That advice comes from Nick Campos, owner of Blossom Valley Collision in San Jose. Your insurance company might recommend you go to a drive-in claims center first, he says, but you don’t have to—it can lengthen the process, and you might be referred to a shop you're not comfortable with.
When evaluating body shops, says Mr. Campos, look for a clean, organized shop that presents a professional image. A shop that pays attention to details—how a customer is greeted, the condition of its waiting room—is more likely to be one that pays attention to the details of the work itself. “Look for a shop that explains the repair process, tells you how long your car will be there, and has a policy of keeping you informed on the work status,” he says.
It’s also essential to verify certification. Your first stop should be I-CAR’s website (www.goldclass.com/index.shtml). Technicians in any I-CAR shop have had the latest training and are technically adept, says Mr. Campos.
Referrals are good, but they should be from people you trust. “Find a shop that has a good reputation in the community, stands behind its work and uses quality products,” offers Mr. Campos. Diamond Certification provides a useful, short-hand method of checking a company’s reputation among its customers and the community.
Another good indicator is whether a company is a “preferred shop” by insurance companies. This means the insurance company has a history of working with the shop and can confirm its quality of work and pricing. Preferred shops can also process insurance paperwork faster, meaning repairs are finished all the sooner.
