4 Tips To Help You Save On Auto Body Repairs

Whether you have a small ding or more serious damage to your car, an imperfection can take away from the beauty of your vehicle. Depending on the repair that needs to be done, it can have a big impact on your budget. Fortunately, there are ways you can save on your auto body repairs. 

Consider Salvage Parts

Original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, parts come directly from a car's manufacturer. The parts are often expensive, but they are specifically designed for your car. Since you want to save money, opting for OEM parts might not be the best choice. 

Instead of OEM parts, ask the auto body repair to use generic replacement or salvage parts. The parts are inspected for quality, are less expensive, and usually come with a guarantee. You can also choose to mix parts and use OEM parts on those areas that are a safety concern and use the replacement parts for the most cosmetic areas. 

Check the Auto Body Shop's Complaint History

Before agreeing to allow an auto body shop to repair your car, check its complaint history through a consumer advocacy group. Check the number of complaints within the past few years and the resolution rate to determine just how well the repair shop handles customer issues. 

A poor repair job coupled with the shop's unwillingness to correct the issue could result in even more money out of your pocket to properly repair your car. Be wary of shops that have too many complaints and few satisfactory resolutions. 

Review Your Warranties

It is possible that some of the parts of your car are still covered by warranty. If so, you can possibly file a claim with the manufacturer to have the parts replaced without charge. Contact the manufacturers of the parts to get a full understanding of the claims process before agreeing to have your car repaired.

Require Your Sign-off

Ask the auto body repair technicians for a detailed estimate that explains exactly what is going to be done to your car. Ensure that the technicians are aware that any deviations from the agreed-upon work require your sign-off before started. 

By requiring this, you can help to avoid an overblown bill that is far more than the estimate that you were provided.

Saving money on your auto body repairs is possible. Pay close attention to the details and work with the technicians to find the most cost-effective method of repairing your vehicle. For more information, talk to a company like Auto Body By Duie LLC.