3 Questions Everyone Should Ask Their Car Repair Shop

River North Collision Repair • May 9, 2024

You always want your car to look its best, especially if you recently got into an accident or need to repair some general wear and tear. Typically, the best way to get it looking new again is to take it to a body shop. When your car needs attention for dents, scratches, or bumper repairs, the professionals can take care of most of the tricky stuff for you. However, to have peace of mind and remain in control, you need to know these three questions that everyone should ask their car repair shop when bringing a vehicle in.

Can I Get an Itemized Estimate?

A common fear people have when it comes to getting any professional vehicle work done is the technicians doing something they didn’t ask about. If this happens, the bill can suddenly rise far greater than you originally expected. Asking for an itemized estimate allows you and your technician to go over exactly what they’re going to be doing and how much they anticipate it’ll cost in the end.

This estimate should clearly outline the labor, parts, and any other fees involved in rectifying the bodywork on your vehicle. This can minimize surprises when the final bill arrives and ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the expected work. However, try to remember that it should be an estimate. Sometimes things may come up that change the number a bit.

Is There an Estimated Timeframe?

Your time is valuable, and you probably want your car back in a timely fashion so that you can handle your transportation needs more effectively. One question that everyone should ask their car repair shop is whether they have an estimated timeframe for the job. A reputable car repair shop should offer a realistic timeline for when your car will be ready.

Regular communication about timeframes with your body shop can help you know how the shop handles unexpected delays. You can rest easier knowing you’re in the loop when it comes to the communication process. Having an estimated time frame for the job duration helps you arrange alternate transportation if necessary, reducing any inconveniences.

What’s Your Warranty or Guarantee Policy?

Costly repairs and services are always a bit less stressful when you know there’s some sort of safety net. It’s never a bad idea to ask your body shop what their policy is on warranties or guarantees for services. If you get some work done but then hear a strange rattling from your new bumper, you want to know they’ll be willing to fix it without charging you again.

Any conversation you have about these guarantees should cover the extent of coverage, including what types of repairs they’ll cover, the duration of the warranty, and any conditions or limitations. A shop that stands behind its work with substantial warranties is not only confident but also prioritizes your satisfaction and peace of mind.

When you need a Chicago body shop that meets all your needs, trust River North Collision Repair. We’ll exceed your expectations. No matter what type of bodywork your vehicle needs, we prioritize your satisfaction above all. Don't settle for anything less than our exceptional skills and customer service. Contact River North Collision Repair today!

< Older Post Newer Post >

Mail

Why Ignoring Small Dents Can Lead to Bigger Problems

January 30, 2026

It is an awful feeling when you walk out to your car after a long day and see a small dent on your passenger door. While it may appear to be just a cosmetic issue, you should still get it fixed, because ignoring small dents can lead to bigger problems for your vehicle. Don’t let small dents on your car go untreated; let's talk about why you need to tackle these issues ASAP. Rust Loves Chicago Winters We all know the drill here in the Windy City. We have beautiful summers, sure, but we also pay the price with brutal winters. And what comes with winter? Salt. Tons of it. Your car’s paint job acts as a suit of armor protecting the metal body underneath. Even a minor dent often comes with microscopic cracks in the paint—sometimes too small to see with the naked eye. Once that seal is broken, moisture and road salt sneak in. They settle against the bare metal and start a chemical party you definitely don’t want to host. Oxidation begins immediately. By the time you notice bubbling paint or that tell-tale orange stain a few months later, the rust has already been eating away at your door panel from the inside out. Resale Value Takes a Nosedive For many people, maintaining their car is a valuable part of purchasing a new vehicle. When that day comes, curb appeal is everything. Used car buyers (and dealership appraisers) will judge your car by its exterior appearance. If they see a vehicle riddled with door dings, bumper scrapes, and ignored scratches, they see a car that wasn't cared for. They assume that if you didn't care enough to fix the outside, you probably didn't care about the rest of it either. It lowers the perceived value instantly. Maintaining your car’s body and its paint is an investment in your future trade-in value. Paint Damage Spreads Like a Virus When a dent or scrape compromises the integrity of the paint, the surrounding paint loses its grip. High-pressure car washes, wind, and temperature fluctuations cause the paint to flake away from the initial injury site. A scratch the size of a quarter can grow into a patch the size of a softball over a couple of seasons. It’s Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think Here is the good news: fixing these things early is surprisingly affordable. Modern body shop technology is amazing. For many small dings where the paint isn't cracked, we can use techniques that massage the metal back into place without spraying a drop of paint. River North Collision Repair offers paintless dent repair in Chicago to fix minor dents. Regardless of what nicked your door, we can help remove the dents and maintain a seamless look for your vehicle. Don’t Wait for Problems Don't let minor dents turn into a big nightmare. Save your future self the headache (and the cash). Swing by River North Collision Repair for your quick and easy repairs. Because driving a car you’re proud of? That’s a feeling you can’t put a price on.