However, you may have to pay the price difference for installing OEM parts. If your shop offers after-market parts, you have the right to refuse them. Regulations about using non-OEM parts vary by state, says the III. Repair facilities may use "after-market" parts made by companies other than the car's manufacturer or even recycled OEM parts (including bumpers, door panels, etc.). Insurance laws don't necessarily require auto body shops to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to repair your car, says the III. The estimate should include a clear breakdown of labor and parts costs. Review the repair shop's estimate.Īsk for a thorough, written estimate of the repair work, says the FTC. Once you choose a shop, there are several steps you can take to understand the repair work being done on your vehicle. If the shop is filthy or chaotic, you may want to look elsewhere, Edmunds advises.
Good shops also should be reasonably clean and well organized. Reputable shops typically are quite busy, says. Look for common-sense signs of shop quality. These certifications guarantee that shop technicians have met or exceeded key repair-work qualifications. These "seals of approval" may come from organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA). Check for industry certifications.Īsk any shops you're considering if they carry industry certifications, the FTC suggests. Also, read online reviews of local auto mechanics and body shops.
In addition to referrals from your insurance company, get suggestions from friends and relatives who have worked with shops they trust, suggests the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
If you opt to take your car to a shop you choose on your own, keep these tips in mind. This means your vehicle repairs are prioritized, so you can get your car back on the road quickly. Prioritized repairs.īecause they have an agreement with your insurer, direct repair network shops may offer preferred treatment when you come in with an insurance claim. This type of shop is meant to help save you time by reducing the number of steps you have to go through during the claims process. Some direct repair programs even offer "one-stop shops," where you can take your car to a single location to get an insurance estimate, have your car repaired and even pick up a rental car, explains the III. Additionally, when the insurer guarantees the work, you'll have access to the countrywide network of body shops (not just the one that did the repairs) in case you ever need to tap into your warranty. But, when you work with an insurer-preferred shop, your insurer may guarantee the shop's workmanship and extend warranties on their repair work for as long as you own your car. Typically, a body shop may issue one- or two-year warranties on their repair work, says the III. Your insurer and the direct repair shop in your area may have a streamlined repair and payment process that reduces paperwork and saves time Quality standards.Īuto repair shops your insurer recommends are screened in advance to be sure they meet certain quality standards. However, there may be some benefits to working with one of your insurance company's "preferred" repair shops.
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You're not obligated to work with these recommended mechanics or body shops for your repairs you're free to choose your own facility, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). A direct repair program is a network of collision repair shops approved by your insurer. Many insurance companies offer direct repair programs, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).
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