If you've been in an accident or need car repair, a direct repair shop will work directly with your insurance company as a “preferred shop,” says Pete Hurwicz, owner of Silicon Valley Auto Body & Tow in Sunnyvale. Auto repair and body shops earn the preferred shop status by meeting certain requirements, which include having certified technicians, using the proper equipment and, most important, having a record of satisfied customers. When customers use a preferred shop, the repair process is streamlined. A preferred shop will write estimates, orders parts and repair vehicles without the hassle of having to wait for an insurance adjuster. Insurance companies constantly monitor their preferred shops to ensure quality repairs, so you can choose a preferred shop with confidence.
Another distinction: a shop that belongs to the California Autobody Association (CAA).
CAA-certification tells you the shop is a committed participant in its industry, says Mr. Hurwicz. “It’s a must,” he says. “It shows they’re not just out for themselves.”
Mr. Hurwicz also recommends shops whose technicians are certified by I-CAR, a global training program whose mission is to equip auto repair professionals with “the necessary knowledge and skills relevant to their position to achieve a complete and safe repair.”
Mr. Hurwicz warns against repair shops that promise huge savings and promise to cover the deductible required under your insurance policy. In such cases, the shop will find some other way to protect its profit—almost certainly at your expense. “They’ll probably do less work than what’s necessary,” he says.
While Mr. Hurwicz isn’t completely opposed to aftermarket parts, he believes body shops should tell customers if they’re being installed. “Never let yourself feel pressured into accepting aftermarket or junkyard parts if you don’t want them,” he says. Remember, body shops works for you, not your insurance company. “Make sure you understand what’s being put on your car. Have somebody go over the estimate with you.”
When it's time to pick up your car, study it carefully. Test every button, switch and lock to make sure it works—even the stereo. Make sure the doors, hood and trunk open and close smoothly. If possible, examine the paint in bright sunlight to make sure the color matches. If there are problems, address them while the car is still in the shop.
