5 Tips To Get an Accurate Post-Accident Repair Estimate

Tony Mers • November 19, 2021

If you ever needed repairs for your car, you know how difficult and frustrating it can be to get an estimate. Aside from all the time that goes into speaking with repair shops, there is the added fear that the mechanics may try to give you an unjust estimate. Here are our five tips for getting an auto accident estimate that can save you a lot of hassle—and hopefully a lot of money too.

1. See if Your Insurance Works With Specific Shops

You may find that your insurance company, like many others, recommends auto body repair shops for repair estimates. Insurance companies often work with these shops. The recommended auto body repair shops, meanwhile, typically provide exceptional service because they want to stay in the insurance company’s good graces.

2. Get Your Estimate From a Repair Shop

While many people may try to get an estimate from outside sources, the best source for an auto accident estimate is usually going to be the shop you regularly bring your car to. You may feel tempted to get your estimate from cheap and fast sources. But you should avoid these “get in, get out” estimates. Getting an estimate from a repair shop is one of the five tips to get an accurate post-accident repair estimate because only professional repair shops can give you an accurate, fair estimate.

3. Do Not Wait To Get Your Estimate

The longer you wait to get your auto accident estimate, the more of a hassle it can become. You want to get your estimate within a week, or sooner, after your accident. Longer waits indicate a higher likelihood that things may be stalled by your insurance companies. If you are looking for the best results, do not wait; get an estimate from a professional repair shop as soon as you can.

4. Ask the Right Questions

If you are trying to determine your quote by visiting multiple body shops, it is vital that you know the right questions to ask the people who make the estimates. By knowing the right questions, you can look for inconsistencies in their assessment and determine if they are a trustworthy source of information.

You should ask about the base price as well as the cost of labor. You should also ask about the turnaround and the business’s payment arrangement. See if they accept cash or card. Ask if they have an insurance deductible. These bits of information will all help you make your decision.

5. Take Note if the Estimate Is Very Low

A very low estimate is a bad sign. Sometimes, subprime-quality shops get deals from insurance companies for making referrals. When you work with these companies, your vehicle may not get the repairs it needs.

Visit River North Collision Repair for collision repairs in Chicago .

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