Factors that affect repair timelines

Timelines for auto body repair can vary widely, and that makes it hard to know what to expect from the process. Sometimes, seemingly small repairs can take weeks to complete due to all of the complicated factors that come into play. There are a few common variables that have the biggest impact on auto body repair time in Southfield, MI:

• Insurance process: Insurers often drag out estimates and repairs to minimize costs and avoid payouts. Insurance companies have to sign off on repair work before auto shops can move forward with their work. The time spent awaiting approval from insurance companies can significantly add to the overall timeline for work. While it’s difficult to speed up some insurance processes, auto body shops can keep everything moving as quickly as possible by working closely with insurers. Shops with a lot of experience working with insurance companies typically offer more rapid turnaround times and speedier repairs.
• Vehicle make and model: The make and model of the vehicle can have an impact when it comes to repair timelines. Certain vehicles are more difficult to repair than others, and parts can be difficult to find for rare models or foreign-made cars. In addition, different makes and models have different engine layouts, programming and accessibility, all of which can influence the amount of time needed to perform auto body work in Southfield, MI.
• Demand for repair services: Auto shops tend to become busier during the holidays, when people bring their vehicles in to be serviced before going on long trips. Accidents are also more likely during the holiday season because of adverse winter weather conditions and increased traffic on the roads. When repair services are in higher demand, wait times tend to increase. While shops often adjust staffing to compensate for rising demand during the holiday months, it’s normal to expect longer wait times during busier times of the year.

Auto body work in Southfield, MI

At Master Tech Collision, we know how frustrating it can be to deal with lengthy auto body repair time in Southfield, MI and we are committed to making the process as easy and straightforward as possible for you. Regardless of what make and model your vehicle is or which specific services you need, our team is here to assist you with comprehensive automotive repairs. Give us a call today to find out more about everything we have to offer and get started with an estimate.

• Find a quality repair shop: For the best experience possible, make sure to find a repair shop that offers reliable service. Research various local shops online to find one that has a good track record, positive reviews from previous customers and a comprehensive range of automotive repair services. Find an automotive repair shop with experience working with insurance companies to make the estimate and claims process easier.
• Keep insurers moving through the process: Insurance companies can be notoriously frustrating to deal with after a collision. Sometimes, this is due to the paperwork and mediation required to settle disputes between drivers and assess liability, but in many cases, insurers slow down the process intentionally to avoid or delay costs. Keep the pressure on your insurance company by following up regularly and demanding timely services in accordance with your insurance policy.
• Be wary of low estimates: Everyone is looking for a good deal, but some deals are too good to be true. If you receive an unusually low estimate from an auto body shop after receiving higher estimates from other shops, proceed with caution. Auto body shops might give lowball estimates to bring in business, only to then ramp up costs with unexpected fees or surprise expenses later on. Choose an auto body shop that offers repair estimates at a price that’s consistent with the average cost for services in your area.
• Don’t use the insurer’s shop without doing research: You aren’t required to use your insurer’s auto body shop, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to. Some insurance companies may use shops with low-quality parts and bad service because it costs less, but that doesn’t mean that you have to use those shops. Get quotes from reliable independent service providers and work with the insurance company to ensure all of the costs for your repairs are covered. To make sure the cost of your estimate and repairs is fully covered, it’s essential to work with a shop that has experience working with insurers.

Insurance estimate in Southfield, MI

Get a professional repair estimate in Southfield, MI from the experienced technicians at Master Tech Collision. We specialize in collision repair for vehicles of all makes and models. Our team will provide you with a thorough insurance estimate and work closely with your insurance company to ensure you receive all of the repairs you need without any unnecessary stress or hassle. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and find out more about what we have to offer.

• Get the scoop from previous customers first: Word of mouth is one of the best tools you can use when you’re looking for the right auto body shop. See what kind of recommendations you get from your friends and family, and then go to review sites like Yelp and Google for more information. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to find out their rating. Look for patterns in the reviews—if one person has a bad experience, but the rest of the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, that’s a good sign.
• Consider the location: If the shop is in a ritzy location and has a lot of front office staff, they may be charging higher prices to support their costs. It’s worth checking multiple locations to see if the estimates vary drastically.
• Get multiple estimates: Speaking of estimates, don’t settle for working with the first shop you call. Once you call a few auto body repair shops, you’ll have a better idea of the range, and which estimates are on the ends of the bell curve. Ask exactly which repairs they’re estimating for—are they going solely by the evident damage, or are they estimating for work they might have to do?
• Ask a lot of questions: When you get an estimate, take the time to ask questions. Ask how they come to their estimate figures (many shops use a reference book that gives specific time frames for each repair), whether they have fire and theft insurance, what their warranties are like and what kind of materials they’ll use (new, aftermarket or otherwise). Ask how many paint coats they apply and whether they use clear coat. You can also ask about what recourse you have if you’re unhappy with the work.
• Trust your gut: Finally, always trust your gut. If a shop’s owner or employees seem shady or dismissive, you’re not obligated to work with them—even if your insurance company recommends them. There will be many more shops who would be happy to do the work the right way.

With some preparation, you’ll be able to choose the best shop for your auto body repair needs.

Learn more about auto body repair in Southfield, MI

Master Tech Collision is a full-service auto body shop in Southfield, MI for all makes and models. Our certified specialists work with all OEM products and aftermarket parts. We will be happy to offer a no-hassle, free estimate for all your collision repair needs. If you need vehicle repairs after a collision, get in touch with us today!

Insurance companies that offer a list of their preferred providers are doing so under the guise of being helpful, but they have a business relationship with those shops. Even if they offer to guarantee the work, you can safely assume that they’re getting some benefit out of the deal—and that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best work possible. You have the right to choose your auto collision shop in Southfield, MI, so you should focus your search on quality over convenience. Here are some tips:

• Ask around: When trying to find a good shop, it’s worth asking your family and friends if they’ve had any good (or bad) experiences they can share. They’re more likely to provide the unvarnished truth.
• Research your options: The internet can provide a wealth of information, including customer reviews on sites like Yelp or Google. While any business will have some negative reviews, look for a pattern of praise or negative feedback to get an overall sense of how the shop is regarded.
• Get estimates from your top picks: Once you’ve narrowed your choices down, ask them for estimates. You want to make sure they’ll do the most thorough job while considering cost.
• Consider cleanliness: Believe it or not, a shop’s tidiness can reflect how they do business. Dirty, messy and cluttered shops indicate a lack of professionalism that could extend to how they treat their repair duties.
• Trust your gut: Above all, trust your instincts regarding whether a shop can and will do the kind of work you need. Although cost is always a factor, you should expect to be treated professionally and honestly. If you feel that the shop’s representatives are uncommunicative or unhelpful, there are many other collision shops that would be glad to do the work you need.

Get auto collision repair in Southfield, MI

As a consumer, you have the right to shop for and choose the collision shop you would like to do business with. That’s why our goal at Master Tech Collision is to provide not only the best quality auto collision repairs in Southfield, MI, but also dedicated customer service that anticipates your needs. Master Tech Collision is a full-service auto collision center handling repairs for all makes and models. Our certified specialists work with all OEM products and aftermarket parts. We will be happy to offer a no-hassle, free estimate for all your collision repair needs. Call us today so we can take care of your vehicle’s repair needs and get you back out on the road.