Auto Body Assistance: 4 Tips For Saving Money

Tony Mers • September 6, 2018
auto body repair services

There are approximately 6 million car accidents every year across the United States. Some of these crashes are minor, but some can be absolutely devastating. Approximately 72% of vehicle incidents, however, result in property damage of some kind. And that's where auto body repair services enter the picture.


There are plenty of auto body shops across the country that provide top-of-the-line collision repair, but some can be quite expensive. Here are some great tips for saving a few bucks when you’re in need of auto body repair services:



  • Make sure the shop is ASE certified -- The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the major certifying body for automobile mechanics in the United States. It's important to bring your damaged vehicle to an ASE certified shop so you know you're getting quality service and aren't being ripped off.

  • Visit or call before you get work done -- Not enough people visit or call a repair shop before actually dropping off their car. Swing by the shop and take a look at some of the vehicles on the lot to see if they are in good condition. The shop will likely be extremely welcoming and you'll be able to talk to the staff about their expertise.

  • Get estimates -- It's best to shop around a little bit and get a few estimates in order to find the best deals. The best way to save money when dealing with auto maintenance is to not spend a fortune at the shop itself, so do a little research beforehand and find out how much you're going to have to pay.

  • Get a code reader of your own -- If you have your own vehicle code reader, you can perform your own diagnostics and save a significant amount of money. Whenever a light goes up on your dashboard, there is an on-board diagnostics code associated with it. You can purchase an automotive code reading device to help you understand what is wrong with your vehicle, and whether or not you need immediate repairs.


If you want to learn more about finding legitimate auto body repair serviceshere in Chicago, give River North Collision Repair a call today. We'll help you repair your vehicle without bankrupting you in the process.

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