How to Find the Best Body Shop for Your Car after a Car Accident
Unfortunately, car accidents are inevitable sometimes. Even if you are not injured, chances are that your car will be damaged and you will need to get that damage repaired, especially if the car is not safely drivable as a result of the damages. But how do you go about finding a quality, affordable auto body shop? Lavis Law Firm is here to help answer that question for you. Charles Lavis is a New Orleans personal injury and accident attorney who has been helping clients since 1995.
If you have been involved in an car accident in Louisiana, contact our New Orleans car accident lawyer at the Lavis Law Firm at 866-558-9151.
Research the Reputation of the Body Shop
Just like with any other type of business, online reviews, and a general reputation are important factors when choosing a repair shop. Always take reviews with a grain of salt since not everyone is guaranteed to have the same experience, but if there is a pattern or a vast majority of negative reviews, you may want to consider looking elsewhere. Additionally, ask around. If people you know and trust the opinions of have had a positive or negative experience with a particular place it can help you when choosing a body shop.
Ask Important Questions
Asking questions can help you to make a well-informed decision about which shop you choose. Here are a few important questions that can assist you to make the right choice:
- Are the parts original to the manufacturer or are they aftermarket parts? Are they new?
- How close to the estimate will the total costs be? Is it likely to increase?
- Does the shop offer a lifetime warranty for the car’s performance?
- Has the shop worked with your make and model of car before?
Ask About Certifications
In addition to asking questions related to the specific service you will be receiving, it is a good idea to ask if the auto technicians at the shop are certified with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or any other similarly accredited institutes. Any qualified mechanic should have a certification, and if they do not you may want to reconsider going with that shop.
Check the Better Business Bureau
Aside from just online and word of mouth reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an excellent resource for checking the credibility of a company as it allows people to report a business for unethical business practices. As a whole, auto repair shops rank highly as one of the most complained about companies. Visiting the BBB can let you know if there have been any reports of the auto body shop or if it is in good standing.
Can I choose my own repair shop or does insurance choose the shop?
The owner of the car has the right to select the repair facility.
La R.S. 22:1892(D)(1) When making a payment incident to a claim, no insurer shall require repairs be made to a motor vehicle, including window glass repairs or replacement, in a particular place or shop or by a particular entity.
What is Louisiana Law on OEM “Original Equipment Manufacturer” Parts
La R.S. 51:2424. Disclosure, provides
A. No insurer shall specify the use of non-OEM aftermarket crash parts in the repair of an insured’s motor vehicle, nor shall a repair facility or installer use non-OEM aftermarket parts to repair a vehicle, unless the insured is so advised in writing.
B. In all instances where non-OEM aftermarket crash parts are intended for use by an insurer:
(1) The written estimate shall clearly identify each such part.
(2) A disclosure document containing the following information in ten point type or larger type shall appear on or be attached to the insured’s copy of the estimate: “This estimate has been prepared based on the use of crash parts supplied by a source other than the manufacturer of your motor vehicle. Warranties applicable to these replacement parts are provided by the manufacturer or distributor of these parts rather than the manufacturer of your vehicle.”
A car owner can choose to have their vehicle repaired using OEM parts, but they may need to cover the additional cost difference between OEM and less expensive aftermarket parts.
The insurance company of the driver at fault is obligated to restore the vehicle to its condition before the accident occurs. If using aftermarket parts does not invalidate the vehicle’s existing warranty, then these parts may be utilized. However, if the owner prefers OEM parts, they will probably need to pay the additional cost.
Contact Our New Orleans Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys
If you have been involved in a car accident in Louisiana, contact our New Orleans car accident lawyer at the Lavis Law Firm at 866-558-9151.
If you have recently been in an auto accident and need to find a body shop, Lavis Law Firm is here to help! We currently have four locations in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Harvey, and Metairie. Please feel free to contact our office closest to you to connect with one of our personal injury attorneys. Car accidents are a headache, but the aftermath shouldn’t have to be. Reach out to Lavis Law Firm today!