Just Cars Club

For most laymen, having a vehicle repaired involves several elements of risk. Are you getting a fair deal? Could there be a cheaper solution? Is your car going to be okay? Acquiring a little bit of basic knowledge before taking your car in for repair can help to put these kinds of questions at ease. From obtaining an estimate to getting the best automotive replacement parts, here are a few tips to help you get the most from your car repair.

1. Understanding Automotive Replacement Parts – OEM vs. Aftermarket

O.E.M. stands for Original Equipment Manufactured, and refers to vehicle parts that are made by a car manufacturer itself. I.e., Toyota OEM parts are made by Toyota, and so on. You may also hear the terms O.E.S. and OE; which mean Original Equipment Supplied and Original Equipment, respectively. While many times the terms OEM and OES are interchangeable, OE is a term more generally referring to any original equipment on the car. Some of OE car parts and components are not actually made by the car manufacturer, but are purchased and assembled by the automakers.

After Market auto parts are bought and added to a vehicle at the dealership or after the vehicle left the dealership, and are not made by car manufacturers. Aftermarket parts are most often used as automotive replacement parts, but can also function as specialty add-ons to increase both look and performance.

Original Equipment is often times more durable as compared to stock parts, but can come with a substantial markup to cover the labor and shipping costs of the manufacturer. However, there are many auto shops that offer affordable, yet well-made ‘to automotive standard’ parts such as www.partsplusautostore.com. To assess which type of automotive replacement part will be the best for your repair, consult with the mechanic after initial inspection. Knowing the type and degree of damage to a part can help to determine a clear discourse.

2. Receiving an Estimate

Below are four tips to help you get the most for your money:

o If you know the types of repairs needed, make a list before you arrive. The repair shop can then inspect your car and estimate repairs more efficiently.

o Make sure you obtain a written or verbal estimate for repairs; the final bill cannot exceed more than 5% of the original estimate, as required by law.

o Always ask to see the damaged or worn part and ask that it be returned to you in the box of the new replacement part at the time you sign the work order. After inspection, have the repair garage dispose of parts as needed or retain for further inspection.

o Request quotes from several sources, including your dealer. While replacement parts from your dealership will usually be a bit more expensive, it helps to receive a quote from as many sources as possible to avoid getting duped by the ‘low ball bid.’ Some repair shops under bid to get you in the door, only to add on unneeded services later.

3. A word about new vehicles

In a few unfortunate cases, a new vehicle that seemed to have driven off the lot in good condition ends up needing repair. If the dealership is not as helpful as they should be, you can contact the manufacturer of the vehicle. Major manufacturers have a customer help line that will connect you with a representative who can help to get the needed parts and repairs done quickly. Because most dealerships are independently owned, it’s difficult to assess which will be responsive and which will not. Contacting a manufacturer’s representative will help you get the leverage you need to resolve the problem promptly.

If you partake of auto repair advertising, you may have noticed a downturn in effectiveness as a new breed of consumers emerges. They are armed not with phonebooks and word of mouth, but with Internet browsers and RSS feeds. They know where to check your information in the blink of an eye, and can find the perfect middle ground between price and quality faster than you can change oil. This new group of consumers ranges from 16 to 60, and they are looking for you. But are you ready for how they do business?

A recent study of consumers seeking auto repair quotes/information online showed extremely high levels of dissatisfaction with the speed and personalization received by local technicians. Beyond that, of the few facilities even offering email contact, virtually none of them chose to respond to the inquiry. Even more powerful is that the vast majority of these customers reported they took their business elsewhere. Some in just a few hours. A subsequent study, looking at the number of online searches for “auto repair” and all possible variations, found that in any given month between April 2006 and March 2007, there were well over 52.4 million inquiries nationwide.

What a fantastic opportunity for your auto repair facility! It seems the market is wide open for technicians who return emails. Somebody out there is getting this business… why not you? But here’s the catch: Technicians choosing to tap into this massive stream of new customers will have to be prepared to focus on direct, personal communication and provide information before sales.

No longer is it enough to say: “bring it in and we’ll take a look”, or push credentials and experience now you must provide information along with a ballpark price or at least an explanation of why you are unable to estimate and a disclosure of your inspection fee. If you want to establish the kind of trust and credibility which leads to long term clients, you must do the following:

1: Directly answer the question/concern of the individual.

