Auto Body Repair

What to look for when selecting an ethical Auto Body Shop:

When the dreaded day arises that your car or truck is in an accident, most people feel helpless and at the mercy of the insurance company and the auto body shop. In many cases you get the feeling that the body shop is working for the insurance company. It doesn't need to be that way if you do your research, ask the right questions and get everything in writing.

A good Auto Body Repair and Paint shop works for you with the insurance company. There are some services that you can call and find out how much it is going to cost, like an oil change. If you are getting auto body work done, it can't be determined over the phone. We would never call doctor and ask them how much it is to fix a pain in our chest. If a body shop gives you a price over the phone, it may be a good idea to call another shop. A good ethical shop will tell you that they do a thorough inspection of the damage and from there will determine a fair price.

Here's the insider trick to know for sure if you are dealing with an ethical Auto Body Repair and Paint shop. Ask one simple question and get the answer in writing. Will you allow a 3rd party inspection to be done on your finished work before I pay my final bill? If they will give you that in writing you are with an ethical shop.

The owner of the vehicle has the ultimate right and final decision as to where they want their vehicle repaired regardless of what the insurance company says or implies. Insurance companies have been known to persuade owners to patronize shops that may give back volume or other discounts to the insurance company. This may not have the best all around outcome for the vehicle or the owner or lien holder.

  1. Get a written estimate of what the work will cost on company letterhead. Discuss the insurance estimates you already have with the shop.

  2. Ask the shop what the procedure is, if and when additional damage is found during the repair.

  3. Make sure there's a warranty on the repair and paint. Ask to see paperwork regarding the warranty and read it over before letting them start any work.

  4. In most cases, a reputable body shop can and will negotiate with the insurance company a better quality repair and a better deal for all parties than you can. However, be involved in the process.

  5. A great body shop will be willing to give you a tour of the body shop. (Some places are afraid to show you around, those places are the ones to stay away from)

  6. Honesty is the key! Make sure they don't avoid answering questions like "How long will it take to do?" and "Have you worked with my type of car in the past?"

  7. Look for a company that has separate work areas. There should be different areas where the different types of body work and painting are done (frame and body repair, sanding, stripping, priming, and paint booth).

  8. Make sure to look at the cars that are in the shop. See if there's a car that's being prepped for painting. Look at the way they mask it off. They should have removed the moldings and trim. If they don't, ask why. (The reason for removing the trim is to paint the vehicle as close to the way the manufacturer did when it was made and should be required for a paint manufacturer's warranty).

  9. Look closely at their work. It will give you a good idea of what your car will look like. See if there are any tapelines, drip marks, overspray, deep swirl marks, bumps, dents, or scratches. Is this a job you would be happy with on your car?

  10. Look for a shop that has frame and uni-body repair equipment and computerized 3-D measuring equipment.

  11. Look for a shop that has certified I-Car or ASE technicians.

  12. Look for a shop that keeps licensing and insurance coverage for their repairs and operations.

  13. Have the shop explain their policy on the use of non OEM parts, and the policies and procedures of the insurance company regarding the use of non OEM parts.

  14. Find out the brand of paint the shop uses and if there is a more expensive version that carries a better manufacturer's warranty, and do your research to verify the facts.

  15. Find a shop that takes pride in their shops appearance and cleanliness, this usually means the shop also takes pride in their work and customer satisfaction.

  16. Find a shop with security measures in place like a fence in good order, outside lights and alarm.

What to avoid when selecting a business in this industry:

  1. Avoid a company that doesn't provide an itemized estimate or appraisal that shows what work is to be done if no insurance company is involved.

  2. Avoid a company that offers to save your deductibles. This may be Insurance Fraud and you may get a lesser repair by getting a reduced price.

  3. Avoid a company that does not have garage keepers liability and other required insurance coverage. Ask to see proof of insurance. An umbrella policy is a bonus to the consumer.

  4. Beware of companies that open late and are open odd hours of the night.

  5. Avoid a company that does not allow 3rd party inspections after the work is completed.

  6. Avoid a company that does not work with insurance companies.

  7. Avoid a company that doesn't warranty their work.

  8. Avoid a shop that does not take credit cards.

  9. Avoid a company that asks for cash.

  10. Avoid a company that does not have certified I-CAR or ASE technicians.

  11. Avoid a company that does not have pulling and measuring equipment (The shop should be proud to show you).

  12. Avoid a shop that does not recycle or properly care for substances like paint and reducer, Freon, antifreeze and coolant, oils and fluids.

 		    

After interviewing and running an extensive background check the National Association Against Consumer Fraud has awarded the following business a listing in The Business A-List:

Pine Castle Auto Body, Inc.

330 E. Oak Ridge Rd.
Orlando, FL 32809
Phone (407) 851-8700

www.pinecastleautobody.com

Our primary duties are repairing collision damaged vehicles; this includes frame and unibody repair, 3D computerized body and frame measuring, painting and color matching and a lifetime warranty on proper repairs.

Our Management and staff are dedicated to protecting your investment in your automobile, and returning it to the pre-loss condition. If there is an insurance company involved, we will negotiate with them to try to provide you with the best repair possible.

We are in our 3rd generation of management and have been in the same location since 1975. We are a state of the art facility and a leader in training and education, involved and supporting programs like I-CAR, ASA, ASE since the early 1980's. We are also members of several advisory committees and a preferred repair shop for many insurance companies and a CSI of 98% or greater.

We also do non insurance repairs, customizing and ground effects, custom painting, including motorcycle body repair and painting and customizing.

 

 
 

Home | Our Mission | Our Story | Disclaimer

© Copyright 2007-2008. National Association Against Consumer Fraud