Auto Body Shop question

How would you go about picking an Auto Body shop?

There are 2 that came recommended. I was told that I would get the same final product from both shops. The insurance company HIGHLY recommended both of these. 1 of the companies has 22 employees and can probably start working on the car next week, the other place has 12 employees and can't start working on the car for 2 weeks. Basically it's the size of the place and the number of employees that can get it done faster. That's not really a concern since the car is driveable. Anyway, I'm just concerned with the finished product. I want it to look the way it originally looked. The one company seems to have the fancier this and that, etc. but the other "supposedly" does the same great work.

Anyway, if you had 2 to choose from how would you choose? I'm stuck! Thanks!

Re: Auto Body Shop question

Anytime I've gone looking for Auto Body Shops, I go with who the Insurance Company recommends and then just pick whichever is closer to my location - horrible I know.

Well, the first time I did that my car was a mess! Nothing looked good - the car was white and for some reason they managed to have 3 different shades of white on the car. They had to fix it free of charge until I was happy. Needless to say - it just kept getting worse.

Umm...luckily I got into another accident with that car and chose the auto repair shop that was down the road from my accident. Wow! This guys was AMAZING. Not only did he go above and beyond on the damage to my car, but - whoa - the colors matched!

Needless to say from there on out we've used them for anything and everything. When I had to get my glass replaced, I called them for a rec. When I was car hunting I was concerned about the colors not matching - I "test drove" the car over to his shop and asked his opinion. DH uses him for minor things also.

With that being said, of those two shops - it was the smaller one that excelled!

Message edited 3/28/2007 1:46:07 PM.

Re: Auto Body Shop question

Since my Dad owns a Body Shop, I would go by rec. and how close it is to your house. Also if you go and get an estimate you can get a feel of the place.

Most auto bodies creep me out for some reason.

I wouldn't go by # of employees.

Re: Auto Body Shop question

Since both came highly recommended by your insurance company, talk to people in your neighborhood and see if you can get any feedback from them.

Re: Auto Body Shop question

i would go by how quickly they can repair the car and how convenient their hours are.

Re: Auto Body Shop question

If your car is leased the dealer will give you reccommendations. My dealer and insurance company negotiate it. I drop the car off a literal wreck and it comes back looking like its brand new.