Recent snow and ice storms are causing widespread traffic crashes across the country, and transportation officials say there will be 6 million crashes and accidents throughout 2010 if averages hold.
Those crash statistics, coupled with the still struggling economy, mean the thousands of collision centers and auto body shops will continue to aggressively compete to be the one fixing up your car or truck. But how’s a consumer to know which companies will properly repair the dents for a fair price?
Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of
consumer reviews on local service companies, has collected thousands of consumer experiences with
auto repair specialists across the country. The consumer ratings company asked some of its highly-rated auto technicians for tips on handling the repair process in the event your dream ride gets wrecked.
“Never take a chance on an unknown repair shop or mechanic, whether you’re paying the costs up front or your insurance company is taking care of it,” said Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks. “The time you spend shopping around and comparing at least three different places is time well spent because you may never have to question where you’ll turn next time.”
Regardless of how long you’ve used a certain mechanic or auto repair shop, communication early and often is the key to swift and sure repair, she added.
“Initial inspections can sometimes miss hidden damages to the vehicle, and you should be alerted to extra costs as any new repairs are identified,” Hicks said. “Before you authorize any work to be done, get a written description of the work to be performed and be sure that the repairs will be guaranteed with a written warranty.”
A nationwide poll of Angie’s List members showed nearly one in four respondents reported some sort of problem during the repair process and 43 percent said it took anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to get their vehicle fixed. The average repair time is about two weeks, according to national statistics.
Of those needing repairs, 72 percent said the cost was more than $1,000, while 31 percent said it exceeded $3,000. Most repair centers said the average bill is between $2,000-3,000.
“After the repair, your vehicle should look and run the same as it did before the accident,” Hicks said. “If after you drive away, you notice any problems, drive right back to the shop. If you can’t get there right away, write down a description of the issue and take the car back to the repair center as soon as you can.”
While it might be tempting to avoid shelling out money for costly repairs to correct minor damage, it’s in your best interests to have those repairs done quickly and correctly, experts say. In some instances, driving a damaged vehicle can lead to a traffic citation. In a worst-case scenario, those “minor” issues can cause an even more serious car crash.
“While it may seem like a cheaper alternative to turn to a friendly backyard mechanic, you’re usually far better off to stick with a reputable center whose staff has the proper training, licensing and equipment,” Hicks said.
Angie’s List offers 5 tips from the auto repair experts
- Get multiple estimates: Three should do it. The insurance company might have companies they recommend, but be sure to get estimates from companies you know and trust. If one estimate seems way out of line compared to the others, ask why. Ultimately, the choice on where to get your vehicle repaired is yours and you want to hire a repair center that is going to make your vehicle safe, while preserving the integrity of its resale value.
- Hire an auto body shop you trust: Look for a repair center with a good history and a professional atmosphere. Ask for a tour of the facility. The staff should be properly trained and have certifications displayed from a trusted national organization, such as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) or National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Ask questions about the repair process and unexpected repairs that might arise. Get estimates for parts and labor up front. Be sure you understand the warranty process. Ask for a written warranty.
- Don’t delay; fix your car today: Appearances can be deceiving, so even damage that might appear to be only minor or superficial should still be thoroughly inspected to ensure there is no hidden damage. Driving a damaged vehicle could lead to a costly citation, or worse, another accident.
- Ask the shop to help arrange a rental: Most repairs take two weeks on average and many shops work with local car rental agents. Your repair center should be able to help arrange for a rental to be waiting for you when you drop your car off.
- Kick the tires; twice: Have the repair center explain everything that was done to your vehicle. Check the work closely before you leave. Address any concerns immediately. Request an itemized receipt and check for any work billed but not performed. After you leave, keep a list of any problems you experience and contact the repair center immediately.
1,089 Angie’s List members responded to the poll.
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Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. and Canada rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.