How To Choose The Best Auto Body Shop

Around 290 million vehicles are on American streets in 2022. That is a staggering amount and it is undeniable that the majority of people regard purchasing a vehicle as a necessary, albeit costly, investment.

According to the Annual True Cost of Ownership survey, the average annual cost of owning a new car is $9,666 – including car payments, interest, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and registration fees.

Like all investments, cars require care and maintenance in order to last longer. Even though most vehicles spend 95 percent of their lives parked, they do require auto bodywork from time to time, so an appointment with your preferred auto body shop is required, if not unavoidable.

That said, auto body shops are not all the same. That is why it is critical to select the right body shop. A reputable body shop that employs trained, competent technicians, follows recommended repair procedures, uses the proper tools and equipment, and operates in an ethical manner can make a significant difference not only in how your car is repaired, but also in how you feel about driving it afterwards.

To narrow down on how to choose the best auto body shop for your needs, let us consider these following factors:

5 Important Factors To Consider When Finding An Auto Body Shop

1. Location

Naturally, you would prefer an auto body shop that is close to your location. This is not only for the convenience of having to drive your damaged car a shorter distance, but it also allows you to check on the progress of the repairs. Some shops that are significantly further away frequently go above and beyond by offering to pick up the car from the owner’s house and return it once the repairs are completed and paid for.

2. Cost

The way the auto body shop bills you might have a significant impact on the final cost of repairs. Some hourly rates are astronomically high, according to the location. Labor costs might quickly escalate if the shop is located in an area with a higher-than-average median salary rate, so be cautious!

A place that charges per job, depending on the type of work you need done, can be better — especially for modest repairs.

3. Certifications and Specialties

Trustworthy companies that take pride in the services they provide will have the necessary certifications to prove it. Technical certifications demonstrate that the mechanics at your preferred auto body shop have the necessary experience and expertise to safely perform the repairs you require on your vehicle.

In case you need very particular and custom repair specifications, make sure to inquire about certifications in those tasks. While technical certifications cannot tell you everything about the quality of a shop’s work, they can provide you with a good starting point in your selection process.

4. Warranty

No matter how certified an auto body shop is however, accidents can still occur during the repair process, resulting in additional costs or even the inability to repair your vehicle. In that case, if your vehicle develops additional issues as a result of auto body repairs, a warranty will cover all costs.

This is why you must ensure that the auto body shop provides a warranty or guarantee of some sort. Some shops will even provide you with a lifetime workmanship warranty, so be sure to ask!

5. Recommendations and Reviews

The most effective form of marketing is word-of-mouth, which also happens to be the original marketing method because it is the most dependable. If your friends, family, or even acquaintances have anything positive to say about a collision shop, you’re more likely to believe them and do business with them.

Legitimate feedback platforms with verified customer reviews are also a good way to cut through the typical advertising/marketing and determine the shop’s reputability and responsiveness. It also has a strong connection to the previous point mentioned above.

Of course, it’s difficult to please everyone, so most businesses may anticipate to receive one or two unfavorable reviews. Reading the reviews and assessing the negatives against the advantages is the key to success.

Anchor Auto Body is committed to providing the best level of customer service and workmanship in the automotive repair and body work industry to Sunnyvale and the Bay Area. Having been in business since 1979, we understand the necessity of staying on the cutting edge of body repair. We’ve consistently been named one of Sunnyvale’s and the Bay Area’s best auto body shops.

The professionals at Anchor Auto Body have undergone thorough training and certification to work on any make or model of vehicle currently on the road. Our knowledgeable staff will look after your automobile. Our skilled and certified specialists are the best in the market and are sure to give you the best auto body services in the Sunnyvale Bay Area, and guarantee your satisfaction in the results. Hear what Jackie H. has to say about us!

This is probably the best auto body experience I have ever had. Fair prices, quality job, amazing customer experience. I came in on a referral from a long-standing customer and I can now see why my friend recommended them. Please support this family-owned, fabulous small business.

I went in to repair a scuff on the front bumper and replace a windshield on a Dodge Challenger. Alma was my estimator and was so kind, professional and sharp. She gave me a fair estimate and was transparent about the price breakdown. They did not try to overcharge me or upsell me. Customer service was amazing and both jobs were impeccable. They even dropped me off at home and delivered my car (cleaned and vacuumed) to my home upon completion of the services. I received text message updates regarding the job status and estimates, which was just a really nice touch. Anchor also worked with me when I had schedule conflicts and needed to keep the car in the shop for an extra night. It’s the little things, ya know?

Read our blog post here on dent repair basics.