Collision center, Choose your own collision center
Finding any old collision center or auto body shop can be an easy task. But to choose your own collision center that’s right for you will take these 7 steps.
Auto body shops vary drastically from price to certification and from location to services offered. When you choose your own collision center, you want it to be the best of all these worlds so you know you’re getting a good deal.
That said, we know finding a qualified shop in Texas can be stressful; especially if you’re steering through the aftermath of a crash. This time, you’re not in cruise control. So, let us take the wheel and help you find the right collision center by giving you these 7 key steps to take.
- Ask Your Family and Friends
Your first step is social listening because the grapevine can be vital in this game. What collision centers are others around you talking and raving about? If your cousin has been with the same shop for years and their vehicle is in great shape, you should use that as an indication of a good collision center!
- Look Up the Collision Center Online
After hearing a couple of names, look them up online. A decent collision center with a good number of technicians will want to rave about its top-notch services through its website or social platforms. So, if it has a good website with key car info, it’ll probably know a thing or two about what to crank when they lift the hood.
- Consider Certifications of the Auto Shop
Again, some things to look out for on its website or its social platforms are its certifications. Remember, both the technicians on the inside and the shop itself can - and should - be certified. Here are some trusted certifications to look out for:
a. ASE Certifications
b. I-CAR Certifications
c. ATTE Certifications
d. AAS Degrees
e. ASA Badges
- Check Out Their Reviews
Whether it’s Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, Carwise or the collision center’s website: reviews are a trustworthy resource. Consistent positive reviews demonstrate a good shop when you choose your own collision center. Look out for before and after pictures, detailed descriptions, accounts of customer service and notes about professionalism.
- Consider Center Location to Your Usual Route
Something many people forget to consider is the usual route. Instead of choosing a shop halfway across the Lone Star State, find one around your usual miles. After all, you’re more likely to have a collision where you are (not where you’re not!). When you choose your own collision center, you want it to be local to your usual route.
- Ask The Collision Center Questions
Good collision centers will be wide open to questions so make sure you’re calling up or calling in with a couple under your belt. After all, it’s often going to be beneficial for your pocket when you’re prepared with the technicalities. For example, you might want to ask:
a. Do you provide written estimates?
b. Is there a warranty service in place?
c. Can you liaise with my insurance company?
d. What measures are there for risk and security?
e. How do you take payment?
f. Are there often long turnarounds?
g. Do you work with my car brand a lot?
- Start Small with a Service or MOT
It’s always best to consider small shop work first. For example, your annual service or MOT check. Or even a spray-on bedliner if you’re the pickup type. This way, you can be certain about the level of service you’ll receive when you’ve riled up in a crash or something similar.
In the end, it’s all about going with what your gut tells you. If you’ve completed all 7 steps and all the boxes are ticked but something still doesn’t feel right, then it’s not the collision center for you. When you choose your own collision center, you have to be comfortable knowing your car’s being well treated and you’ll roll off the shop floor with a grin from ear to ear.
Now you know about the 7 steps, we’re here to be your first port-of-call. Based in Carrollton, TX, our team of ASE-certified technicians is on-hand to provide you with all the auto body work your vehicle needs at competitive rates. Take a look at our website to view all our services and give us a call at (972) 242-0092 to get through your questions!
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