How to Get a Collision Repair Estimate
Getting into an accident is never fun but when your vehicle has been damaged, it can be even worse. Not only do you need to worry about your insurance increasing but you also need to schedule the repair and work on getting the right price. If you are in this situation, be sure to use these tips so you can focus on getting the most for your money and getting your vehicle back on the road looking as good as new.
Do Your Research
When you are looking into estimates for the repair of your vehicle, you want to make sure you only get them from collision repair shops that are well established and have a history of good work. Before you even contact them for the estimate, you should look online at their reviews from customers like you. Learn about their reputation and if they have a good one, then you should proceed with contacting them for an estimate.
Get More Than One Estimate
You never want to rely on a single estimate. In order to get the best price and ensure that the estimates you are getting are in line with others in the market, you need to contact at least three different collision and auto body repair shops. Doing this will tell you if you are getting extremely high estimates as well as allow you to choose the best price. Make sure the estimates are broken down by the repairs needed, the costs of the parts, as well as the cost of the labor. Having this kind of detail allows you to ensure you are comparing apples to apples.
Don't Rely on Price Alone
The estimates you get may vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. Because you are able to get an estimate for the repairs with the cost broken down, you can see where the differences are. This also allows you to not base your decision on price alone. Just because an estimate is higher does not mean you are being overcharged and just because you find a low price does not mean it is the best option. You need to compare the estimates line by line so you can make an educated choice and ensure a quality repair.
Don't Wait Forever on Your Insurance Company
While it is important to notify your insurance company of an accident and needed repairs, you do not necessarily have to wait weeks for them to get the repairs started. You likely rely on your vehicle for many things and insurance companies may take some time to send an adjustor out to assess the damages. If you do need to use it quickly and they are not providing you with a rental during this time, you can pay for the repair out of pocket them request a reimbursement later from your insurance company. You should try to work with your insurance company if they are moving quickly though because it can be hard to get the full amount back from the insurance company later.
Dealing with auto repairs is not an ideal situation but paying too much or choosing a lower price for less than quality repairs can be even worse. Using these tips can make things easier for you during the process.