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Dispatching A Few Myths About Collision Repair
One of the biggest misconceptions about the new-car industry concerns collision repairs.
Dealers frequently hear from customers who have made poor decisions after they've had an auto accident. Bad decisions can lead to higher costs, inferior repairs and a reduction in the value of their vehicle.
In many cases, customers said that they didn't know their options, and if they had known the many benefits offered by new-car dealers, they could have avoided a lot of extra time, expense and hassle.
After an accident, motorists feel anxious, confused and vulnerable, and they often make emotional decisions without knowing all the facts.
Knowing your rights and planning ahead will put you in a better position to make informed decisions about collision repairs.
Why are so many consumers confused? I believe it's because two popular myths persist: the first is that insurance agents have the right to tell consumers where to take their vehicles to be repaired; the second is that new-car dealerships are more expensive than independent collision repair shops.
Both of these points are wrong.
The first thing consumers should know is that it's their lawful right to choose where their vehicle gets repaired. Some insurance claims offices or agents may try to influence your decision when selecting a repair shop. They often try to refer you to one of their "preferred" shops.
Don't let an insurance agent, however well-intentioned, convince you to have your car fixed at a shop against your will.
If you choose a new-car dealership that isn't approved by your insurance company, your insurance company may tell you that it cannot efficiently handle your claim. This is a classic steering tactic. Consumers should be aware of it and they should not be intimated by it.
Insurance companies may also say that they will not warranty any collision repairs if you take your vehicle to a non-preferred shop or to a new-car dealership of your choice. Well, this is another pressure tactic.
As a consumer, you should know that a new-car dealership is well equipped, its technicians well trained, and it knows your vehicle best.
Second, new-car dealerships are not more expensive than independent collision repair shops. Collision repairs are highly competitive in price, and the pricing structure for all collision repair work is dictated by the marketplace, and pricing is fair and reasonable, considering the unique advantages that dealerships offer to consumers.
If you're comparing independent shops with new-car dealership shops, don't base your decision solely on price.
Choosing the lowest price is never a wise idea.
For instance, an independent shop may exclude one or more of the labour operations from its estimate, or it may include the use of non-Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or replacement parts, in the repairs.
For overall value of service and quality of workmanship, the most trusted and reliable place to bring a vehicle for collision repairs is a new-car dealership.
The advantages in choosing a dealership are many, and include:
? Dealers know your brand of vehicle better than independent shops;
? Dealers utilize specific mechanical and collision brand technology that is required by the manufacturer;
? Dealers have access to the latest manufacturing specifications and repair information for your make and model;
? Dealership staff has specific training/product knowledge, as well as brand-specific technical service manuals on site;
? Dealers will repair your vehicle to the manufacturer's specifications and safety standards;
? Dealers are held to the highest government, health, safety and environmental standards;
? Dealers have modern facilities and amenities in which to repair your vehicle;
? Dealers perform all mechanical and collision repair work; no mechanical work such as wheel alignments or special diagnostics is farmed out to the cheapest source;
? Dealers use original equipment parts, which ensures the structural integrity of your vehicle and maintains its investment;
? Dealers provide all warranty information and lifetime guarantees;
? Dealers offer other services such a shuttle transportation, high-profile location, car rental access, quick estimates, fast turnaround times, etc.;
? Dealers meet all government-approved guidelines for the safe disposal of toxic substances;
? Dealers have a vested interest in performing quality repairs at a competitive price and treating customers fairly ? they want to maintain long-term relationships with customers.
As part of the planning process, you may want to contact your local new-car dealership to discuss the various services it offers in detail.
You may also want to contact your insurance agent to discuss your auto insurance policy so that you are absolutely clear on what it covers.
If there are issues with your automotive repairs after they're done, it's better to deal directly with your new-car dealership collision shop.
In this case, you can hold one repair facility responsible for both warranty and collision claims, and the responsibility would be on your dealership to find a solution and not blame one of its suppliers.
So, if you find yourself in the position of being involved in an automobile accident, don't let others dictate how and where your vehicle will be repaired.
Do your research and consider the many benefits that new-car dealerships have to offer. Be an informed consumer so that you can make confident decisions about your vehicle repairs.
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