2: Offer, based on the information given, either a ballpark price or an explanation as to why you are unable to give this and quote your inspection fee.

3: Offer potential, lower cost alternatives to the full procedure (if possible).

4: Ask for the business, then provide an easy way to contact you.

Would you rather have a person come in once and never return, or endless times over the course of many years for $50 - $150 maintenance, while bringing legions of friends?

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t flout your credentials; it is always a good idea to include a sentence or two about your experience and certifications. But this initial online correspondence must be about offering information. There is no other way besides direct, value rich correspondence to build trust with today’s net savvy consumer. Many auto repair facilities refuse to give any information at all over the phone or online. Unfortunately, this approach, in almost every case, backfires. Not offering some sort of info-rich response defeats the purpose of communication. This alienates your potential clients. While many technicians view these people as “price shoppers,” the majority of consumers are only looking for a healthy middle ground between quality and cost.

At the end of the day, the auto repair facility responding appropriately to online buyers has a much better chance of landing a strong line of new clients. Not only will you establish your professional credibility, but you will have a major edge against the fierce local competition with a wide open door to new word of net business.

How much insurance does one need? You have the big four: home, health, life, and car insurance. Then there’s a second category, which starts getting a little hazy with credit card insurance, purchase protection plans, fraud insurance and more. Extended warranties, also called extended service contracts, or extended service policies fall into the mist of this second category.

Extended warranties are supposed to pay (in full or in part) for specified repairs for a specific period of time after the expiration of the factory warranty. They can be a great value. They can also be a significant waste of money. It gets quite foggy in the details. What exactly is covered? How long? How much? Are there hidden charges?

There are numerous extended warranty companies and an even wider variety of warranty packages available: silver, gold, platinum, platinum-plus, and a host of other confidence-building words. What’s the best plan, and are extended service contracts worth the money? Extended warranties, like life insurance policies, are a numbers game. They’re a gamble. You pay $2500-$4500 for a 2 year, 100,000-mile protection plan and hope that you get at least that back in warranty repairs. The provider on the other hand, hopes to pay out less than it insured.

There are three major types of plan providers: The manufacturer, the dealership/third party, and third party providers. Each one has its assets and liabilities (discussed ahead).

What exactly is covered in an extended service plan? As mentioned above, what’s covered depends on the package purchased. Some plans only cover the power train: the mechanical components of the engine, transmission, and rear-end. Others cover the power train plus some electrical components. Still others cover electrical, advanced electrical, and computer components. Some only cover what’s listed in the contract. This is called a “Stated” or “Named” contract. This means that if it’s not stated, it’s not covered. Some cover bumper-to-bumper, similar to a manufacturer warranty, except trim pieces, upholstery, exterior components, cosmetic items, and a number of other exclusions.

Never before has the adage, “The devil’s in the details,” been so applicable.

Manufacturer Extended Plans:

Extended service plans from the manufacturer are the best in terms of coverage, convenience, and quality. Coverage is similar to the warranty while the vehicle was under its original factory warranty—with similar exclusions stated above. The billing is direct, meaning you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket, except for a deductible, if applicable. Quality is great too, as an extended warranty from the manufacturer will only use factory parts. They also have money, so there’s less risk of bankruptcy.

The down side of manufacturer extended service plans is that they are not cheap. These plans are generally the most expensive, require low mileage standards, and necessitate servicing your vehicle at a dealer for coverage.

Dealership/Third Party Plans:

Extended warranties from a dealership are actually from a third party insurer. These providers are “generally” reputable, but not always. However, if there is an issue (such as the warranty provider filing chapter 11, which is quite frequent in the extended service contract business), the dealer “may” step in to cover any repairs that would have been covered under the defunct plan. Also, claims are easier: billing is direct because the dealership has a working relationship with the provider, and there is usually agreement on price.

Some dealers set up their own “internal extended warranty,” which is honored by the selling dealer. This is rare, and should not be confused with a manufacturer warranty. Important: extended warranties are often passed off as “manufacturer” warranties. They’re not. This is a sales trick. Also be aware that there is a significant mark up, as the dealership is merely acting as the middle man. Lastly, extended warranty companies often go bankrupt without warning.

