From phone calls seeking your credit card number to emails phishing for your account passwords, there are a lot of scams you have to be on the watch for. Unfortunately, the world of auto body repair isn’t free for these shady practices either. It’s important for residents of the Norwalk, CT, to avoid a common parking lot scam and instead find trustworthy and legitimate auto body repair instead.

How to Avoid Auto Body Repair Scams & Find a Reputable Shop

Parking Lot Scams

Although it’s a good rule of thumb to never allow anyone to repair your car unless they’re working for a reputable auto body repair shop, some offers can be tempting because of shockingly low prices. This is the foundation of the parking lot scam. In this predatory practice, a person will approach a someone in a parking lot who is driving a damaged vehicle. They’ll offer to repair the damage at a fraction of a professional’s price so only painting will need to be done afterward.

Unfortunately, the quality of this work is typically extremely subpar. In fact, many drivers who have been duped by this scam have reported more work actually needs to be done by a shop than before because of the shoddy craftsmanship. 

Finding a Quality Auto Body Repair Shop

Instead of being taken advantage of by scams, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind when looking for a body shop. If you’re unsure where to start, getting recommendations from friends, family, or your insurance company will help you build a list of trustworthy shops.

From there, a quick visit to the shop itself can tell you a lot about the business. Focus on finding a shop that is tidy and orderly; messes and a chaotic work environment can be signs of a poorly run business. 

Finally, choose a shop that provides free estimates. These should be as detailed as possible and involve every cost of the service including labor and parts charges. Finding a reputable body shop takes a little bit of research, but the results are well worth it in the end. 

If you need a reputable auto body repair services, Valiante Auto Body is ready to help. The shop’s certified repairs are done on-site, and the talented technicians are experienced with a wide variety of vehicles including domestic, vintage, new, and vintage models. The business takes pride in offering exceptional customer service and will communicate with you every step of the repair process, from providing a detailed and budget-friendly estimate to perfectly matching the paint. Visit the website for a full list of services or call (203) 847-3043 to speak with a friendly representative today.