After a car accident, how do you ensure your vehicle gets the quality repair it deserves? With so many body shops around, choosing the right auto repair shop can feel overwhelming, especially if you are also dealing with injuries and managing your insurance claim at the same time. A few simple steps can help you make a confident choice and get back on the road safely.
Why Contact Your Insurance Company First?
Your insurance company may have a list of preferred or recommended repair shops, often called direct repair programs (DRPs). These shops are part of your insurance provider’s partner network or have long-established relationships with your company.
Following your insurance provider’s recommendations can eliminate the guesswork of finding a suitable shop. Some may offer benefits like a repair warranty or faster payment processing. While you’re not obligated to use a DRP shop, their close relationship with your insurance provider can make getting repairs simpler and faster.
How Can Reviews and Recommendations Help You Choose the Right Shop?
The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and Florida’s insurance laws protect your right to choose your own repair shop after a car accident. This means the insurer can’t deny you payment if you choose to use a shop other than one of the ones they recommend.
To get started, research auto repair centers in your area and look for reviews and ratings on Google Business, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau that can give you insights into what local customers think of each shop.
Pay attention to the content of the reviews for evidence of the shop’s track record, work quality, customer service, and professionalism. Recurring complaints in negative reviews can help you identify poor communication, delays, or repair quality problems.
You can also ask friends, family, and coworkers for personal recommendations. Their experiences and advice can reveal information that online reviews can’t, such as how well they were treated or how the repairs held up over time.
Are Certified Repair Centers Worth It?
Regardless of whether your insurance recommends the shop, you are more likely to receive quality repairs and parts from certified and qualified mechanics. You can check a shop’s certifications and qualifications by looking for the following:
Certifications from Recognized Organizations
The two leading organizations certifying auto repair centers in the United States are the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Shops with I-CAR and ASE certifications have been tested and nationally recognized for their professionalism, repair quality, and safety.
Vehicle Type Specialization
Most auto repair centers work on all types of passenger vehicles, from cars and SUVs to light pick-up trucks. However, if your vehicle isn’t a typical make and model, you may want to find a specialist technician.
For instance, if you own an older or classic car, a medium- or heavy-duty truck, or an electric vehicle, seek out shops that specialize in working on those specific types of vehicles.
Manufacturer Certifications
If you own a particular brand of vehicle, look for an auto repair center that is certified by that brand. Depending on the brand, these centers are often referred to as “approved collision centers” or “certified body shops. ”
These establishments and their staff members have received brand-specific training and have the skills and equipment to work on that automaker’s models. If your vehicle is still under warranty, servicing it at an approved collision center of the same brand typically won’t void that warranty, even if it isn’t an insurer-recommended shop.
Should You Get Multiple Estimates Before Committing?
After narrowing down a list of potential repair shops, visit each one in person and ask for written preliminary repair estimates. In Florida, the Motor Vehicle Repair Act requires repair centers not to charge more than 10% over the initial estimate without the customer’s authorization.
Requesting initial estimates from several shops can help you understand the expected repair costs and the timeframe for completion.
Don’t base your decision solely on the price. Take note of the shop’s cleanliness, the professionalism of the staff, and their readiness to answer your questions. Review the initial estimate carefully to see if the shop is open to breaking down the costs or clarifying specific items.
When to Contact a Miami Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in the crash, there’s more at stake than just getting your car repaired. An experienced Miami car accident lawyer can help you with the insurance and legal process to recover compensation. They can help you recover damages for your vehicle’s repairs and the cost of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Aigen Injury Law handles cases where injuries are involved. If you need assistance getting compensation for your injuries and vehicle repairs, our team can help ensure your rights are protected. However, we don’t take cases solely for property damage; your claim must have a personal injury component.
Contact Aigen Injury Law for a Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are facing costly repairs and injuries, we can help you get the compensation you deserve so you can get back on the road. Contact Aigen Injury Law for a free case evaluation. Our team will walk you through your legal options and work with you to build a strong case for compensation.