Third Party Plans:

These plans are called third party plans because they are outside the responsibility of the manufacturer and the service center performing the repairs (unless there’s a working relationship with a repair shop as stated above).

There are hundreds of extended service contract companies. Some have good reputations, some don’t. Third party plans are frequently sold by used car dealers. You may also receive an official looking notification in the mail stating that your warranty is expiring, and directing you to call an 800 number ASAP. This is a marketing tactic by an independent warranty provider. Despite the “official” appearance of the postcard or envelope, it’s not from the manufacturer. Manufacturers do not send out reminders about warranty expirations.

Given the wide-variety of third party plans there are numerous red flags.

1) Claims: Extended warranty companies will be quick to tell you that filing claims is easy, and that the service center gets paid immediately via a credit card. Thus, there’s no out-of-pocket expense for you. However, the warranty company can’t dictate a service center’s policies. Some service centers will only accept payment from the repair customer. Thus the burden is on the repair customer to fill out the forms, contact their warranty company, and await reimbursement via check, which can take 2-8 weeks.

It is the service center’s responsibility to contact the extended warranty company to let them know what’s wrong with the vehicle and to check coverage. This process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 20 days, sometimes more, depending on the degree of repairs and especially the amount. (See $1000 and Adjusters ahead)

Service centers and extended warranty companies frequently battle over the “fair” price of repairs. Many repair shops no longer negotiate, and just state the price, leaving the contract holder (i.e., the service customer) responsible for the difference.

2) Rentals: Rental coverage is a great benefit. However, there are fixed rates and time limits. In other words, the warranty company is not going to pay to have you drive a Mercedes-Benz, even if you drive a Benz. Rental allowances range from $25 to $35 per day. Also, rental coverage is based on the number of hours it takes to repair the vehicle, NOT how long your car has been at the shop.

3) $1000 and Adjusters: Repairs that approach $1000, or that require a significant amount of work, will be cause for the warranty company to call in an adjuster to confirm the diagnosis. This will delay the repairs by a minimum of 24-48 hours. It may cost you additional money when an adjuster is involved. You may be charged to have your vehicle pulled back into the shop for inspection, as well as for the time spent with the adjuster.

4) Tear-down Charges: In many cases, an extended warranty company will require that a particular component be taken apart for inspection to determine if the repair is indeed needed and covered. This puts the service customer in a very awkward position. The customer will have to authorize potentially hundreds of dollars of tear-down expense in the hopes that the repair is covered. If it’s not, the customer is out the hundreds in tear-down PLUS the actual repair. This does happen!

Common Myths:

1) “Extended warranties cover maintenance services and brake work.”

No. Extended warranty plans do not cover maintenance or wearable items. Brake pads and rotors are wearable parts. Maintenance such as coolant, brake and transmission flushes, tune-ups, services, oil changes, bulbs, wipers, and more are not covered.

2) “They told me it’s bumper-to-bumper, so it covers everything right?”

Wrong. Not even a factory warranty covers everything. When pitching the sale for the extended warranty, one is very often lead to believe that he or she will have nothing to worry about. This is just not true on so many levels. For example, if your bumper falls off it’s not covered.

3) “I don’t have to pay anything, right?”

Wrong. Despite the claims of 100% coverage, there are many factors involved. The labor rates, labor hours, diagnostic times, parts prices, and machine work are just a few items that often conflict with a service center’s policies. Some extended contracts only pay a maximum of $55 per hour, and only allow one half hour for diagnostic time. This is generally unacceptable to the service center, as labor rates have skyrocketed to over $100 per hour at many dealerships, and average $75 at local shops. Moreover, with the complexity of today’s vehicles, diagnostic time is at a premium. The customer pays the difference.

4) “If I have an expensive problem, I can just purchase an extended service contract.”

It’s unethical, but it’s an option many attempt. However, most service contracts have a minimum time requirement before the first claim can be filed: usually three months. Also, many contracts require that your vehicle be inspected by a service center to check for pre-existing conditions—just like life insurance.

5) “My contract lasts up to 100,000 miles.”

