If you’ve been in an auto accident, there’s a good chance you’re going to need some auto body repair. While this is never fun, choosing the right provider can make a huge difference in your overall experience.
In most cases, you’ll have to decide whether you want to take your vehicle back to the dealership or find an independent body shop to take care of the work. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.
Range of Skills and Knowledge
While the mechanics at a dealership are trained to make repairs on specific makes and models, independent certified body repair specialists often see a wide variety of different collision repair jobs. This experience can result in a wider range of skills, which makes a real difference when it comes to tough repairs.
Differences in Pricing Models
While dealerships and independent shops both usually quote repairs at a flat rate, they pay their technicians differently. You might not think this impacts you as the customer, but it does. Here’s why.
At a dealership, labor costs are often estimated per job, instead of per hour. At the same time, their technicians are required to follow a specific set of instructions while making a repair, giving them less flexibility to improvise when appropriate. This can result in inefficient work, and at the end of the day, they may end up feeling rushed as they try to complete the job “by the book” while staying within the allotted time frame.
On the other hand, independent repair shops have far more flexibility. The technicians can approach each job with an open mind and use creativity to get the repairs done correctly in the most efficient manner. Since they’re typically paid a flat hourly wage or a salary, there’s also no pressure to rush through jobs. You can feel confident that the job will be done right the first time and you’ll receive high-quality work. This additional flexibility also gives independent shops the ability to pass some of their savings on to you.
Flexibility to Choose Your Parts
Most dealerships are only allowed to use specific replacement parts from designated manufacturers. Often, this simply isn’t necessary. An independent repair shop, like Auto Worx, has the ability to choose the replacement parts that are most appropriate for the job.
Since original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are often subject to a huge markup at the dealership, offering alternative parts is another way that an independent shop can pass savings along to you.
Fast and Convenient Service
Since many dealerships are used to dealing with high volumes of customers every day, the service often isn’t as personalized as you would like. While you feel like your life is on hold waiting for your car to be repaired, to them, you’re just another number.
At Auto Worx, we take the time to get to know our customers and we care about their personal circumstances. Do you need a fast turn-around time or a rental car while your repairs are being done? We’ll go out of our way to take care of all your needs and make the entire process as smooth as possible.
Streamlined Insurance Claim Coverage
If you’re getting your car repaired after an accident or other covered incident, ask the repair shop you’re considering if they offer assistance with filing your insurance claim. In many cases, if you take your car to a dealership, you’re on your own.
Having a trained technician who’s willing to help you with your claim can mean the difference between getting all your repairs covered or having to pay more than you should out-of-pocket. This assistance can also help you avoid unnecessary red tape and headaches, making the repair process easier and less stressful.
Auto Worx: Your Premier Independent Repair Shop
When it’s time for you to choose an auto body repair shop, we hope Auto Worx is the first name that comes to mind. We’re proud of our years of experience, fair and reasonable pricing, and top-notch customer service. When you trust your vehicle to Auto Worx, you’re not just another number, you’re part of our family.
