How to choose a collision shop

Seven Tips for Choosing the Right Collision Repair Shop

Gather All the Facts First

Auto repair shops aren’t equipped to handle repairs such as dents or a crushed bumper. Following an accident, you need a collision repair shop to handle dent removal and automotive paint in addition to auto repair services. There are dozens of collision repair shops but finding the right one will take time, effort, and consideration. At Jamy Motors Inc. in San Gabriel, California, we provide top-notch collision repair services and have ASE-Certified technicians to handle auto repair services following an accident.

Not every shop is like ours, so we’ve compiled seven tips to help you choose the right auto body shop.

1. Ask family, friends, or trusted auto repair mechanics.

Ask family, friends, and co-workers for their recommendations. Or ask your trusted auto repair mechanic for a referral. Shops like Jamy Motors Inc. provide both collision and auto repair, while other shops specialize in a collision. Be sure to ask questions, evaluate your options, and do your due diligence.

2. Look for certified technicians.

The best auto body shops employ qualified professionals. Look for certifications like the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR). Our shop is an I-CAR Gold Class shop meaning our technicians have gone through rigorous training to work on all makes and models.

3. Read reviews.

Reviews are a great source of information. You’ll often find before and after pictures and detailed descriptions of the work and service.

4. Visit the shop.

The appearance of the shop and the professionalism of the staff speak volumes. Large auto body shops with many front-office workers don’t mean it’s better. That could mean higher labor charges for you to cover their high overhead costs.

5. Get several estimates.

Avoid overcharges with several estimates and be cautious of cheap quotes. There’s probably something they aren’t doing which means you could face problems down the road.

6. Ask the right questions.

Make a list of questions and bring them with you. A good collision repair shop will take time to answer them all. Here are a few to get you started:

• What certifications does your shop hold?
• Do you offer warranties?
• What is the process of getting an estimate?
• Do you work directly with insurance companies?
• What can I expect as far as turnaround time?
• What lot security measures do you have in place?
• Do you carry fire and theft insurance?
• What are your payment policies?
7. Follow your gut.

If the shop isn’t busy, it may be due to bad repairs. A dirty, cluttered, or disorganized shop may reflect the quality of work. And if the staff is unfriendly, that’s probably not a place you want to go. Trust your gut if you don’t feel good about leaving your car at a shop! There are other shops to choose from, and it will be worth your time to find the right one.

At Jamy Motors Inc., we take pride in providing the most comprehensive auto repair and collision repair services for drivers in San Gabriel. From reliable estimates to dealing with insurance companies and restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition, we’re here to help!