5 Factors to Consider When Getting an Auto Body Repair Estimate

The first step involved in repairing your vehicle after a car accident is to get an estimate from a body shop. This process can be overwhelming if you’re not certain how to navigate it. You’ll need to balance cost, quality and timing considerations when determining the right body shop to restore your vehicle to its proper condition. The following factors will help you evaluate the estimates you receive to ensure you understand your options before choosing a body shop.

Research Body Shops in Your Area

It’s always a good idea to get estimates from several different body shops. This allows you to compare quotes and ensures you have enough information to make the right decision. The goal should be to work with a body shop that performs quality work at a reasonable price. But how will you know which shops provide this value? You’ll need to do your research.

The following tips will help guide your research:

• Ask friends and family members about their experiences working with body shops in your area. These word-of-mouth recommendations are often a useful place to start your research.
• Read online reviews of local body shops to see what others have said about the quality of work they received.
• Once you’ve identified a few body shops to consider, check the websites from reputable industry organizations such as Auto Alliance and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists to see if they can provide any additional information about these body shops.

Beware of Online Estimator Tools

While it might be tempting to use some of the online estimator tools available to get a sense of what your repairs should cost, you’re unlikely to gain any useful information from them. It’s important to understand that these tools are basing their rough estimates on information you provide. Unless you have expertise in the area of auto body repair, you most likely won’t be able to provide the accurate information necessary to get a decent estimate from these tools.

When looking at the damage to your vehicle, it may seem like most of the repairs will be relatively minor. However, there may be hidden damage that can’t be identified without a more thorough evaluation of the vehicle. The reverse may also be true: you may think the damage to your car is quite extensive, but modern technology may allow for simple repairs.

The only way to get an accurate estimate of the repairs you’ll need is to work with a trained professional who knows what to look for and what the proper parts will cost.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Dictate the Repair Process

It’s common for insurance companies to try and get you to work with their preferred auto body shop. In some instances, this may be fine. However, it’s important to understand that the insurance company’s goal is to minimize the amount of money they spend, not to ensure you receive the best quality work. As a result, many insurance-recommended body shops will use aftermarket (cheaper, lower quality) parts or cut corners in order to keep the price down and remain the insurance company’s preferred service provider.

You have the right to choose the body shop that performs your repairs. Don’t let the insurance company force you to use their desired shop. When negotiating with your insurance company, stand your ground and make sure they allow you to have final say on who works on your vehicle.

Don’t Base Your Decision Strictly on Price

After receiving several different estimates, you may find the costs vary greatly on each estimate. While it may be tempting to choose the body shop offering the lowest price, you may come to regret this decision after repairs are made. While cost is certainly a factor in your decision, quality should be prioritized over price.

A lower estimate may use cheaper parts that may be less durable and of lower quality. In addition, they may be more likely to do sloppy work (evaluating reviews for the body shop will help you determine if this is something to be concerned about). A higher estimate doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting ripped off. In some instances, you may find that you’ll receive better quality work from the body shop that charges a little more.

Research will be crucial to determining whether you’re sacrificing quality for a lower price. This will ensure you make a fully informed decision regarding who will deliver the best value on your repairs.

Important Information to Receive in Your Estimate

Most auto body shops will perform an estimate for free. The process usually takes around 30 minutes to complete. Always ask for a written, itemized estimate from the body shop. This should include:

• A detailed assessment of all damage that needs to be repaired
• Costs for materials and parts
• Costs for labor (including estimated labor hours)

Accurate Auto Body Can Help

Accurate Auto Body provides high quality collision repair services at an affordable price. Over the past 25 years, we’ve developed a reputation as one of the top auto body shops in Aurora and Denver.

Our Focus on You Service System™ ensures your needs are met throughout every stage of the repair process. As part of this exclusive system, you’ll receive:

• Unparalleled levels of personalized attention
• Faster turnaround times
• Guaranteed pricing
• Comprehensive auto repair consulting to educate you about your options
• Full auto insurance coordination
• Repairs made around your schedule
• Repair updates provided in your preferred method (phone, text, email, web)

We’re happy to perform a free repair estimate and discuss your options in detail. Please contact us today to schedule your estimate. Accurate Auto Body serves customers in Aurora and throughout the Denver metro area.