Choosing The Right Repair Facility

1. The shop should offer a "Lifetime Warranty" on all Body work, and a minimum of "5 years", preferably a "Lifetime" on refinishing. (If the facility has been in business less than five years their warranty is probably meaningless.


2. Visit the Better Business Bureau website to confirm that the shop is in good standing with no complaints on file.


3. Verify that the repair facility is a member of the ACCA (Arizona Collision Craftsmen's Association) and that they are in good standing. This association requires member to members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics group and they maintain an Arbitration Board to resolve any problems you may experience with the repair.


4. Confirm that the repair facility is an I-Car Gold Class shop and that their technicians have been I-Car trained. This assures you all technicians have been professionally trained, and certified. Ask if they employ "Certified Welders" and how many?


5. Ask the repair facility if they use new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, purchased from the dealer or aftermarket imitation parts. If the shop says they use any aftermarket imitation parts you should leave immediately. No one can perform quality work with aftermarket parts. If the shop says they use genuine OEM parts make them put it in writing.


6. Ask the shop if they have any affiliation with any insurance companies or if they are a DRP (Direct Repair) facility. If they are under contract to work for a specific insurance company they cannot work for you. Working for both sides is unethical and immoral. Look for the shop with no insurance company affiliations. DRP agreements require they work on "those" cars first. This can cause extensive delays in your repair. Shops that have DRP contracts work for the insurance company and the customer. Shops that do not have DRP contracts only work for the customer and demand the best quality parts, paint and repairs for YOU the customer.


7. Although your insurance carrier can recommend, they cannot REQUIRE you to use a specific facility or select from a list of their preferred (DRP) shops. 


8. Check with your friends, co-workers, or mechanic for a recommendation on a repair facility.


9. Never listen to an insurance representative who has a friend (Cheap Charlie or Bondo Billy) that they can recommend. Remember their bonus is tied to the low cost of repair. In addition the adjuster may secure favors (free work) or cash for recommending shops.


10. Don't be concerned about price or estimates. Leave the negotiating up to the repair facility. You have the right to go "first class", not in the baggage compartment.

REMEMBER ONE MAJOR KEY POINT: AVOID THE REPAIR FACILITY THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY RECOMMENDS.

If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to ask us. WE WORK FOR YOU - NOT THE INSURANCE COMPANY. Our goal is to restore your vehicle to its pre-loss condition and make you a satisfied customer. We are proud of the craftsmen we employ and the work they perform. Quality repairs require good equipment, new original parts, the best materials, skilled employees, and the dedication to do the job right.