Many car owners need the services of local auto body shops due to collision damage, weather, and other mishaps. According to Pacin Levine, a lawyer, most drivers are in at least one accident during their lifetimes, and collision repairs are needed to fix the damages. Hailstorms, windstorms, and winter storms also cause damage to vehicles that require body work to fix them. If you intend to have a body shop repair your car for any reason, here are four questions you should ask before choosing one.

1. How Much Will It Cost to Repair My Car?

Auto insurers often pay for collision repairs and need multiple cost estimates to help them determine whether to repair a vehicle or declare it a total loss and pay a settlement. According to Gitnux, about 63% of the cost of auto body work is for parts, 32% is for labor, and 5% is for paint and materials. If those costs exceed a vehicle’s market value, an insurer might declare it a total wreck.

2. Do You Use Factory or Aftermarket Parts?

When insurers pay for collision repairs, auto body shops should use factory parts to restore the vehicle to its original condition. If you are paying for the work, you might prefer lower-cost aftermarket parts that look and work just as well as factory parts. You should know which type of parts will be used, especially if an insurer is paying to fix your car.

3. Can You Help With the Deductible?

Some auto body shops help customers with the deductible cost when auto insurers pay for the work. Insurers guarantee payments when the work is done so some shops might waive specific costs for customers to offset deductibles. Some shops also offer rental cars or loaner vehicles so customers can get around while their vehicles are in for paint and repairs.

4. How Long Will You Have My Vehicle?

You should have a good idea of how long a shop will have your vehicle. The shop’s manager should have access to any parts needed and be able to get paint and materials so there should be no unexpected delays. The manager should also know how many hours the work requires plus time to let the paint cure before returning it to you.

Call or visit Philip Maxwell Auto Body when you need an estimate and want your vehicle repaired or painted. Our expert team can fix most damages on most vehicles. Reach out to us today!