You’ve been in an accident or your car has experienced some cosmetic/structural damage because of bad weather. Either way, you want the dents, dings and scratches fixed as soon as possible. Entrusting your prize vehicle to the first auto body repair shop you come across, however, could prove a regrettable mistake. Sad but true, not all auto body repair technicians have your best interest at heart.

Take for instance the recent “Sierra Vista Herald” news report declaring, “Auto repair shops to be watched.” Seems Arizona’s new attorney general is putting a sting operation into effect in the state that will “determine if those in the business of car Autowerkstatt Westerkappeln repair are being honest with their customers.”

What prompted the need for such undercover tactics? Turns out, some dishonest mechanics and auto repair technicians are telling consumers that their cars require expensive add-on services when they really don’t. To make matters worse, they’re dropping the costly bomb on customers after they’ve already lured them in with a lowball estimate.

In light of situations like these, it’s no wonder recognition is being handed out by the Better Business Bureau and other watchdog organizations to auto body repair services that have their customers’ best interests at heart. Recently, EMC Publishers reported that a “Local auto repair shop [had been] recognized by BBB for its integrity.”

The auto repair shop was selected by a “panel of judges consisting of business and community leaders” who investigated business practices and anecdotal customer service stories to choose the winner. Honest and integrity in all areas of business by the auto repair service provider secured the win.

One of the ways in which the auto repair shop managed to treat its customers so well was by employing a team of long-term trusted staff to “make the right choices.” An auto body provider’s main objective should be getting you back on the road quickly and with the confidence that your vehicle has been restored to your complete satisfaction. ICAR Gold class certification also ensures that your auto repair technicians have obtained the highest credentials in the industry to get the job done right.

Another way in which the auto repair service walked away with the honor was by taking the time to explain to its customers, in plain, non-technical language, what repairs their car needed and what options were available to them. Your auto repair provider should be adamant in its pledge to use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and certified alternative components. Watch out for auto body shops that use knock-offs or cheap imitations but charge you just slightly less than a competitor that is committed to the real deal and backs it up with a guaranteed repair.

It’s stressful enough when a vehicle is damaged without adding in the worry that you’re being ripped off by your auto repair shop. A reputable car body team focuses on taking that stress out of the process with attention to detail from quote, to insurance agency document approvals, all the way through to finished product.

Find a Favorite Auto Repair Shop

Everyone should have a favorite auto repair shop they are familiar and comfortable with. Everyone has a dentist they go to for checkups. Everyone has a family doctor, or should have a family doctor; they go to for medical problems. Men have a certain barber they like to go to for haircuts. And the same can be said for women and their hair needs. The list goes on and on. So why do so many people not have an automotive shop they trust?

When our car breaks down, and we do not have a favorite service location, we go into panic mode. We are so dependent on our cars; our first thought is how I will get to work tomorrow. Our second thought is what is wrong with my car, where will I take it, how much will it cost, and how long it will take to get repaired. Without that favorite service shop, we search online for a place to take or have our car towed to. We call the shop and describe what the car is doing, or not doing. They say we need to take a look, and we are booked until next week. Now what do I do?

One of the reasons they may be booked up until next week is they are taking care of their repeat customers. Customers who come in and have their oil changed routinely, who have all their car service needs done at one automotive service center. You get no special treatment because they do not know you. You just go to the bottom of the list. And good auto repair shops are busy. It probably is a long list that you are at the bottom of.

To correct this problem, start having your oil changed at a local automotive shop. Yes, it may cost a few dollars more than one of the oil change franchises, but you can start establishing a relationship with an auto repair shop. Wouldn’t you rather test out a repair shop with an oil change, than say a transmission repair? If you are not treated right, try a Autowerkstatt different shop next time. Keep changing until you find one you like.

To find a good auto repair shop, you start with your small auto maintenance needs first. Keep visiting the same shop and establish a relationship with them. Recommend them to your family and friends. Then, the next time you have an emergency car repair, you should go to the top of the list.