Whether your vehicle needs a minor cosmetic repair or major collision repairs, choosing the right shop can make all the difference. It can save you time and money, not to mention much-unwanted stress.

Start your search by asking around for recommendations. You can also find valuable information online, including customer reviews.

Ask for Recommendations

When searching for an auto body shop Denver, CO, you can ask your loved ones for recommendations based on their positive experiences. Your mechanic can also offer valuable feedback as they work regularly with different shops.

When you contact a shop, it is essential to observe how they respond to your queries. Good communication is critical, and a responsive and accommodating shop can give you peace of mind that your car is in good hands.

It’s also a great idea to ask for references or pictures of previous repairs to evaluate the quality of their work. This way, you can determine if the cost of their services is justified. A reliable auto body shop stands behind its work by offering a reasonable warranty, a sign of their confidence in their service.

Check Online Reviews

If you need a recommendation or are performing your research, online reviews can help. Reviews can provide insight into the quality of a body shop’s work, but they also provide helpful information about pricing and warranties.

Ideally, it would be best if you focused on reviews that are recent and specific to your vehicle’s make and model. A trusted review site only allows verified customers to write testimonials.

It’s important to remember that negative ratings can be exaggerated, so take the nasty comments with a grain of salt. However, positive reviews and testimonials strongly indicate that you’re dealing with a reputable shop. Moreover, a good shop will work to resolve any problems you may have with their work.

Ask for an Initial Estimate

While online estimator tools can provide a rough estimate of how much your auto body work should cost, it’s always best to get a more accurate quote from a reputable shop. Asking friends and family for recommendations is a great place to start, but you should also check out online reviews from other drivers on credible sites. Just remember to take any negative comments with a grain of salt.

Another essential thing to consider is whether or not the shop values attention to detail. This can make all the difference in the outcome of your collision repair. A shop that is known for its attentiveness can help to alleviate stress or frustration throughout the process. It can also improve communication with insurance providers, saving time and money.

Ask for a Warranty

If your car is damaged beyond repair due to an accident, shop owners typically offer warranties on their work if a shop does not, consider taking your business elsewhere.

Ensure the shop you choose will provide a written warranty for their work and how long it covers the repairs. Better shops usually back their work with a one-year warranty or longer.

If you suspect the shop did subpar work, contact them to discuss the matter with a representative. Depending on the situation, they may agree to redo the work at no charge or give you a discount on the next repair. If the shop still refuses to make things right, consider speaking with your credit card company for help disputing the charges.

Check with Your Insurance Company

Generally, body shops approved by auto insurance companies will work directly with the insurer to handle any additional costs that may arise during repairs. This can save both time and money for the car owner.

Shops that can provide precise estimates backed up by documentation and inspections are likelier to get the job done right the first time. Additionally, shops that offer a warranty on their work will usually stand by it—although the length of the guarantee can vary.

Shops also differ in their approach to repairs and materials. Some might use used, refurbished, or salvaged parts instead of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) pieces, which can lower costs but might not look as good or last as long.