How Does a Car Repair Estimate Work At an Auto Body Shop?
March 5th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
Not all auto body shops are created equal. But, if you understand what to expect when you visit a collision repair center for an auto body repair estimate, you can take steps to find an auto body shop that performs quality work at affordable prices. Best of all, you can receive fast, friendly service and get your car repaired as quickly and efficiently as possible.
As you get ready to receive estimates from body shops, here are five factors you need to consider:
1. Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company is ready to assist you any time you need car repairs, and it often helps to contact your insurer before you seek out an auto body repair estimate. Often times, your insurance company can help with the auto body repair estimate process and streamline it for you. Your insurance company can also respond to your concerns and questions about getting auto body repairs.
Meanwhile, it is important to note that some auto body shops are faster than others when it comes to getting an auto body estimate. But, if you choose an experienced auto body shop like Fix Auto Phoenix-Sky Harbor, you can get a collision repair estimate the same day you drop off your car, in most cases.
2. Insurance Review Process
Regardless of how long it takes an auto body shop to provide you with an estimate, it may take your insurance company at least a few days before it responds to the estimate. Therefore, it is important to establish realistic expectations as you prepare to get your car repaired.
If you are concerned that your insurance company has not received your auto body repair estimate, follow up with your insurer. Communication between you, your insurer, and your auto body shop is vital to help you get the car repairs you need as soon as possible. Then, when you receive a response from your insurer, you can work with your auto body shop to determine how long it will take before your car can get fixed.
3. Your Insurance Policy
Do you know if you have rental car coverage on your policy? It will definitely come in handy when your car is in the shop. If rental reimbursement is included in your insurance policy, you can take advantage of it while an auto body shop fixes your car. Comparatively, if you don’t have rental reimbursement, your auto body shop may still be able to help you get a car rental at a discounted rate.
When in doubt about whether rental car coverage is included in your insurance policy, call your insurance company to find out what coverages you have. If you don’t have rental car coverage, you can ask your insurer about whether you can add it to your policy for the future, too.
4. Auto Body Shop Expertise
You won’t have to search far and wide to find an auto body shop to assess your car. Auto body shops are readily available in cities and towns nationwide, but only the best shops hire experts to evaluate car damage and provide accurate estimates.
Choosing an auto body shop that is certified by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) is paramount. An I-CAR certified auto body shop employs auto experts who have the knowledge and training to perform safe, quality repairs. If you select an ICAR-certified auto body shop like Fix Auto Phoenix-Sky Harbor, you can boost the likelihood of getting an accurate estimate for your car repair.
5. Repair Process
After your insurer approves your estimate, the repair process gets underway. But, keep in mind that the time it takes an auto body shop to repair your car varies. With the right auto body shop at your side, you can get a realistic timeline that details when you should expect your car repairs to be completed.
An auto body shop should dedicate the necessary time and resources to complete repairs correctly. It should also keep in touch with you throughout the repair process and provide details about any issues that arise along the way. Because if you work with an auto body shop that maintains constant communication, you can receive comprehensive support as you get your car repaired.
Getting an auto body repair estimate may seem like a daunting endeavor, but these tips can help you find the right collision repair center so you can make the most of the experience. Finally, when you select an auto body shop that meets your requirements, you can get your car repaired and move closer to getting your vehicle back on the road.
At Fix Auto, our auto body shops use a straightforward auto body estimate process. Whether you’re near Sky Harbor or anywhere else in the United States, visit a Fix Auto near you to receive an efficient car repair estimate at your convenience.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Phoenix-Sky Harbor, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the Phoenix area.
