Is it possible to save money on Autobody repair?
To save money on autobody repairs, it’s important to be aware of what you’re paying for and how you can get the best deal. When it comes to auto body damage, repair costs can quickly add up. Here are some of the opportunities and benefits to look for when you need a collision repair.
Learn the autobody shop’s labor rates.
One of the most effective ways to save money on autobody repair is to ask for a labor cost estimate. Different types of repairs often require specialists who are certified in a specific skill set to ensure safety and quality standards are met.
Labor rates must be clearly posted in the shop where customers can see it. This sign will outline the hourly rate for specialists in body repair, auto paint, structural damage, mechanical damage, and administrative time.
Two cars with similar collisions may have completely different labor costs due to the type of car, angle of collision, age of the car, and whether the insurance company fights the claim or adds a supplement to the estimate. Additionally, if there is extensive storage of the vehicle, there could be additional costs.
All of these issues can affect the estimate and final price.
Request a Repair Estimate.
A repair estimate is required by many insurance companies, but even if not, it’s a good idea to know what your repair will entail in both time and resources. After receiving your estimate from the auto body repair shop, you’ll also be able to figure out how much you’ll likely need to pay out of pocket after the insurance company pays their part of the repair expense.
At Newark Autobody Collision and Glass every customer will receive an estimate which detail the approximate labor cost, as well as the price of parts, storage, and administrative time. Contact our collision shop today to get your estimate started.
See if your insurance offers discounts.
Many auto insurance providers and roadside assistance programs will offer some type of discount or credits to vehicle owners towards future premiums when you use their preferred service providers for auto body repairs as an advantage of using their specific program. It’s worth looking into and could save you thousands of dollars on auto body repair costs.
Form a relationship with an auto body shop.
Forming a relationship with an auto body shop is a great way to save money on autobody repairs. Not only can you get discounts for repeat business and referrals, with a positive relationship you can more easily negotiate on items like storage fees to save you money, especially if you refer your friends, family members, and coworkers to their shop.
When looking for an auto repair business, it’s important to do your research. Look for shops that have good reputation, detailed reviews, and friendly employees. For more on how to find a good collision repair shop, check out our other post “How to Find Quality Autobody Repair Shops“.
Get repairs done quickly.
One of the worst things you can do is let a damaged car sit without getting repaired. Once the chassis of a vehicle is compromised, weather and the elements will penetrate further into the structure and mechanical elements of the car. Even a peeling paint layer can be a serious issue which may promote rust and decay. Worse, this might be happening where you can’t see the damage progress.
If you get into a collision, even a minor one, try to get it repaired right away.
Ask About Paintless Dent Repair.
When offered, paintless dent removal (PDR) is a great way to quickly and easily remove dings and dents from your car without the expensive cost of bodywork. If it’s possible to use PDR to repair your body damage, you could avoid the expense of paint labor, color matching, and auto paint products.
Skilled professionals who practice this trade may be on staff at a body shop or they may travel from shop to shop, scheduling their time weeks in advance. It could take time for the tradesperson and their equipment to be available. If you can keep your damaged vehicle under cover, it may be beneficial to wait until a PDR professional is available.
Check if your car’s warranty is still active.
Many vehicle warranties may cover some or all of the cost of autobody repair services, including parts and labor. Before you make a decision on where to take your car for repairs, review your warranty and see if there are any provisions that could help you save hundreds of dollars. In some cases, you may even have to take your car to a specific shop that is authorized by the warranty provider in order for them to honor the repair cost.
Cheaper isn’t always better – even with parts.
Is your cost-cutting measure a false economy? When you need autobody repair, it can be tempting to take the least expensive option available in order to save money on autobody repair. However, this can be a risky decision that could end up costing you more in the long run. Quality repairs are essential for keeping your vehicle safe and reliable, and compromising on quality in an effort to save money could lead to further damage down the line.
You may wish to source your own parts to save money, but a quality autobody shop will only use OEM certified or refurbished replacement parts to ensure the safest possible repair.
To save money on collision repair, choose an auto shop which offers a Lifetime Guarantee.
When it comes to auto body repair, it’s important to make sure you get the job done right. To ensure the best quality work and save money on repairs in the long run, choosing a shop which offers a lifetime guarantee is essential. A guarantee gives you peace of mind that your car will be repaired correctly and can save you from having to spend more money down the line if something were to go wrong.
Do you want to know more?
Want a breakdown of what goes into an autobody repair estimate? Read more in this informative article. ‘How much will my autobody repair cost?‘
This article is provided to consumers by Newark Autobody Collision and Glass, LLC. If you are in Ohio and looking for quality auto body shops ‘near me’, we are here to help you.
Ohio Drivers: Contact Newark Autobody for Your Auto Body Repair
Newark Autobody Collision and Glass
977 Mount Vernon Road
Newark, Ohio 43055
Phone: (740) 899-4111
Fax: (740) 888-3500