A lot of things run through your mind after an auto accident, and getting your car back on the road is one of them. By choosing a reliable, trusted collision center to restore your vehicle to its former condition, you can get behind the wheel again as soon as possible. How do you find the right auto body shop, though?

Bob Hastings Collision in East Rochester, NY, suggests the following tips for choosing the perfect collision center and getting the best service:

• Trust Word-Of-Mouth Recommendations: When you’re unfamiliar with local auto body shops, the next best thing is to trust your friends’ and family’s experiences. Online reviews are one thing, but you’ll get a much better sense of what someone thinks from an in-person explanation.

• Request Multiple Estimates: Getting several estimates is the norm, and collision centers should expect potential clients to shop around. If you haven’t already found a trusted collision center, this is the only way to familiarize yourself with the local market and ensure you’re getting the best price and service.

• Get It In Writing: It’s impossible to rely on an estimate given verbally. Getting it in writing is the only way you can account for every aspect of the repair and compare the cost of multiple collision centers. Once you have the document, feel free to request additional clarification if something doesn’t make sense.

• Don’t Get The Lowest Bid: Taking the lowest deal won’t always get you the best service. If a collision shop offers a significantly lower estimate than other companies, that should raise a red flag; they may be inexperienced or not have all the work included in the estimate. Look for an auto body shop that offers excellent service — not just the cheapest price.

• Write Down Your Questions: When you start visiting collision shops, be prepared. It may help to write down all your questions to aid your memory. For example, ask if they’re licensed and insured, what their specializations are, what kind of warranty they offer, and any other relevant questions.

Need auto body restoration or dent repair? If you live near East Rochester, NY, request a free estimate from Bob Hastings Collision by calling (585) 383-8150. Visit the local collision center online to learn more about the auto issues they can remedy.