Only if the time limit doesn’t run out first. All extended warranty plans have a time limit. For example, a typical contract will state that the vehicle is covered for two years or 100,000 miles, which ever comes first. During the sales pitch, however, the emphasis will be on the 100,000 miles, not the time.

6) “If my car breaks, it gets fixed like new.”

Actually, depending on the contract, an extended warranty company can insist on installing remanufactured or even used parts.

Items commonly not covered by extended warranties:

• Any component with a pre-existing condition

• Any component related to a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)

• Many components that has been updated by the manufacturer

• Extra components necessary “due to manufacturer updates” to complete the repair

• Trim pieces: molding, cup holders, dashboard, console, body parts, glass

• Many accessories: radios, DVD players, TVs

• Many expensive electronics: climate control units, navigation assemblies

Service contract positives:

Some service contracts are transferable, and may thus increase the resale value of a vehicle. Many come with trip interruption reimbursement, towing and 24-hour road side. Some plans can also be financed, or have E-Z Pay Plans. Others offer a money-back guarantee.

What should you do?

You’ll get lots of advice about doing the research, comparing plans, and reading the fine print. This is all sound advice. But what about doing the math?

Let’s say a plan costs $2500 for 2 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. To break even you’ll need a minimum of $1250 per year in covered repairs, excluding regular maintenance. Remember covered is the vital word here.

Another way to break it down is to anticipate having to pay $104.17 per month over the next two years in “covered” repairs. Do you want to take that bet?

What could happen?

You could double your money or more in repair work. You could conceivably get a new engine and transmission (or used ones anyway). You could also easily spend $2500 for a service contract, and still have to pay another $2500 for repairs, which for a variety of reasons, were not covered under your plan. Now you’re out $5000.

Alternatively, you could keep the initial $2500. In many ways all an extended warranty does is prepay for repairs. You could stick the money in the bank and collect interest. Then you could withdraw the money for repairs as needed.

Another consideration that’s rarely discussed is the cause of the problems. Many car repairs problems are the result of wear and tear, neglected maintenance, physical damage, or acts of God—such as flood damage. None of this is covered. The gamble only covers failed components.

If the vehicle you’re driving does cost $2500 to $4500 in repairs due to outright failed components, is it a vehicle you even want to consider keeping? A vehicle that needs this kind of repair work due to mechanical, electrical, or computer failures may not be worth it. The $2500-$4500 would be better spent on an upgrade to a quality vehicle rather than insuring a lemon.

There’s no question that auto repair is expensive, and even quality cars break from time to time. But do they breakdown to the tune of $2500-$4500? That’s a hefty bet on a “possibility.”

Terence O’Hara from the Washington Post makes an excellent assessment about extended warranties in general. He writes:

…extended warranties play upon a basic human trait to avoid loss, even if it means sacrificing a possible future gain…the gain is all the other things of value that a consumer could buy with the money that was spent on a warranty

What’s the best plan?

Money in your bank account!

Auto Repair Networks Do the Legwork for Consumers

 

Straight Talk About Auto Body Repair Networks

When your car is damaged in an accident, you want it repaired quickly and conveniently at the least possible cost to you.

Insurers have established auto body repair networks, sometimes call “direct repair networks,” to do just that. These networks represent long-term business relationships that insurers have established with dependable, quality-oriented repair shops.

Rather than blindly selecting a repair shop, consumers can select a shop from the network that has a proven record of good customer service and is close to home.

Why Consumers Care About Quality Auto Repairs

Auto body repair networks offer consumers many benefits, according to The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). The group represents insurers who write more than half of the U.S. auto insurance market.

Faster turnaround means lower costs. By reducing the time automobiles are in repair shops, associated costs, such as rental car expenses and job completion time, are also reduced.

Networks promote faster supplemental cash. Using pre-selected repair shops may allow for faster supplemental payments for damage found after repairs are started without reauthorization or additional inspections by the insurance company.

Networks reduce opportunities for fraud. Controlling fraud helps insurers keep costs low for policyholders.

Networks guarantee quality work. Network repair shops, together with insurers, guarantee the repairs for as long as you own or lease the car.

Consumers have free choice. Insurers fully explain to customers that they are free to choose any auto body shop they wish. They are not bound to going to a network shop.

