5 Tips for picking the best auto collision repair shop in Rhode Island
Before driving off to the first provider you see, there are a couple of considerations you need to make. While one auto body shop in Rhode Island may give you a price estimate of $300, another may quote you in excess of $1000 for what seems like a similar job. Should you go with the cheap one to save money? Should you go with the more expensive alternative for the expertise? And, above all, does a higher price tag guarantee a better quality of service in the first place?
To pick the best auto body repair in Rhode Island for the job, you’d do well to read the following tips:
1. Get more than a single estimate
By doing so, you will get a good idea what it costs to repair an auto body in Rhode Island. You will get the highs, the lows, and everything in between, the main point of which is getting a ballpark figure. This will give you a firm ground to stand on when negotiating the final price, thus allowing you to avoid the kind of auto body shop in RI that overcharges their customers. If, however, they are willing to match the price, this is a green flag to proceed. Do know, however, that if the price they offer you is too good to be true, it probably is. This is a clear red flag; more often than not, such auto body shops tend to do a poor quality job.
2. Know what affects the pricing
When it comes to the final billable amount you’re going to pay, materials are only one part of the equation, meaning you should consider the hourly labor costs as well. These could range anywhere from $40 to $100 per hour. The good news is, a reputable collision repair shop will give you an estimate before starting work on your car (the numbers are based on a reference guide).
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
For instance, you might want to ask them what kind of warranty they can give you and what it covers. Does the provider carry fire and theft insurance? Moreover, be sure to inquire what parts they’ll be using in the process. Asking all of this is not being negative – it’s just covering your bases.
4. Go through the reviews
Right next to word of mouth marketing, checking the reviews will pave the way to the best auto body repair in Rhode Island in the fastest manner possible. Not only will you be able to see what other customers are saying, but also identify the issues they had with a particular provider. In the end, what may irk customer A, may not bother customer B at all, so the numbers aren’t everything (some of it is up to the discretion and needs of each individual).
5. Check their qualifications
Unless you’re going to a smaller auto body stop, expect them to have several employees with varying backgrounds. So it helps to ask for their qualifications (hint: look for any certificates that may be hanging on the walls). If they have been in this business for years, this is a great sign. A good way to go about it is to talk to them and gauge how they treat you. Upon the first sign of unprofessional conduct, consider taking your business elsewhere.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision is yours to make. As long as you stick to a renowned auto body shop such as Center of New England Collision and follow the tips presented above, it won’t steer you wrong. Best of luck in your search!