Choosing a Repairer After a Car Accident

After an accident, the last thing you want to worry about is having to find a reliable and trustworthy repair shop. So many options are available, making it overwhelming to choose the right one. However, it is essential to take the time to do your research and select the best repair shop to ensure the safety of not only your vehicle but of yourself and your family as well. 

In this article, we’ll go over how to choose who repairs your car after an accident and offer tips on finding a good repair shop.

“Approved Repair Shops”

We want to begin by saying that your insurance company will often give the idea that you must use one of their “approved repairers”. However, this is not the case, and automobile owners will often get a poor deal when using these shops.

“Approved repair shops” sounds as though an insurance company has specially selected this particular shop because of its high-quality work. In reality, those approved shops are simply those that give the lowest price to the insurance company.

You have the right to choose which repair shop you use, regardless of whether or not it’s not on your insurance company’s list of approved shops. Here are some things you should do when contacting your insurance company about vehicle repairs after an accident.

• Review your insurance policy before contacting your insurance to see if your policy has anything requiring you to use an approved shop.
• Gather repair shop information.
• Contact your insurance company to tell them you would like to use a repair shop of your choice instead of one of their approved shops. 
• Provide the repair shop information to your insurance.
• If your insurance company insists on using one of their approved shops, remind them you have the right to choose a shop you trust to handle your vehicle’s repairs.

What to Look For in a Repair Shop

Here are some things you should consider when looking for a repair shop after a car accident.

Check For Certifications

Before you select a shop, you should check for certifications. Certifications ensure the repair shop has the expertise to handle your car’s repair needs. In addition, these certifications demonstrate that the repair shop has high standards for skilled technicians that can handle your repairs effectively.

Ask For Referrals

Word-of-mouth is always the most powerful tool when selecting a repair shop. Ask friends and family for their recommendations based on personal experiences. Usually, if they had a good experience with a repair shop, chances are you will too.

Research Online Reviews

Similar to word-of-mouth referrals, researching online reviews can provide valuable insights into a repair shop’s reputation. Check out online review sites like Yelp and Google to see what previous customers have said about the repair shop’s services. You want to watch for repair shops with high ratings and honest, positive reviews.

Consider Location

Location can be an essential factor when selecting a repair shop. You will want to choose a repair shop conveniently located near your home or workplace. This makes for an easier drop-off and pickup of your vehicle when repairs have been completed. In addition, some repair shops will offer replacement vehicles, or if a car is not roadworthy, collection and delivery may be available to and from your address.

Warranties on Their Work

Reputable repair shops often will offer warranties on their services. Look for a repair shop that offers a warranty on their workmanship to have the peace of mind knowing if something goes wrong with your vehicle after the repairs have been completed, you’ll be covered.

Look For Specialization

Some repair shops specialise in certain types of repairs, like collision or paintless dent repairs. Consider the types of repairs you need and look for a repair shop that specialises in that type of repair. This ensures you will receive the best possible repair service for your vehicle’s specific needs.

Choose Caversham Coachworks For Your Vehicle Repair

While it can be overwhelming to do all the diligent research for a vehicle repair shop, it’s essential to find one that works best for you and offers exceptional customer service and professional quality work. By taking the time to research and consider all the factors above, you can ensure that your vehicle is repaired properly and safely. 

At Caversham Coachworks, we have your back, and your vehicle will be in good hands. We take care of our clients from Berkshire and Central Oxfordshire with qualified technicians that can handle everything from insurance, crash, and car body repairs to dent and scratch repairs, among other auto body services. Additionally, we know that dealing with insurance companies can often feel overwhelming, so we assist you with your insurance claims to ensure a smooth and hassle-free claims process. 

As the leading independent vehicle repair centre, we promise outstanding customer service to get you and your vehicle back on the road quickly and safely. Talk to one of our accident repair experts today or use our free and easy estimator tool.