Finding a reputable auto body shop is vital if you want to get the quality results that you need. However, it can be a little more challenging than you think to find the right auto body shop. The size of the automotive collision repair industry is significant. According to Grand View Research, the auto body repair industry is valued at about 34.3 billion as of 2019. With this many options, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some tips for narrowing down your options and choosing the best auto body shop for your beloved vehicle.

1. Ask About Certification

During your search for a reputable shop, you're going to come across a lot of different sizes of shops. There are small shops that have just started out, or shops that are classified more as “street mechanics” rather than strictly professional. One of the ways to weed through your options is to ask about the shop's certifications. You can instantly cross off your list any shops that don't have the proper certifications.

2. Ask About Licensing

If a shop isn't licensed to do business in your state, cross them off the list as well. A reputable shop will take the time to get licensed by the state and pass the qualifications needed to do business. If they're not licensed, then there are likely other shady practices going on behind the scenes.

3. Ask About Their Cost Breakdown

Budget always plays a role in choosing an auto body shop, but here is a tip about costs you should follow. Don't look for a shop based on cost alone. A reputable shop will know their value, and they'll charge accordingly. They'll keep the pricing fair, but they won't use flimsy materials to keep their costs down. Sometimes a price that seems too good to be true is because the shop uses subpar materials. Beware of any shop that is offering a much lower price than the rest.

4. Ask to See a Portfolio

A reputable shop is proud of their work and they have the pictures to prove it. Ask the shop you are considering if they have a portfolio of previous work that you can view. An impressive portfolio is a good indicator of what kind of work you can expect.

Reading the reviews of previous customers can reveal a lot about an auto body shop and its performance. It's important that you do your due diligence when choosing a reputable body shop for your auto repair needs. For an auto body shop that provides quality services every time, give Victory Auto Body a call today