It’s common for people to look for a deal, because that’s just what makes the world go ’round in our capitalist economy. From doctor’s visits, dentist visits, to mechanic visits and more, we’re programmed to find the best value for the money we pay. Unfortunately, most people just don’t plan on having to spend money on cosmetic upkeep of their vehicles which can make visiting an auto body shop a pain in the pocketbook. What’s even more frustrating is the relatively high deductible payment for an accident (commonly $500–ouch!). Here’s some insights into how you can add value next time you’re at an auto body repair shop:

Get Some Free Cosmetic Maintenance

1. Light scratches that can’t be detected when you run over them with your fingernail are most likely buffable. Many body shops will try to charge for refinishing when all the panel needs is a little rubbing compound and a buff; ask the body shop if they will provide this service for free with other services you’re paying for.

2. Headlamps become cloudy because the manufacturer’s UV coating has either worn off or just wasn’t very good in the first place; it’s a pretty common occurance here in Las Vegas. The quick lube stores offer to buff your headlamp, which can restore shine but it doesn’t restore UV protection–it does the opposite; ask your auto body shop if they can apply a clear coat to your headlamps…this is also something that you can ask for with other services, and it’s not very costly, in fact it can be free.

Collision

1. When you get into a crash, you have a lot of stuff to set up that you may not have much time to do. As a general rule, get the body shop to do as much of this as possible for you; a body shop can set up a rental, do claims assistance, obtain payments, and much more with direct communication to the insurance company; all of these things help free up your time and make the repair a much less stressful ordeal for you.

2. Avoid parking lot/drive by repairmen that will take money from you and leave your car in worse condition which often makes the repair more expensive because the body shop has to remove repair materials to perform the work properly. If you have someone approach you and tell you they can fix your car in your driveway or parking lot, beware because it’s most likely going to cost you a couple hundred dollars AND THEN you’ll be taking it to a reputable body shop to get it repaired correctly.

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