How Auto Body Repair Networks Became an Industry Issue

Opponents to insurer auto body networks, largely independent repair shops, have mounted a public relations and lobbying campaign against them. In many states, these opponents have pushed for legislation restricting or banning insurer use of these networks.

Shaping the Issue: Keeping Repair Networks in the Loop

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) believes consumers should have a choice in auto body repair. But PCI supports insurer auto body repair networks because they foster competition in the auto repair industry, which helps control costs.

The association also believes insurers should be able to encourage use of network repair facilities through the use of independent and appropriately determined premium discounts or guarantees of workmanship.

PCI opposes laws that would restrict insurers’ ability to make recommendations or suggestions to consumers on individual repair facilities or that would impede insurers’ ability to manage the claim repair process on behalf of customers.

 

Buchanan Insurance can help with questions about Auto Repair Networks.

For more information, contact us at http://www.buchananinsurance.net/contact.aspx

Copyright 2009  Buchanan Insurance Services, Inc.

May be reproduced and redistributed provided it is maintained in its entirety including all hyperlinks.

 

 

Auto services in Dallas come packaged with wonderful exceptions to improve the life of your vehicle. Dallas, the prominent Texan city - known for its prominent presence as a centre of oil and cotton industries, is the home of several certified mechanics and auto dealers.

 

With growing industrial base, Dallas is counted among top cities of the world. In addition to numerous showrooms letting you to buy car model of your choice, you can easily avail special care and skilled solutions for almost any kind of vehicular problem. AS a token of incredible devotion towards serving customer with dependable service, in every case an automobile service provider in Dallas would serve you with original factory parts

 

Based on the technical specifications of the car you have bought, Dallas Auto repair service centers provide you with options – from price range to specialised technological standards. All you need is to find specialty auto repair technicians for getting the right solutions for your car. Whatever model of luxury car that you are driving, specialty repair centers in Dallas help you meet the exact cause.

 

Car owners who seek regular maintenance can seek attractive service packages in Dallas.  One may also extend serviceability options by extending warranty service periods. While regular maintenance by specialists will eliminate any chances of heavy repairs in car, you can enjoy an uninterrupted run for a long time. Many of these car dealers provide full information of their offerings on websites. Customers can download discount coupons and save money in many instances.

 

So if you are looking for quality auto repair Dallas, Just open your computer and search through the internet. You’ll get full services descriptions of each of yours nearby car mechanics and dealers.

 

Compare the prices and get the best services for your vehicle. Dallas has a plenty to offer for your vehicle to run smooth…always.

PPC auto repair advertising has become one of the most costly ways to get the word out online. The reason for this is because almost every shop with a website is bidding on the same keywords. Do you really see yourself spending up to $5.50 each time somebody clicks to your page? Most of the facility owners are hard pressed to find an edge in the massively over-saturated online market.

But as luck would have it, there is a way to win… local focus.

Google adwords has a nice little function where a shop owner is able to focus the keywords into a small geographic region. You can specify what states, cities, and metro areas you want to hit. You can also increase/decrease your budget and set parameters around how fast or how slow you want to spend cash.

But the main focus to always keep in mind is that you’re not always better off spending money on the major traffic keywords. Another very important point is to not look like every other ad out there. Do a search, analyze the competition, and then do something more creative.

Think about what the customer sees when he hits your site. Does it look like your phonebook ad? If so, you may wish to make some changes. Since you’re spending all this money anyway, you may want to construct a website that sets you apart from the competition. Offer useful information and a ‘user friendly’ reason for consumers to stick around and do business with you.

Always remember: If you become an information resource for your customers, you will blow the doors off the competition.

If you are on a vacation to Garland, Texas, auto repairs are the last thing you will want to need. But on any vacation or road trip, car trouble can often happen. The best thing you can do is be prepared. If your vehicle starts malfunctioning in Garland, Texas, you should have a plan of action. Usually you can solve car troubles yourself, using a small kit of resources and tools. So before you do any long distance travel in your car, you should prepare this kit.

First of all, you should always carry a full auto repair manual for your car. Manuals for specific makes and models of cars are sold online and in almost any auto shop. Buy one of these and add it to your “auto repair kit” that you will take to Garland, Texas for any auto repair emergencies which may arise. Even if you don’t know too much about the inner workings of cars, the guide will help you to diagnose the problem and determine what exactly you need to do to fix it.

