“You should definitely get more than one estimate, just to gauge different costs,” says Nelson Coelho, Jr., owner of Coelho’s Body Repair and Auto Sales. “Many times, I’ll write an estimate for a partial repair—maybe the front portion of a door is torn—and I’ll say, ‘Go get another couple of estimates, but watch what they say about the paint on this door.’ If you go to another shop and they want to spend a lot of time fully refinishing that door, it’ll end up costing you more.” By comparing the prices and repair suggestions of different shops, you’re guaranteed a more complete perspective than simply bringing it to the first shop you see.
Another thing to watch out for, says Mr. Coelho, is a shop overestimating the amount of damage to a car after it’s been brought in for repairs. “Sometimes a shop will write a really short estimate to get you in, but once they start the job, they’ll call back and say there’s additional damage,” he explains. Make sure a shop tells you right away if an overestimation is even slightly possible. Ask if the damage could warrant further work before you leave your car with them. If they say yes, ask about the specifics: What kind of ancillary damage could there possibly be? What’s the price range for further repairs?
Remember, estimates are based on visual damage only, so be wary of one that’s too simple or low-priced. “An estimate should be as honest as possible,” says Mr. Coelho. “It’s the right thing to do, and body shops should hold themselves to high standards when it comes to estimation.”
In the event of body damage to your vehicle, Mr. Coelho also recommends getting a full, detailed policy explanation from your insurance company: What exactly does your policy cover? Will you have to pay for certain services but not others? What are your options? “A lot of times, insurance companies don’t explain enough,” he says. “People will come to a shop with estimates that make no sense whatsoever to them. There’s no reason for that.”
