How to prepare for an auto body shop appointment

When searching for a professional and reputable auto body repair shop, it’s important to make sure that you’ve prepared yourself for the appointment. Most people ask why they need to prepare, and how they can prepare for their appointment. Well, that’s not a hard job—and taking these few extra steps will make the entire process easier, less time-consuming, and stress-free. Therefore, you should follow these tips next time you plan to visit an auto body repair shop. 

Clean your car

Cleaning your car is paramount while preparing for your appointment. However, this is something that most people ignore—they argue that it’s the responsibility of the auto body repair shop to clean the car. However, you should note that a lot of clutter in the car can make it more challenging for the technicians to do their job thoroughly. While it’s understandable that it’s a challenge to clean your car in case of an emergency, it’s a good thing to do when you have the time. At the end of the day, you should avoid taking your mess to the auto body repair shop. 

Prepare your queries

When you contact an auto shop, it’s common for the representative to ask questions about your details, car details, and information about the accident. However, this conversation shouldn’t stop here—take this opportunity to ask questions too. 

In case you feel like they haven’t given you clear details about the process of Raleigh collision repair, don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications. For example, ask whether the shop works with your insurance company. Also, it’s recommended that you ask if the shop provides towing services in case your car is immobile. 

To have an easier time, note down a few questions to ask the technicians—this will prevent anything serious from slipping your mind while on the phone. Also, this is essential if you have a scheduled meeting. At the end of the day, you will need to understand all the problems with your car, and the total cost of repairs and maintenance. 

Ask for an estimate

Any reputable auto repair shop should give a client a free estimate before they even start repairing the vehicle. The estimate should include a written document, which consists of the expected costs, and everything required to repair the vehicle, including spare parts and labor costs. So, it advisable that you ask for a detailed estimate to get a clear picture of the total costs. If you find that the estimate is too high, consider looking for another auto body shop. 

Know your insurance policies

Generally, most auto body shops ask the client if they will pay through their insurance company or out of their pocket. If you choose to pay through your insurance company, make sure that you file a claim with your respective insurance company. Also, it’s important to note that most auto body shops will directly contact the insurance company on your behalf. Therefore, make sure that you ask for these clarifications before contacting your insurance company. Lastly, please note that your policy will determine what your insurance company covers. 

Understand the scope of the damage

Typically, auto body repair shops review the range of the damage before they start repairing damaged vehicles. Therefore, make sure that you understand the shape of your care before you approve any Raleigh collision repairs to start. Does your car have only scratched painting? Or does it have more serious damage beyond what you can see with your eyes? 

Understanding what requires repair or replacement will allow you to get a more accurate estimate. In the event there are extra parts that the auto body shop has repaired, ask for a detailed list of all the work done, parts repaired, and their cost. Doing so will allow you to get detailed information about your expenses.