How Do I Pick the Right Collision Repair Shop?

If you were recently involved in an auto collision, you may be hurt and your vehicle is probably damaged. While injuries are another topic, you are now tasked with locating a reputable Scottsdale collision repair facility. While your insurance company may be quick to offer you their recommendation, you will want to take a moment to decide if that is right for you and your vehicle.

The Risk of Choosing the Wrong Scottsdale Auto Body Shop:

• Customer Service

• Fit and Finish of Collision Repair

• Workmanship Warranty

• Training and Equipment

• Part and Insurance Delays

• Fast & Cheap (not a plus)

Customer Service: During your first phone call or visit, take note how you are treated. Are you just a number? Is the estimator or representative taking the time to answer your questions? Your initial visit is important, it could indicate what type of response you may receive if there is a problem while your vehicle is in for repair, or after the vehicle is picked up. Checking reviews on several platforms is also a good measure. Besides reading the favorable reviews, consider reading a bad review. Personally, a bad review always gives me some insight on what went wrong and how the business handled the situation.

Fit and Finish of Collision Repair: This topic refers to auto body repair quality. What do the reviews say about quality? Does the paint match, are there gaps between panels? Did people have to bring the car back because sensors or other computerized components are not working? In my opinion, I would look for a Scottsdale collision repair facility with certifications, both industry and OEM. These certifications ensure technicians are trained and the facility has modern equipment. As a consumer, I recommend looking for quality of repair not speed of repairs. If the Scottsdale collision center is following proper repair procedures, they will not skip steps to save time. 

Workmanship Warranty: Most reputable Scottsdale collision repair facilities offer a warranty. Airpark Collision Center, offers a lifetime workmanship warranty for as long as you own the vehicle. A lifetime workmanship warranty demonstrates that the Scottsdale auto body repair will be completed properly the first time.

Training and Equipment: A reputable Scottsdale collision repair center will have modern equipment and updated technical training. How will you know? Look for certifications on their website or in their office. Industry and all OEM certifications require annual technician training and equipment inspection. Taking the time to read customer reviews and confirm certification, will allow you to feel confident in choosing the right auto body repair facility for your vehicle.

Delays: Delays are often caused by parts or insurance approval. A good Scottsdale collision center, will work with numerous vendors and proactively reach out to the insurance companies to keep things moving! Airpark Collision Center, updates our customers frequently, follows up with insurance adjusters and works with vendors across the nation.

*As the world is returning to normal after the pandemic of 2020, limited parts manufacturing and short staffing at insurance companies have been an issue. While no collision repair facility can eliminate delays, a professional Scottsdale auto body shop will try to reduce the waiting time as much as possible. 

Fast & Cheap (for those paying out of pocket): Beware, fast may mean technicians are skipping mandatory steps during the collision repair or refinishing process. Consider how or if the repair will hold up in 6 months or a year? Cheap indicates, unskilled labor and poor quality materials. Correcting a problem dent repair or refinishing error will cost you more money in the long run. If you return to the original auto body shop, don’t be surprised if there is no warranty or if they are no longer in business.

What do you see and hear? 

You may not be a collision repair expert, but what you see and hear may be a hint to help you choose the right Scottsdale collision repair center for your vehicle.

1. What kind of vehicles are in for auto body repair at the collision center? Are they of similar brand and age of your SUV, truck or car?
2. Has the company earned any customer achievement awards? Yelp, Angie’s List/ANGI, Local awards? Are they part of the community and sponsor any auto clubs? Besides customer reviews, additional awards are a credit to their reputation in the Scottsdale area.
3. Is the facility clean? As a customer, do you believe they will take care of your vehicle while in for collision repair work?
4. Observe interaction between the staff and other customers. There may be someone picking up their vehicle, or a customer on the phone. 

Today’s vehicles are not what they were 20 years ago, and the collision repair industry is not either. As vehicles become more advanced, reputable Scottsdale auto body shops responded by investing in annual technician training, proper equipment and creating a professional environment for both customers and employees. While a few bad apples may still exist, arming yourself with helpful information will set you up for a more pleasant experience. Airpark Collision Center, opened in 2006 with a focus on honesty and top notch collision repairs. We invite you to stop in for an estimate or click here!

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Tina Small has been part of the Airpark Collision Center team since 2006. Working directly with customers, her goal is to share frequent customer questions, and proper methods of collision repair.