Choose an auto body repair shop that demonstrates they will take the time necessary to understand your wants and needs, and provide repair information that you can trust.

When you file an insurance claim, either with your insurance company, or with the insurance company of the other party, you have certain inalienable rights. We recommend you understand and protect these rights. Take a look.

In addition to understanding your rights after an auto accident, it’s important for you to decide who you’ll have repair your vehicle. That’s right, you decide. Oregon law protects your right to choose. It’s your vehicle and it’s your choice. Here are some tips on how to choose a reliable auto body repair expert.

1.  Who should do the auto body work to my vehicle, be it a car, van or truck?

Only do business with an auto body shop that you can trust. It may be one you’re referred to by family or friends. It may be the body shop just around the corner from where you live or work. It may be the one your insurance company recommends. But most importantly, you need to make the decision yourself, after careful consideration.

2.  How do I choose an auto body shop I can trust?

• Ask family and friends for a referral to a shop they were happy with
• Visit the auto body shop you’re considering – is it clean and organized, are their certifications on display
• Visit their website – is it professional in appearance and does it give you a feeling of trust and competence, does it help address your concerns and provide an easy way to contact them
• Check with the Better Business Bureau – the shop should have an A+ rating at the BBB
• Ask to see certifications from ASE for skill competency and from I-CAR for welding certification
• Ask if they have the I-CAR Gold Class designation – indicating an on-going commitment to training and educating of their workforce
• Ask to see a copy of their warranty
• How long have they been in business – will they be there for you tomorrow
• Is there an on-site owner that is committed to the operations of their business
• Ask for previous customer reviews or testimonials

These are some of the things you’ll want to consider when choosing an auto body repair expert.

3.  The insurance company wants me to take my vehicle to their body shop, what should I do?

The insurance company cannot require that you have the repairs made at a certain body shop, direct repair shop or through their DRP (direct repair program). In fact, Oregon law is very clear, and insurers are required to tell you:

“OREGON LAW PROHIBITS US FROM REQUIRING YOU TO GET REPAIRS TO YOUR VEHICLE AT A PARTICULAR MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SELECT THE MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP OF YOUR CHOICE.”  – ORS 746.280

Treat any shop that you are referred to by an insurance company as you would any business you’ve not dealt with before. Review the items in #2 above. Just because the insurance company referred you, and the insurance company said they would guarantee the repairs, it’s the shop you have to feel good about doing business with.

When it comes down to a guarantee or warranty, it’s only as good as the integrity of the shop owner and the shop you choose.

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Not finding what you’re looking for? Call us at 503-257-9255 or email us today.