Choose a Collision Repair Shop

How to; and not to choose a body shop after a collision.

Steps

First read the warning! Now that you understand why you need to find one and not use the insurance recomended shop: Check with the BBB and ask around. Good people to ask are mechanics because they are more likely to know who not to take it to.
When you seek out a repair facility, ask about certified techs; it helps to know that they have been through an educational or manufacturer program. Make sure the tech that will be working on your car is a certified welder if structural panels need to be replaced. Make sure the shop offers a written warranty, preferably lifetime (as long as you still own it). Ask what type of parts they will be using; original equipment, junk yard, or aftermarket.

When you get to the body shop, walk around the parking lot and look at the cars that are waiting to be delivered. Look at the finish, can you see two different colors? look at gaps, fender to door; fender to hood; are they even? Ask for a tour of the facility, if they won't give you one, walk away!
Never ever put used suspension parts on your vehicle. These parts came off a vehicle that was totaled out and you don't know what kind of stress they were put under.

What are “DRP” (Direct Repair Program) shops?Insurance companies have many different names for their DRP shops, (service first, pro shop, blue ribbon shop, etc.) They will try to sell you on the many benefits of using these shops, but, you should be aware of the reasons why you’re insurance company wants you to use these particular shops.DRP shops have usually entered into an agreement with an insurance company whereby the shop will have agreed to:1. Provide substantial discounts to the insurance.2. Limit the scope of repairs as defined by an insurance company representative (hidden damage may be left unrepaired).3. Exhaust the use of aftermarket; reconditioned; or junk yard parts and materials before using original equipment from the manufacturer.4. Back the insurance company in the event a dispute develops between the vehicle owner and the insurance company. In return for these concessions and support the insurance company “directs repairs to that shop”.We are not saying that DRP shops will do inferior repairs. We just want you to be aware of the underlying motives when an insurance company is referring or “steering” you to a specific shop or group of shops. What are aftermarket parts?An aftermarket parts is an imitation part. There is extensive evidence to show that these parts are substantially inferior in fit, finish, corrosion resistance, and crash integrity.