How to Choose the Right
Auto Body Shop in Austin

1.     Thorough Research

Following an accident, you might be tempted to opt for your insurance company’s recommended auto body shop. However, your insurance company might not have the best repair partners, in terms of experience, expertise, or equipment. Or, the body shop might be across town, making it difficult for you to keep track of progress. So, take your time to find better options near you to return your car to its pre-accident state.

2.     Recommendations from Friends, Family, Or Colleagues

You most likely have people in your social circle, including friends, family, and colleagues, who have been in accidents before. Ask them for body shop recommendations in Austin on social media or call. If they rave about a particular shop in your area, you should check it out for more information and a quote. However, this doesn’t mean you should stop looking into other options.

3.     Look for Certified Technicians

This is perhaps the most important tip in learning how to find the right auto body shop in Texas. Many body shops employ highly-trained, I-Car certified professionals that can work with multiple manufacturer vehicles. Meanwhile, some specialize in individual makes and models. For instance, a certified Ford or GMC body shop will proudly show off these certifications on their employees’ uniforms, packaging, and websites. Certified auto body shops also have better tools and equipment at their disposal, meaning they can do a much better job, in terms of quality and time.

4.     Compare Prices

Just because your insurance is paying the bills doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to minimize the costs. Always ask for an estimate from different auto body shops in Austin, either by visiting, calling, or chatting. More importantly, ask about the estimated repair time, since you’ll need the car to be ready for work or other priorities. The last thing you need is to have your car stay in a shop for weeks.

5.     Read Online Reviews

Social media and sites like Autotrader and Yelp are excellent places to find authentic customer reviews. Find out what people are saying about the body shops you’re interested in. Many customers even share before and after services pictures or videos with detailed descriptions of the work and quality of service.

When you’re trying to find a quality auto body shop, reviews are an excellent resource. Take the time to visit some trusted online sources and get a sense of what other customers are saying. Oftentimes, you’ll be able to find before-and-after pictures and detailed descriptions of the work that was done, costs, waiting time, and the level of professionalism the customer experienced from the shop.

6.     Ask Questions

Whether you’re on a call with customer support or visiting a body shop in person, don’t hold back on any questions you need to ask. Professional technicians and a highly-trained staff should provide you answers to all your questions, no matter how basic or complex. Feel free to ask about written estimates, warranties, insurance, paperwork, estimate process, certifications, payment policies, and expected turnaround time, etc.

7.     Trust Your Instinct

No matter how great an auto body shop is on paper, if you feel any doubt, always follow your instinct. Getting a good vibe from the technicians fixing your car is crucial. If you find anything shady, take your car to another body shop right away.