How to choose a collision repair shop
If you don’t currently have a repair shop you use, how would you go about finding a good one?
Again, the answer is ask, ask, ask! Ask everybody you know who they use. Ask your friends, neighbors, your insurance agent, co-workers and relatives then ask them why they use that shop.
The key here is to gather information
If the same name keeps popping up, then that is a really good indication that would be a good choice for you. You can also use the Internet to research a company and look for reviews and ratings on how well that shop performs. Remember in the State of Iowa you have the legal choice to have the repairs made at any shop you choose. Your car, your choice.
I believe there are still many things in life that qualify for the old adage “quality has a price.” If you are looking for the cheapest price when it comes to car repair, chances are you are going to get just that, a cheap repair.
This doesn’t make sense to me on a couple of different levels. First off, for most people their car is their second largest investment. Why would you want to devalue it with cheap repairs?
Secondly and most important, you put your life and the lives of your family, friends and co-workers in that same vehicle every day. Would you want to be doing 65 to 70 mph and have to wonder if that cheap repair on your front suspension and steering is good enough?
How about wondering if your airbag will deploy in the event you have another accident because you were trying to save your deductible? Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not saying you have to spend more than you need. I just want you to understand there are different levels of repair shops, and the cheapest isn’t always the best choice for you. This, again, is where I will stress it is important to do your homework for a quality shop.
Don’t hesitate to look into the shop…is it clean? Do the technicians look busy? A bunch of wrecked cars out front doesn’t mean the shop is busy. Good shops don’t let cars sit around, they get them repaired and back to their customers. Don’t be afraid to ask them to show you a finished job or two – and above all, ask if they have a written warranty.
Get everything in writing up front. Get a written repair and price estimate of the work to be performed, as well as an explanation of why specific recommendations are necessary to correct the collision damage, before the job begins. Professional, reputable repair shops will stand behind their repair work by offering a warranty.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact either our Des Moines or Altoona location for answers.
TESTIMONIAL
Michael Otis
I was in an accident and contacted Ted’s. They handled everything from towing, to insurance, to getting me a rental all as fast as possible. It was beyond the smoothest experience I ever thought I’d have when I was in an accident. They also do the best body work in town. All in all, the best body shop Des Moines has to offer.
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