Auto Body Repair Shop – Pawtucket RI
The average person doesn’t normally know a whole lot about auto body shops. It simply isn’t a place they’re likely to visit on a regular basis. As a result, when they do have to visit one, they usually only know this much: visit three of them and get quotes, then go with the cheapest. Wisely selecting an auto body shop requires a bit more knowledge to avoid getting taken advantage of by less-than-principled shops. Here are some things you need to know:
All Auto Body Repair near Pawtucket RI Are Not the Same
The quality of an auto body shop is as varied as the cars that go in for repairs. Some places are quite competent and professional while others are basically a guy with a hammer who knows how to hide damage as opposed to repairing it. The latter is usually a mobile repair-man who works out of the trunk of his car.
- Look for an auto body shop with an actual “brick and mortar” place of business. These are the folks who have invested in their industry and won’t be vanishing any time soon.
- Look for one that has been in business awhile and can show a good track record. (A readily viewable portfolio is also a plus. It shows they are proud of the work they do!)
The Estimate
When an auto body shop writes an estimate, each line of that estimate usually represents another charge. Something as seemingly simple as a dented fender can see an estimate that covers dent removal and re-painting, or it can see a veritable essay listing removing headlights, side-markers, realigning the hood, re-hanging the bumper, and so on. Whether your estimate is short or long, however, won’t matter if you don’t understand what the estimate is for.
- Look for an auto body shop that will explain what the lines on the estimate refer to, answering your questions clearly so that you aren’t left wondering what any part of it means.
- Be wary of estimates that are very short when your car clearly has a lot of damage. These places are likely to bump up the repair costs due to “newly discovered damage”. These places will sometimes low-ball an estimate just to get the business and then spring these “new” expenses on you while your car is on the lift.
It isn’t unusual for hidden damage to become clear only when vehicle is dismantled, but a highly-regarded auto body shop that’s been around awhile will have the experience necessary to hand you a more accurate estimate while informing you of the possibility of unseen damage.
On a related note, also stay away from shops that make the “Save the Deductible” offer. What these operators are trying to do is to scam the insurance company. If they’re willing to cheat an insurance company that they do business with, how much more will they be willing to cheat you?
OEM
OEM parts, or “Original Equipment Manufacturer” parts and licensed “OEM spec” parts (for older vehicles where OEM is no longer available) are the only way to ensure that you have the right part for your vehicle. These parts meet all of the safety requirements, standards, and specifications for your vehicle as per the original manufacturer. If you bring in a particularly valuable car, such as a luxury or a classic, OEM and OEM spec will not have a significant impact on the vehicle’s value. They can, however, sometimes take a little longer to get.
After-market parts are usually very good and are a viable (and sometimes less expensive) alternative to OEM, but they can affect the resale value. Generally, customers sometimes chose these parts for older “daily drivers”. After-market parts are often faster to get than OEM.
- A good shop will use OEM parts if they are available.
- If your car is older, get estimates for both OEM (if possible) and after-market parts so you can make an informed decision.
- Look for a shop that will tell you up-front if they can use OEM or if they have to go with after-market parts. A good shop won’t hide this information!
Taking your vehicle to an auto body shop can feel like you’re entering uncharted waters. We are located in Providence, a stones throw from Pawtucket. A good, reputable shop will help you navigate those waters so that you can make an informed decision every step of the way. If you need some auto body repair done near Pawtucket RI but are unsure of how to proceed, contact us and we can help you get the answers you need to get your vehicle looking and working as good as new!
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