Besides the manual, you will need some of the more basic tools for on-the-go auto repair in Garland, Texas. These will include wrenches, a jack, and jumper cables. Your auto manual should include a list of the specific sizes and types of tools you will need for your specific vehicle. These tools are usually the bare minimum, since it isn’t practical to carry around a whole car repair garage in your trunk. These tools will usually be enough to at least get you to a Garland, Texas auto repair shop where you can seek a more professional auto inspection.

Sometimes when you figure out how to fix your auto problem, you find that you are lacking in certain tools or resources. If this is the case, you can head to the local convenience store in Garland, Texas (or auto repair shop, depending on how common the item is that you need) and purchase it. The guide will tell you exactly what sort of product to look for, and exactly how to utilize it when repairing your car. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep a small amount of emergency cash with your car repair kit; in case you need to buy other supplies but don’t have access to your wallet.

I’ve found that the in-depth auto repair guides will help you fix most of the problems that may arise in Garland, Texas. Auto repair is a complicated process though, and you may encounter a problem that is truly outside the scope of your ability. In Garland, Texas, auto repair shops are a common sight. So in case, it’s impossible to repair your car yourself, you’re in good hands. The Garland, Texas auto repair shops employ some of the most competent workers who can fix your car in a jiffy and get you back on the road. Therefore before you start your travels, you should keep a list of the addresses and phone numbers of all local auto repair shops in Garland, Texas.

When you are driving down a road in Garland, Texas and your car starts to huff and puff and eventually grinds to a halt, it can be a panic inducing turn of events. When you are stranded in an unfamiliar place with no knowledge of how to repair your car, it will seem like all hope is lost. But you can avoid this feeling of despair if you have properly prepared. As long as you have a good manual for your car, a small tool kit with all the necessary supplies, and a list of the local Garland, Texas auto repair shops, you will be back in action in no time.

A car is the second largest investment most of us make after a house, so it only makes sense that we want to trust the person who is going to be repairing it. And while you might think finding a reliable auto repair shop and a good mechanic might be a difficult task, it really isn’t if you know what to search for. Let’s get you on the right track.

The best way to guarantee you find a good repair shop is to start looking for that quality shop before your car needs repairs. Once your car is broken you are forced to rush around trying to find a place to have it fixed, and you won’t have time to research the quality of the shop.

It’s much better to establish a relationship with a repair shop and the mechanic long before things break. In fact, regular maintenance will reduce the risk of your vehicle breaking down and it’s the perfect way to decide whether you like what a shop has to offer. Start small with a simple oil change and build from there.

Rely on word of mouth when you start your search. Listen to what others have to say about different repair shops. Ask friends, family, and co-workers who they would recommend. You can also check with the BBB to find out who has had complaints against them.

Never base your decision on just the price. A lower price doesn’t always mean a cheaper bill. Some shops have a flat rate charge for each repair type no matter how long it takes them. Others charge for every hour that it takes, which might work out cheaper but it could also work out to more if the mechanic runs into a snag. A higher rate doesn’t always mean better service, but a lower rate doesn’t always mean poor service. Do your research.

Once you think you’ve found the right shop snoop around a bit. Check to see that the shop appears well organized and neat.

There are also some questions worth asking:

1. Do they have up to date equipment

2. What type of diagnostic equipment do they have

3. Can they provide references from other customers

4. Do they specialize in a certain type of vehicle

5. Are their technicians certified

6. What brand of parts do they use

7. What is their policy relating to customer satisfaction

8. What is their warranty

9. What type of payments do they accept

10. What is their labor rate

It’s important to keep a record of the maintenance and repairs you’ve had done to your vehicle. Make sure you keep the repair records in a safe place.

Using these tips, finding a reliable auto repair shop won’t be that difficult.

When sweaters come out and the thermometers looking grim it’s time for auto repair Chicago! But with scams almost as plentiful as shops, how will you know you’re not really getting iced? We asked our users to throw some IanAuto style repair advice:

Auto Repair Chicago Tip #1: Ask Yourself: Does your mechanic explain everything in language YOU understand?

