Make Sure Auto Body Repairs Are Done Right

Here’s something a lot of California drivers don’t know: The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has an auto body inspection program that isn’t widely advertised due to budget constraints. Bureau Chief Sherry Mehl told me she initiated this service to help consumers determine if they were getting the auto body work they paid for.

How does the program work? First, you contact the BAR (866-799-3811) after your body work is completed to set up an appointment. A field investigator will come to your home or office to check your invoice against the actual repairs performed. BAR investigators want to know if things like bonding and painting were done properly, and they also check to see if new parts were installed rather than used parts. In most cases, Ms. Mehl says her investigators don’t find any problems, but if they do, BAR will open an investigation and/or mediate on behalf of the consumer.