If you are seeking custom auto body work for any reason (e.g. your car was damaged in an accident), your initial reaction may likely be to contact your local vehicle restoration shop. However, you shouldn’t settle for just any custom auto body shop or instinctively choose the shop that your insurance company recommends. Depending on the type of car you own and other factors, one business may be a substantially better option than another. It’s always important to conduct extensive research on the type of repair work you can expect to receive, and part of this process entails asking specific questions.
Top Questions To Ask When Selecting A Custom Auto Body Shop
There are several different questions you may have in mind for your custom auto body shop. However, here are five questions you should especially consider asking:
Do You Have Experience Working On My Vehicle Model?
Some auto body shops only have experience working on certain car models and types of vehicles (classic, vintage, muscle, etc.). Therefore, you should be sure to verify that your chosen shop is familiar with your car model and its unique characteristics and features (e.g. regular engine vs. hybrid engine, transmission type, safety features, number and type of doors, etc.). For example, a 2009 Toyota Camry and a 2019 Honda Accord have notably different features. Some cars even have varying features in their models from one year to the next.
Do Your Repairs Or Restorations Include A Warranty?
Although many custom auto body shops offer warranties for repairs or restorations, (just like vehicle manufacturers do) this is not always provided. If a shop does offer a warranty, it is important to inquire about all of the details of this offering, including what it covers, how long it is valid, and whether the warranty is included in the total cost of repairs. For instance, some repair warranties do not cover paint finish deterioration caused by body rust, scratches, abrasions, acid rain, chemicals, or waxes. Certain warranties may also become void if any aspect of the repair work is altered by an entity that is not authorized by the body shop.
Do You Have A Custom Auto Body Shop Portfolio I Can Review?
One of the most effective ways of seeing a custom auto body shop’s level of experience with repairs and restorations is to request a portfolio of its work. This will allow you to see what types of vehicles the shop has worked on, what its repair or restoration process entails, and which tools and technologies it uses to perform its work. A portfolio may also reveal a custom auto body shop’s specialty areas (e.g. tire repair or paint jobs).
Are Your Estimates Exact?
As with virtually any other service, it can be disconcerting to have to pay significantly more for a vehicle repair job than the amount that was listed on your estimate. The more precise a quote is, the more trust you will likely have in the shop. Be sure to also ask if there are any additional fees you should expect to pay for work on your car.
Are All Of Your Mechanics Certified?
A certification is an indication of a higher level of knowledge acquired thanks to courses and/or training. A certified mechanic or technician also often knows how to use certain advanced technologies, in addition to being knowledgeable about the tools and materials typically used to repair or restore a car. Distinct certification programs even exist for different vehicle models, so this can also give you an added level of reassurance.
Other questions you can ask a custom auto body shop include, “how long will the repairs take?” and “will my vehicle be covered for damages while in your auto body shop?”
Speak To An Experienced Custom Auto Body Shop
Reach out to the experienced professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia to learn more about which questions to ask a custom auto body shop. We have experience working with several different types of vehicles, including vintage, antique, and muscle cars.
Robs’ team can perform anything from minor collision repair to full body replacement, as well as custom paint jobs and engine swaps. Our restoration process typically begins with frame repair. This is because a straightened frame is essential to allowing a car to circulate properly on the road. Afterward, we can restore a vehicle’s interior (seats, console, etc.). We can also disassemble parts and replace them with higher-quality alternatives and perform rust repair. Call Robs Customs & Restorations today at (703) 552-5001 or contact us online for a free estimate or to learn more about our services.