Recent snow and ice storms
are causing widespread traffic crashes across the country, and transportation
officials say there will be 6 million crashes and accidents throughout 2010 if
averages hold.
Those crash statistics,
coupled with the still struggling economy, mean the thousands of collision
centers and body shops will continue to aggressively compete to be the one
fixing up your car or truck. But how’s a consumer to know which companies will
properly repair the dents for a fair price?
Angie’s List, the nation’s
leading provider of consumer
reviews on local service companies, has collected thousands of
consumer experiences with auto specialists across the country. The consumer
ratings company asked some of its highly-rated auto technicians for tips on
handling the repair process in the event your dream ride gets wrecked.
“Never take a chance on an
unknown repair shop or mechanic, whether you’re paying the costs up front or
your insurance company is taking care of it,” said Angie’s List founder Angie
Hicks. “The time you spend shopping around and comparing at least three
different places is time well spent because you may never have to question
where you’ll turn next time.”
Regardless of how long
you’ve used a certain mechanic or auto
repair shop, communication early and often is the key to swift and
sure repair, she added.
“Initial inspections can
sometimes miss hidden damages to the vehicle, and you should be alerted to
extra costs as any new repairs are identified,” Hicks said. “Before you
authorize any work to be done, get a written description of the work to be
performed and be sure that the repairs will be guaranteed with a written
warranty.”
A nationwide poll of Angie’s
List members showed nearly one in four respondents reported some sort of
problem during the repair process and 43 percent said it took anywhere from a
few weeks to a few months to get their vehicle fixed. The average repair time
is about two weeks, according to national statistics.
Of those needing repairs, 72
percent said the cost was more than $1,000, while 31 percent said it exceeded
$3,000. Most repair centers said the average bill is between $2,000-3,000.
“After the repair, your
vehicle should look and run the same as it did before the accident,” Hicks
said. “If after you drive away, you notice any problems, drive right back to
the shop. If you can’t get there right away, write down a description of the
issue and take the car back to the repair center as soon as you can.”
While it might be tempting
to avoid shelling out money for costly repairs to correct minor damage, it’s in
your best interests to have those repairs done quickly and correctly, experts
say. In some instances, driving a damaged vehicle can lead to a traffic
citation. In a worst-case scenario, those “minor” issues can cause an even more
serious car crash.
“While it may seem like a cheaper
alternative to turn to a friendly backyard mechanic, you’re usually far better
off to stick with a reputable center whose staff has the proper training,
licensing and equipment,” Hicks said.
Angie’s List offers 5
tips from the auto repair experts
- Get multiple estimates: Three should do it. The insurance company
might have companies they recommend, but be sure to get estimates from
companies you know and trust. If one estimate seems way out of line
compared to the others, ask why. Ultimately, the choice on where to get
your vehicle repaired is yours and you want to hire a repair center that
is going to make your vehicle safe, while preserving the integrity of its
resale value.
- Hire a repair center you trust: Look for a repair center with a good history
and a professional atmosphere. Ask for a tour of the facility. The staff
should be properly trained and have certifications displayed from a
trusted national organization, such as the Inter-Industry Conference on
Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) or National Institute for Automotive Service
Excellence (ASE). Ask questions about the repair process and unexpected repairs
that might arise. Get estimates for parts and labor up front. Be sure you
understand the warranty process. Ask for a written warranty.
- Don’t delay; fix your car today: Appearances can be deceiving, so even damage
that might appear to be only minor or superficial should still be
thoroughly inspected to ensure there is no hidden damage. Driving a
damaged vehicle could lead to a costly citation, or worse, another
accident.
- Ask the shop to help arrange a rental: Most repairs take two weeks on average and many
shops work with local car rental agents. Your repair center should be able
to help arrange for a rental to be waiting for you when you drop your car
off.
- Kick the tires; twice: Have the repair center explain everything that
was done to your vehicle. Check the work closely before you leave. Address
any concerns immediately. Request an itemized receipt and check for any
work billed but not performed. After you leave, keep a list of any
problems you experience and contact the repair center immediately.
1,089 Angie’s List
members responded to the poll. Responses are representative of Angie’s List
members but not the general public.
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contractors and companies in more than 500 different
categories. Currently, more than 1 million
consumers across the U.S.
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