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Finding a Collision Repair Shop After an Accident

If you have ever been involved in an accident, you know the feeling of wanting to get your vehicle repaired and back on the road as soon as possible. You begin to ask yourself, “Where should I go to get my vehicle repaired, and how does the auto body shop work with my insurance company?”

Knowing your options makes the process so much easier. Below are some key tips to know about finding and working with an auto repair shop like us here at Spirit West Motor Carriage.

Direct Repair Program

Most insurance companies offer what is called a direct repair program, or DRP, which includes collision repair shops approved by your insurer. Though, you are free to choose your own facility to get your vehicle repaired, there are many benefits to working with a body shop preferred by your insurance company, in most cases. Some benefits may include streamlined repair and payment processes, making the payment process easier while saving everyone time. Auto repair shops recommended by your insurer are screened in advance to ensure they meet quality standards.

Choosing Your Own Repair Shop

If you opt not to use your insurance company’s DRP, keep these things in mind before you decide on a repair shop.

Check with family and friends for their recommendations. Read online reviews on local auto mechanical repair and collision repair shops. Check the shops for industry certifications, such as the I-CAR certification we have at Spirit West Motor Carriage. These certifications provide you confidence that our shop technicians have exceeded key repair-work qualifications. And the last, but not least tip: always use common sense when selecting a shop by looking at the facility’s cleanliness and how friendly its personnel are.

Working With the Auto Shop During Repairs

After choosing your shop of choice, review the repair shop’s estimate. Always ask for a thorough written estimate of the repair work including a clear breakdown of labor and parts. Second, always ask questions. If something is not clear in the estimate, always ask. Moreover, in some instances shops will use “aftermarket” parts to repair the vehicle, which are parts not manufactured by the same company that manufactured your vehicle. Make sure to talk to the shop about part options for your repair.

Be sure to check what your prospective repair shop offers for warranties. If that shop is one not recommended by your insurance company, it may be one of the shops that does not offer repair warranties. Make sure to also get these warranties in writing like the one we have here at Spirit west which reads to all of our customers the following, “Spirit West Motor Carriage Auto Repair is fully equipped with a state-of-the-art shop and provides body, frame and paint services to all makes and models. We are so confident that we deliver high quality repairs that will satisfy every customer we back our work with a National Lifetime Warranty for as long as you own the vehicle.”

Keeping these tips in mind the next time you are involved in a minor or major collision can help you save money and time. Always remember to do your research on the collision repair shops to where you are taking your vehicles.

About Spirit West Motor Carriage

Spirit West Motor Carriage Auto Body Repair is a family-owned and operated company founded and operated in April of 1977. We take great pride with teamwork and our commitment to making sure our team receives training on the latest innovative state-of-the-art equipment and collision repair techniques. We are proud to say our team is family and we treat our customers like family too. Be assured that your car will receive this treatment, and upon completion of the repairs, you will drive away safe and satisfied! Give us a call today to see how we can get your car back into shape and back on the road.

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