When you’re driving around in midday traffic, you’re most likely in a hurry to begin with on most days. The last thing you need added to your busy schedule is to be involved in a vehicle collision that requires you to go without your car for some time. That’s why when you do end up getting into a car accident, you don’t have a lot of time to wait on a repair.
Finding the right collision repair team is one of the most important steps you can take when it comes to getting your car back on track. Once you find them, you may not be sure what questions to ask your certified technician. In this post, our team of Twin Cities auto body and collision repair pros at Suburban Auto Body break down some of the top questions to ask when you talk with your auto technician.
- How Do You Match the Repair Paint to My Car’s Existing Paint?
Whether your car is sparkling charcoal or cherry red, every vehicle’s paint comes with its own unique code. These paint codes are used to help auto body shop repair teams locate the identical paint color for order directly from the manufacturer. By using these perfectly matched paint codes, this helps to ensure your car’s repair matches the rest of your paint job and blends seamlessly. Be sure to check with your auto service tech and make sure they use the manufacturer's paint codes rather than simply trying to match the color themselves.
- What Kind of Insurance Policy Do You Carry?
As unlikely as it may seem, there’s always a chance the shop you’re using could catch on fire or become vandalized. Make sure you’re leaving your vehicle with a repair center that is adequately covered in case something unexpected should occur, which leads to damage to your vehicle.
- What is the Estimated Repair Time?
Repair times can vary due to a wide range of reasons. If your shop is busier this will affect the length of time it takes to repair your car. The extent of your vehicle’s damage and the need to order additional manufacturer’s parts can also impact your overall repair time. Be sure to get as much information about the anticipated time your car will be in the shop as possible.
- What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer on Your Work?
A qualified auto body and collision repair center will offer a warranty of some type on their work. If they don’t, it’s probably a good idea to consider working with someone else.
Ask your technician about the length of the warranty and what is covered during that period. If you can get a written information sheet on your warranty, this is even better.
5. Am I required to Use the Auto Body Shop My Insurance Company Recommended?
Once an accident has occurred, typically, you will be paid by the insurance company of the at-fault individual. Insurance companies will always have a specific list of shops they want you to use, but you are not required to do this. The insurer still has an obligation to pay for the repairs, whether you go to the recommended one or one that you already have an established relationship with.
6. Are You Certified to Work on My Specific Vehicle Model and Make?
One of the biggest concerns is that the individuals working on your car are trained and certified in its specifications. So, it is recommended that before initiating any repairs, you want to ensure that they have experience with your make and model. Having proper can result in higher quality work and less time for your vehicle to be in the shop.
7. Do You Provide an Itemized Estimate of All Needed Repairs?
The insurance company will give an estimate of what they believe the cost is in the repairs that will be required but getting a second opinion is always a good idea. The biggest problem with this is that the insurance company isn't there inspecting the vehicle in person. So, having the chosen repair shop give you a written estimate on what they believe is required and a breakdown of all the terms and jargon is recommended.
8. What is Your Policy on Communicating the Progress of Repair?
Waiting for your vehicle to be repaired could be a stressful experience, so it's essential to ask your collision expert how they will communicate their progress. Staying up to date on the steps, any changes that need to be made, and the timeline can help make the experience an easier one.
Contact Our Twin Cities Certified Collision Repair Team
When you communicate with your vehicle service technician, you need to feel that you can trust them to treat you with respect and answer all of your questions clearly and honestly. That’s why our services at Suburban Auto Body include a point person to walk you through every step of the repair process so you understand the process completely.
From key-to-key service to digital updates, we work hard to make you feel heard and supported throughout your Twin Cities car repair. To schedule your auto body repair, connect with a member of our team at 651.633.8900, or contact us for a free estimate.