Your car has been in an accident, and you’re thinking about getting it repaired by a body shop. Before you commit to this option, you might want to ask yourself the following questions. How does collision repair work? Is it best to repair my vehicle myself or take it to an auto body shop? How much will it cost? Will my insurance company pay for the repairs? What should I look out for during the repair process? We’ll answer these questions and more here in our list of frequently asked questions about auto collision repair at your local body shop, so keep reading!
What should I do if I get into an accident?
There are several things you should do in order to ensure that your car is properly repaired following an accident. First, make sure you take pictures of everything on your phone. Take pictures of your damaged vehicle and get a close-up shot of any damage. Then, call your insurance company immediately and have them send someone out to assess the damage.
What is meant by no repairs until inspected?
When you bring your car to an auto collision repair shop, they will inspect it first. If they determine that repairs are needed, they’ll work with you to understand what those repairs are, how much they’ll cost and when you can get your car back. But before that process begins, there is a waiting period called a no repairs until inspected notice.
Why can’t I pick up my car right away?
Customers often wonder why they can’t pick up their car immediately after it’s been repaired. The answer is simple: It takes a lot of time to replace dented metal and repaint a vehicle, and there are other people who need to use our shop for repairs. As soon as your vehicle is done, we’ll contact you with a time when you can come in and pick it up.
How are costs determined?
There are a number of factors that go into determining your repair costs. First, we need to know what insurance company will be paying for your repairs and how much they’ll cover. Then, we consider how extensive your damages are—how much work it will take to fix everything—and in turn factor that into our repair estimate.
Can I return to my car while repairs are being done?
You can always drop by your local auto collision repair body shop to see how things are going. If you’re able to return to your car during repairs.
How long will it take to repair my car?
The time it takes to repair your car can vary depending on several factors, including your vehicle’s make and model, any preexisting damage, or whether your vehicle requires repainting. This is why it’s important to check with your auto body shop before you bring in your car for an estimate. If you aren’t sure what type of repair your vehicle requires, don’t hesitate to ask.
