After involvement in a car accident, collision repair is often necessary. Certified collision repair is when the manufacturer trains technicians to make necessary repairs. If you wreck a brand-new car, this makes a difference, because it determines how much emphasis the body shop puts on the quality of repair services.

What Should You Look For In A Body Shop?

After an accident, there are two options for the car owner. You can choose an auto body shop on a list provided by the car insurance company, or find a body shop on your own to handle repairs.

When deciding if a body shop is a good choice, there are certain things to consider.

• How many years the shop has been in business
• The shop's equipment
• Warranties offered for work provided
• Payment policies for work done

The training of the technicians is important as well. Certified collision repair technicians usually have diplomas or certificates from trade schools or advanced course work.

Should You Negotiate With The Shop?

First, get quotes from a few shops to get a good idea of price ranges. Once you decide on a shop, you can benefit from negotiating the price.

You can negotiate, and many times the shop will gladly consider a lower price. One good negotiation tactic is to ask the shop manager for a discount. If the manager isn't ready to negotiate, let them know you have quotes from other shops and you'll go to them. While the shop manager is likely to offer some sort of discount, it may not be exactly what you want, but if it's a fair price, take it. Remember the business has to make money.

How Long Should The Shop Keep My Car?

While there is no legal limit on car repairs, there are shops that may take too long to do repairs. If the shop keeps your car longer than a month, that is too long for most jobs. You don't want the job rushed, but the shop has to keep in mind that customers need their vehicles as soon as possible. You can discuss how long repairs might take with the shop, and let them know if it takes too long, you may consider taking your business elsewhere.

Finding a qualified collision repair shop and getting your car back on the road doesn't have to be difficult if you do your research. For more information about collision repair, contact a local auto shop.