After a car accident, one of your first concerns is getting your vehicle repaired and back on the road. You’ll need a reputable and experienced auto body shop to handle it.

However, even a cursory check online can reveal numerous repair centers and establishments, making it difficult to choose the right one. Follow these practical tips to find the right auto repair shop for your needs after a crash.

Check Online Reviews

Online reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating repair shops. Check reviews on Google or dedicated review boards and sites like Yelp or the Better Business Bureau. They offer ways for customers to share their experiences and provide feedback.

Positive reviews provide insights into the shop’s repair quality, timeliness, and customer service. For negative reviews, note how the shop responds. A professional, courteous reply can demonstrate a commitment to resolving issues and maintaining good customer relationships.

Ask for Recommendations

Sometimes, the best insights come from people you trust. Friends, family members, and colleagues who have had their cars repaired after a collision can provide helpful recommendations based on their experiences.

Questions to consider asking them include:

  • Was the work completed on time?
  • Did the shop communicate well about costs and timelines?
  • Did they offer a warranty on repairs?

They can also share details about their interactions with the repair shop, the quality of the repairs, and any issues they encountered.

Use Online Resources and Directories

Several online resources specialize in helping you find reliable car repair services. For instance, the AAA Approved Auto Repair network can connect you with shops that meet its quality standards. Additionally, services such as RepairPal and Carfax offer directories and ratings based on verified customer feedback. These resources can help you find reputable shops in your area.

Look For Experienced Shops

The longer an auto body shop has been in business, the more experience it has serving customers and the more likely it is to provide good service. Check the shop’s qualifications and any certifications it or its employees have received as well.

Organizations such as I-CAR and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) are nationally recognized. Shops and technicians certified by these organizations meet nationwide work quality, safety, and efficiency standards.

Visit the Shop in Person

Once you’ve shortlisted potential repair shops, consider visiting them to assess the facility and speak with the staff. Here’s what to look for during your visit:

  • Cleanliness and Organization: A well-maintained shop reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
  • Customer Service: A reputable repair shop will provide clear, courteous answers to your questions and offer a transparent repair process.
  • Certifications: Look for ASE certification or other industry credentials that indicate the shop meets high standards.

While reviews can provide a lot of information, a face-to-face visit can give you a more direct and personal feel for the shop’s professionalism. It can also give you an idea of how well the shop’s staff treats you and whether their services are a good fit.

Compare Estimates and Ask About Warranties

Don’t stop at the first or the nearest auto body shop you find. Get quotes and preliminary estimates from multiple shops to understand what fair repair prices look like in your area. It will also help you know whether a particular shop is offering unusually low prices for their services. Be wary of these offers, as these can potentially conceal subpar labor or low-quality parts.

Instead, aim for a shop that offers reasonable estimates and is transparent about its repair procedures and labor costs. Consider asking shops about warranties on parts and labor as well. A warranty shows that the shop stands behind its work and provides added protection for you as the customer.

Most reputable repair shops offer warranties ranging from six months to a year, ensuring you’re covered if issues arise with the repairs. Some shops provide mileage-based warranties or a combination of time and mileage, covering you for a specific number of miles after the repairs. Typical repair shop warranties are 12 months/12,000 miles or 24 months/24,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Get Help With Your Injury Claim From Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Louisiana, you have enough worries while recovering enough to return to work—getting the check for your car repairs shouldn’t be one of them. A trusted Louisiana car crash lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and, if applicable, your vehicle repairs as well.

While our law firm does not handle property damage-only cases, our team is ready to assist you if you need help filing an injury claim, and will handle your property damage claim alongside your injury claim following a crash. Our experienced lawyers can help you obtain the compensation you deserve to cover your medical and auto repair expenses. We can even help you settle your property damage claim first so you can get your car back and have the transportation you need to get to medical appointments while your injury claim is in progress.

Why Choosing the Right Repair Shop Matters

The repair shop you select plays an important role in getting your vehicle safely back on the road. A reputable repair center should provide quality repairs, transparency, and customer service, giving you peace of mind after an accident.

If you’ve sustained injuries in a car crash, reach out to our law firm to discuss your case and get the financial help you need to get back on your feet.

Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.