How to Choose an Auto Body Shop

ANNAPOLIS, Md.--Sept. 2, 2005--You've been blindsided by a delivery truck, sideswiped in a parking lot, or a tree came down on your car in last night's big storm. Auto insurance will mostly pay the bill, but how can you be sure to get the best repair job?

There are a few essential steps to get the best auto body shop working on your vehicle, say the experts at www.AutoInsurancePlanners.com.

First, it's a good idea to review your body shop choices before you need one. Ask friends who they've used, and how the shop performed. Visit a number of shops and review the type of cars they're repairing, and the way the vehicles are being handled. A nationwide listing of body shops is available free at www.AutoInsurancePlanners.com.

Your insurance company can help you choose a shop, and sometimes offers recommendations. But in most cases, they cannot require you to go to any particular shop, and they may not steer you to the shop with the best quality.

Here are three things commonly seen in high-quality body shops:

1. The facility is professional and well-organized. The front office should be staffed with knowledgeable people who answer your questions. Policies, guarantees and methods of payment should be posted or readily explained.

2. The latest uni-body repair equipment is being used. Today's cars require computerized equipment to make repairs that meet stringent qualifications. Exact dimensions must be measured and met, sometimes within a couple of millimeters -- the thickness of two dimes.

3. Technicians have advanced training. The shop should have posted certifications from ASE or I-CAR, as well as trade school diplomas or other evidence of technical education.

Besides these basics, there are extras a great body shop can offer. Ask if they have a repair warranty on their work, or if they can help you negotiate your claim with the insurance company.

When you're looking for a body shop, or want to check competitive quotes on car insurance, visit www.AutoInsurancePlanners.com, which provides free information, a nationwide body shop list, and free quotes from multiple insurers through just one application.

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