How to Choose a Collision Repair Center

Cars are an expensive investment. If your car has been involved in an accident, you want to make sure that it's repaired properly - not just because of the financial commitment you've made, but for your own safety as well. The following are some tips that will help you choose a quality collision repair center.

First of all, the best time to find a collision repair center is before you actually need one. When your need isn't pressing, you have plenty of time and resources to compare centers and find the information you need to make a decision. Remember, in the event of an accident, the choice of a collision repair center rests with you, not your insurance company.

One of the best ways to find a good collision repair center is to ask your friends and coworkers who they've used. Local consumer organizations may also have information and many times you can find reviews of various businesses on the Internet.

When you've found a potential repair center, find out of the facility specializes in a particular type of repair. Some centers focus primarily on body work, while others offer a full service approach. Plan a visit to the facility itself. Is the facility clean and well organized? Does it appear that the mechanics take good care of their equipment? After all, they'll likely treat your car the same way they treat their equipment.

Consider the following questions as well. Are the vehicles in the parking lot and in the repair areas of greater or equal value to your own car? Is the staff courteous? Do they answer your questions in a helpful manner? How long has the facility been in business? Does the facility belong to the Better Business Bureau or the local area Chamber of Commerce? What type of warranty do they offer on their repairs? Is the business certified and does it employ certified mechanics? Is there evidence of continuing education? All of these factors should play a role in your decision making process.

When it comes to the shop being certified, there are a number of different certifications you should look for. The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair - also known as I-CAR - is a non-profit organization that offers accreditations in the auto industry. When businesses have achieved a high level of collision repair training, they may be awarded Gold Class Professional status. Individuals can earn Platinum status in the same way, by demonstrating a high level of collision industry training and professionalism.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is another non-profit organization that certifies individual technicians in a variety of specialties, including collision repair. The process is rigorous, involving many training classes and difficult testing. The ASE Blue Seal of Excellence recognizes businesses that employ a large number of certified professionals, including at least one certified professional for each service type offered.

By choosing a certified facility with a certified collision specialist, you can be assured that your chances of getting a quality repair for your car are very high indeed.