4 Tips For Getting An Auto Body Repair Estimate

22 September 2017
 Categories: , Blog

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If you have been in a car accident that caused auto body damage, you are obviously going to want to have it fixed. In order to do this, you are going to have to get an estimate for the damages. Here are four tips to help you go about doing this:

  1. Pick the Auto Body Shop: The first thing is to actually find an auto body repair shop you are comfortable with, such as Custom Kar Tops. The problem is that most people automatically go with the auto body shop their insurance company recommends and then sometimes wind up with a bad experience or high out-of-pocket costs that they weren't expecting. Before going with the auto body shop your insurance company recommends, make sure that they provide a good estimate and that you are comfortable with them. However, if you already know of an auto body shop that you have worked well with in the past, then you might want to go here instead. Just be sure that they will accept your insurance. 
  2. ​Understand the Repairs: Next, you want to be sure that you understand what repairs are needed and what aren't. Go over the written details of the estimate that should go over what repairs are needed and ask questions about each one. This way, you can ask which ones are absolutely necessary and which can be done at a later time. 
  3. Find Ways to Make it Cheaper: If you are going to be paying out-of-pocket at all for the repairs, you are going to want to find ways to make it a bit cheaper for yourself. This includes asking about used parts. If you can get used parts instead of brand new ones, it can save you a significant amount of money. Most auto body repair shops will do this, but only if you ask. However, bare in mind that you want certain parts to be newer so that it lasts longer for your vehicle or is consistent with the appearance of your car's make and model. Otherwise, the value of your car can lessen significantly. 
  4. Ask About Hidden Damages: In some cases, there are certain auto body damages that indicate a possible problem with the interior of the vehicle. It's important to ask about this so that you can have these possible damages checked out first before the auto body repair work is done. 

When you consider these four tips, you are going to have a much better experience with your auto body repairs.