With so many options to choose from, picking the right auto body shop can be a bit of a challenge. While it’s often convenient to go with your insurance company’s recommendations, you should consider searching for another if those don’t work for you. Here are a few tips to help you out.

5 Tips for Choosing an Auto Body Shop

1. Ask Around for Referrals

Start your search by asking friends and colleagues for recommendations, especially if they have vehicles similar to yours. They might have worked with a reputable auto body shop before that did a fantastic repair job. However, do your own research and check out highly rated shops in your area. Pay attention to customer feedback left on review websites, as well.

2. Look For Certifications

A good auto body shop usually has manufacturer’s certifications, which means they underwent training and have the necessary equipment to work on specific vehicle models. Look for industry affiliations and certifications, such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and Independent Auto Body Association. Aside from certifications, ask how much experience and training their repair technicians have or if they are familiar with your vehicle’s make and model.

3. Ask the Right Questions

If a part needs to be replaced, inquire about what they will use, whether it’s new, used, aftermarket, or original equipment manufacturer. You should also ask if they offer warranties on parts and labor. A lot of reliable auto body shops give guarantees on their workmanship and parts—the latter depending on the manufacturer’s warranty.

4. Drop by Their Facility

Before going in for major bodywork, start with smaller jobs, like bumper or dent repairs. This allows you to take a look at their facility and see if they have the necessary tools and equipment. Ask if they have insurance coverage for theft and fire since you want to be covered for anything that happens to your car while it’s in the shop.

5. Get Several Estimates

One of the best ways to avoid overcharging is by taking your car to several auto body shops. It’s easier to compare quotes from different sources, so make sure you get at least three estimates before settling on one. Keep in mind that the lowest quote isn’t always the best choice, so be wary of lowball estimates; they might be cutting corners just to bring the costs down.

When looking for the right auto body shop, consider one that offers the best services at reasonable price points. From bumper repair to frame straightening, you can rely on the professionals at Crone’s Auto Body in Covington, KY. Give them a call at (859) 356-1800 to request an estimate, or visit them online for more information about their collision repair and car painting services.