With the large number of vehicles on the road today, traffic accidents occur more and more frequently. The global automotive collision repair market value stood at a staggering $176.3 billion in 2018. That figure is expected to grow at a rate of 2.3% within the next five years.
There has been a significant rise in the number of collision repair services to meet the demand. But with so many auto shops, how do you determine which mechanic can help you get your car back on the road quickly after an accident?
If you’re in Utah, you’re in luck. We’ve put together this definitive guide to help you find the best auto repair shops in Salt Lake City.
1. Online Reviews
Search for online customer reviews to learn about other customers’ experiences. Google reviews and Carwise are both helpful platforms. Look at the number of reviews to see if the business is established. A trustworthy auto body shop will have consistently high ratings.
About 90% of consumers look at online reviews before choosing a business. Previous customers who aren’t impressed with the quality of services are likely to leave a negative review. Lots of critical reviews indicate that you should avoid that particular company.
2. Location
Look for a shop located conveniently near you. Choosing an auto shop close to you can help you cut down some of the costs of service as you won’t have to travel far to drop off and pick up your vehicle.
Asking local friends and family members for recommendations can help you find good options near you. If you live around Salt Lake City, Valley Collision repair auto shop could be your service of choice.
3. Cost Estimate
Before you take your car to the auto shop, you need to know the costs involved. Ask about the cost of the replacement parts and services you’ll need. Shops may vary in their pricing, so it’s important to get a cost estimate from the specific shop you’re considering. Look especially for auto-body shops that offer free estimates.
If you’re working with an insurance company to cover the cost of repairs, you are able to choose the repair shop in Utah. The auto body shop will coordinate with the insurance company for the cost of repairs. The insurance will cover all costs and you will just be responsible for the deductible.
4. Qualifications
One thing to look for is whether the shop employs experienced I-CAR Gold Class Certified technicians. This rigorous standard is only given to technicians who are independently certified and is a good indicator of top-notch care.
Leaving your car in the hands of unqualified technicians can result in poor repairs that don’t look good or last long. It can also heap on additional costs and time if a shop doesn’t know how to handle your repair. Ask about the employees’ experience with damage to vehicles similar to yours.
5. Time Estimate
Accidents happen at inconvenient times. Being without your vehicle can be stressful, and you don’t have time to waste when it comes to car repair. An experienced shop should be able to give you a good time estimate on your repairs.
Quality technicians will be familiar with the parts and labor required and be able to talk to you about what to expect. A shop that can give you a good initial estimate will be able to communicate with you if there are any delays.
6. Confidence in Quality
In initial phone calls with a prospective shop, look for some indicators. Is the mechanic communicative and responsive? Do they make you feel that they care about you and your vehicle? Can they answer all of your questions? Good technicians should make you feel reassured.
You want to make sure you feel confident leaving your vehicle with the shop. A mechanic who is friendly to you as a customer will most likely treat your car with the same care. An auto shop that dismisses your concerns or questions should probably not work on your vehicle.
Find a Quality Auto Body Repair Shop in Salt Lake City
It’s essential to carefully check out collision repair shops before making a decision on where to take your car.
If you’re looking for a quality auto body shop in Salt Lake City, call Valley Collision. We’re proud to have I-CAR Gold Class Certified technicians in our 4 convenient locations across the Salt Lake City area, and to provide free cost and time estimates. Our numerous positive reviews reflect our high standard of service. We would love to talk with you about your car repairs today!
