How To Choose The Right Auto Body Shop

How To Choose The Right Auto Body Shop

Getting into an accident is unfortunate, but choosing the wrong body shop can escalate the situation into a full-blown nightmare. What may be $500 at one shop can jump wildly to $2000 at another. The experts at Auto Collision Center in Hayward, CA have a few tips to make the process easier on your wallet, and maybe your sanity.

1. Ask informed questions. The less informed you seem, the more likely that you'll be taken for a ride. Get specific about what needs to be done and specifications.  This also ties in closely to number 2.
2. Find a trusted location. Doing a little research can pay off. Aggregate a few reviews from various sources. Check Yelp, Google, and auto body review sites. If you see a bunch of one star reviews, best run for the hills.
3. Don't be afraid to ask about the labor rate. It's the most variable figure on the invoice. Look for comparable rates in the area and call around. This leads to number 4.
4. Get a couple of quotes. It'll give you a baseline and something to balance against a shop's rating. Five stars with 200 reviews but a little pricier? Probably worth it. 

With a little help from Google and a few tips to remember, getting your vehicle repaired doesn't have to be a headache.

Written By: Todd Hendrickson