Randy from Arlington Heights says he won’t authorize any work until he has a complete understanding of what’s in store: “I didn’t know much about my car, and I used to think I was asking stupid questions. But I realized that I’m spending my money, and it’s their job to inform me! No question is ever stupid. In fact, if I can’t get a straight answer, I’ll just take my car elsewhere.”

Auto Repair Chicago Tip #2: Ask Yourself: How Are You Being Treated?

“When a mechanic talks down to me, or treats me poorly, or won’t give me information and estimates, I just move along,” says Jen from Oak Park. “Back in the day I would politely ask for my keys and go elsewhere. Now that I’m a bit wiser, I make most of my decisions online.”

Auto Repair Chicago Tip #3: Ask Your Mechanic: Are There Lower Cost Alternatives To High Dollar Repair?

Imagine being slapped with a $1200 repair bill when you’re still making payments on your car. Think it sounds far fetched? Not at all. Rachel from Glenview found herself in that exact situation. “I still was making payments on this thing, and it wasn’t until I compared notes from a few places that I found a seasonal fix to my problem. I went back in and turned an almost $1200 job into a $180 job.”

Auto Repair Chicago Tip #4: Ask Your Mechanic: What Is The Top Priority?

Scott from Addison discovered how to space it out: “The work I needed had a price tag about $350 more than my car was even worth. But I didn’t have enough spending cash to just go out and grab a replacement. I hit a few shops online and found one that would work with me by focusing on the major issue and then scheduling multiple, less costly follow ups.”

Auto Repair Chicago Tip #5: Ask Your Mechanic: For A Ballpark Figure And Relevant Information

“There’s nothing wrong with asking for a general estimate over the phone or online,” says Carla of Chicago. “Yes, I understand they need to look at my car to be sure, but if the person can’t give me reasonable information and/or a ballpark price, it makes me think he’s not qualified. And if he starts doing that ‘bring it in and we’ll take a look’ dance, I just head elsewhere.”

Always remember: in almost every instance, clear communication and education are the #1 ways for you to avoid being scammed by unscrupulous repair shops. When in doubt, always ask questions. And with the availability of online tools, you should compare quotes and notes on local service professionals before you find yourself living an auto repair nightmare.

Next to your home, your car is the second largest investment you will make. You spend a great deal of time choosing that right car. And then in minutes you suddenly find yourself with a car that’s been damaged in an automobile accident. As a result the same common question continuously gets asked “Which auto collision center should I use”?

And it’s a very good question. Vehicles aren’t cheap, and with such a big investment you want to be certain that the repair is done right and since you have the right to choose who will fix your car it’s time to start shopping around. What ever you do, don’t let your insurance company try to bully you into using whom they want.

Different auto collision centers will have different rates, different practices, and different ways of filling out their auto repair estimate, which means you need to be alert as to how they are quoting their work. What looks like the cheapest quote may not be once you take everything into account. The auto collision center has to work with your insurance company to put things right and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Here are just a few things to find out about. That way you can compare each of the auto collision centers on a level playing field.

What are the hours of operation and do they work with your schedule? Do they have a drop off service or a late pickup service?

Is there a guaranteed delivery date to have your car repairs completed?

Do they offer a loaner vehicle to drive while your vehicle is being repaired?

How long do they warranty their work for? Is there a lifetime guarantee and if so is it on paint? Repairs? Labor?

What is the qualifications of the craftsman in the auto collision center?

How long has the company been in business?

What type of equipment do they have for repairs? Do they offer state of the art equipment?

Do they guarantee color match?

Do they utilize laser measuring?

Where are the centers located?

What’s it going to cost?

Before you do anything, if it is at all possible it’s a good idea to drop by, see the facilities, and get a quote. There are more than 35,000 auto body repair shops across the country, which can make it a bit confusing to choose. Use the tools at your disposal. The internet is an excellent resource, and having your list of questions answered can help you make the right choice.

The average auto repair takes two weeks so make sure you have made alternative arrangements with a rental car. You should also make sure you are happy with their commitment to customer satisfaction and remember you can always check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure the company has a good reputation.

Which auto collision center should you use? The choice is still yours but these tips should help you find the best facility for your repairs.