“Someone hit my car in the parking lot, and I know I have to get it fixed,” Summer said. “But I’ve never actually dealt with anything like this. And I don’t want to make a bad decision – I need my car to be fixed right, but I’m not even entirely sure how to tell the mechanic what needs fixing. It’s a little overwhelming. Can you tell me where to start?”
If you’re experiencing anxiety about choosing an auto collision repair shop, you’re not alone. This is a big decision, and if you’re not knowledgeable about cars, it can feel pretty intimidating. But don’t stress too much. You’re living in an era where there are resources that can take a lot of the fear out of car repairs.
How to Reduce the Anxiety
Step One – Your trusty friend, the internet. First you talk to your family and friends to see if they recommend anyone. Second, you look for the best local auto collision repair shops in your area. You know how to read reviews, look for complaints, and get a generally impression of how a business is respected with just a brief search.
After that, you need to go deeper. Does this auto collision repair shop work on your type of vehicle? The website may have this information; if you have a particularly unique type of car, you may need to call. Also important information: the trainings and certifications the techs working at the auto collision repair shop have. The more highly trained and certified the team is, the higher customer satisfaction levels tend to be.
Once you’ve found a shop that looks decent online, the next step is to bring your car in. Generally, after an accident, it’s the role of the auto collision repair shop to thoroughly inspect your car and determine what needs repairs. So don’t worry if you’re not exactly sure what’s wrong. Any info you can provide, such as any noises the car makes and what you’re doing when those noises occur, can help the techs get to the root of the problem faster.
After this inspection, you’ll be provided with a report that lists what’s wrong and what it is likely going to cost to fix it. The best auto collision repair shops can assist you with filing an insurance claim, if that’s what you need to do. If you’re paying out of pocket, the best auto collision repair shops will help you identify what repairs are critical for the safe operation of the car and which are more cosmetic in nature and could potentially wait, should your finances require that.
It’s okay to be anxious, especially when it’s your first time dealing with car repairs. But it’s not the collision shop’s first time dealing with a car owner who doesn’t understand the process. They are there to help and guide you, so you can get back behind the wheel quickly!
