To say auto body repair shops sometimes get a bad rap is an understatement. Unfortunately, far too many shops are more than willing to cheat you out of your hard-earned money if you let them. But if you know what to watch for, you can easily avoid getting taken for a ride.
At Minnetonka Collision, we pride ourselves on our commitment to superior customer service and honest, transparent, high-quality auto body repairs. But we know not every shop takes pride in their work the way we do, and we’d like to help you avoid falling victim to an unscrupulous business.
If you’re searching for a shop you can trust to handle your high-end vehicle, here are three non-negotiable traits to look for in a quality auto body repair shop.
Make Sure You Get a Warranty
If an auto body repair shop warranties their services, that’s a solid indication they stand behind their work. Ideally, the warranty should span the duration of your vehicle ownership, whether you pay out of pocket or your insurance company covers the repairs.
When you’re scoping out shops, be sure you enquire about the duration and scope of the warranty and ask whether different warranties apply to different services. You might get a limited lifetime warranty on parts, but how long does that shop guarantee their paint jobs?
The last thing you need is subpar workmanship that deteriorates unexpectedly, leaving you to pay out of pocket for further repairs.
Positive Word of Mouth
In a day and age when anyone can post a review online in a matter of minutes, it’s astonishing that shady shops are still doing business. Positive word of mouth is perhaps the best indication of a shop’s dedication to its quality of service, so if you find one with stellar reviews, it’s probably a safe bet.
At Minnetonka Collision, we treat our clients—and their vehicles—like gold because we know taking superior care of our customers is the right thing to do. Check out our reviews to see for yourself!
Transparent Pricing
If you receive a quote for your auto body repair, that price shouldn’t change once the job is complete. When you’re shopping around for estimates, make sure you ask each shop if the price they quote is subject to change.
Unfortunately, there are many shops out there that will quote you an initial price, but when you receive the final bill, it ends up being much higher than expected. No one loves a surprise upcharge, so make sure you always verify pricing before you commit.
For more information on what to look for when you get a quote, check out Getting Auto Body repair Estimates? Tips for Selecting the Right Shop.
Technician Certifications
Performing high-quality auto body repairs requires considerable training, expertise, and experience. But how can you tell whether a collision center’s technicians have those things?
By asking if they hold any industry-standard certifications, such as:
● ASE certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
● Master Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician
● I-Car Certification (which certifies auto body repair centers, not technicians)
● Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) specialist certification
Technicians and/or facilities that hold certifications must pass rigorous testing to obtain them and must also complete continuing education credits to maintain them. Not only does this speak to the facility’s and employees’ commitment to providing quality service but also their commitment to staying current in the industry.
Although it’s not technically a certification, you may also want to look for AAA approval (not all quality facilities have this but many do). Obtaining approval from the Automobile Association of America requires adherence to strict customer services, pricing, and performance standards, so if a shop has this, it’s likely a safe bet.
Concierge Services
If your vehicle needs extensive auto body repairs, it’ll have to stay in the shop for quite some time. And if it’s not driveable, you’ll need a way to get it to the shop.
Furthermore, while you’re without your automobile, you’ll need another way to get around town. That’s where concierge services can be incredibly helpful.
What exactly are concierge services? They include things like:
● Rental car service, so you’ll have a vehicle to drive while yours is being repaired
● Pickup and drop-off services, so you can get your vehicle to the shop as conveniently as possible
● 24/7 towing, so you can get a non-drivable vehicle to the shop without the hassle of dealing with an outside towing service
Of course, these types of services aren’t necessary, and not all quality auto body repair shops offer them. But if you’re looking for a seamless and low-stress repair experience, finding a shop that goes the extra mile can make a major difference.
Check out What Does Concierge Service at an Auto Body Repair Shop Entail? to learn more about what you can expect when you trust your vehicle with our team at Minnetonka Collision.
Need High-End Auto Body Repairs Near Plymouth, MN?
At Minnetonka Collision, we pride ourselves on delivering only the highest quality auto body repair services at our state-of-the-art, Twin Cities collision center. Whether you’re looking for precision paint color matching, paintless dent repair, fender bender repairs, or more extensive auto body repairs, our expert team guarantees a job well done.
To learn more about our auto body repair or auto care services, give our team a call at 763-230-7805. You can also request a free estimate online, and we’ll get in touch promptly with more information.