facebook, and even the company website. This provides insight into people's experiences with the quality of repairs and customer service. Be wary of many negative reviews and count repeat complaints as red flags.

Visit a Shop in Person

Schedule an initial visit to the collision repair shops you're considering. Meeting shop staff in person and checking out the facility helps you better evaluate if it's the right match. Observe how neatly and professionally the shop bay operates. Proper organization signals expertise and attention to detail. The technicians should seem focused and skilled as they work on vehicles. Quality shops invest in ongoing technician training and certification as auto body work requires specialized, up-to-date knowledge.

Ask the Right Questions

Be sure to ask questions about the shop's repair process, pricing structure, warranties, and communication practices. Reputable shops gladly answer questions, provide cost estimates upfront, offer guarantees on work, and keep customers updated on repairs. They should put you at ease regarding the work quality and customer service you'll receive.

Finding the best collision repair shop takes some diligence upfront through gathering recommendations, researching online, and visiting in person. But taking these steps helps ensure your vehicle gets first-rate repairs from a shop you feel good about. If you've been in an accident, our collision repair shop can get your vehicle back to its pre-accident state. Here at Ernie's Auto Body, we bring over 60 years of experience. Call today to schedule an appointment.