Some of the most common complaints about auto body shops in Denver and around the nation are discrepancies in price and service. When one auto shop quotes you $500 for a job and another wants $2,000, it can be confusing and frustrating to say the least. How do you know when it’s OK to go with the less expensive auto repair shop? Here are five key ways for choosing a reliable auto body repair shop in Denver:
1. Customer Reviews and Experience?
Any auto body shop can advertise, but are they getting good feedback about their work? Do their current and former customers recommend them and sing their praises, or is there negative word of mouth around town or on the web? Find out if the business has satisfied customers that can vouch for great service and a fair price. Ask around town and read reviews about the shop online. A company with a good reputation and years of experience is likely a good choice.
2. Consider Overhead and Location
Labor hours are one of the highest expenses for auto body shops. Large shops in expensive neighborhoods with lots of office workers may tend to charge higher rates to cover their staff’s paychecks. Reputable body shops will abide by reference guides to estimate the standard number of hours required for common repairs. Shops with high overhead may charge extra for things that fall into “the gray area” — a category of repairs that may or may not be essential. Choose a shop that is well-appointed but not overboard when it comes to overhead.
3. Tools and Technologies Does the auto body shop use the latest in industry tools and technologies in their work? Ideally, you’ll want to entrust your vehicle to fully trained technicians; make sure you have experienced professionals working on your car. Ask if the technicians at the shop have completed Manufacturer Training, Industry Training, Xalta Coatings and DuPont Performance Training. Colorado Auto Body shop offers ongoing training and education through ASE and ICAR.
4. Ask Key Questions
Before you choose a body shop, be sure to get several estimates and ask key questions such as:
• Will the shop be using new or aftermarket parts?
• Does the shop provide a written warranty? If so, what does the warranty cover, and for how long?
• Does the shop cover fire and theft insurance for the cars it is working on?
• What kinds of agreements do they have with insurance companies?
• If painting work is involved, ask how many coats of paint and clear coat they will use.
5. Follow Your Intuition?
Lastly, be sure and listen to your gut and follow your intuition when it comes to making your final selection. If a shop appears cluttered, dirty or disorganized, this is probably a red flag. If a shop doesn’t seem to be very busy, it could be because word of mouth has spread about unethical service or shoddy repairs. Is the shop owner is terse, unfriendly or seems to resent the questions you are asking, you’ll probably want to take your business elsewhere. You deserve to do business with a Denver auto body staff who communicates well with their customers.
If you look for experience, a good reputation and a well-trained, friendly staff, you’ll have a great chance of finding the best auto body shop in Denver. Ask good questions, follow your intuition, and consider Colorado Auto Body for your auto body repair needs.
