1. What Kind of Warranty Comes with Your Auto Body Repair Work?
The first question you should ask any body shop is if they offer any type of warranty on their repairs. If they do, find out how long it lasts and what it will cover. At Fender Mender, we offer a lifetime warranty on all of our repairs for as long as you own the vehicle.
2. Do You Have Rental Cars on Your Lot, Or Do You Provide Loaner Vehicles?
You rely on your car every day to get you back and forth to work, to the grocery store, and to pick up the kids from school. When your car is in an accident and has to stay at the shop to be repaired, you need to find a repair shop that makes it easy to find a rental car so you can get back to your normal life in no time. Our Fender Mender locations are conveniently located next to or near a local Enterprise Rent-A-Car location. An Enterprise employee can pick you up at our shop, meet you with a vehicle, and when your car is repaired, they will return the rental car for you.
3. How Long Will the Auto Body Repair Take?
This is a very subjective question because every repair is different. Before you agree to leave your car at a repair shop though, make sure you have a reasonable estimated completion date. The nationwide average repair time is about 2 weeks, all depending on the damage, how busy the shop is, how many technicians are available, and any upcoming holidays when the shop will be closed.
4. Will the Paint Match the Rest of my Car?
Most of the time, your car will have a paint code on a plate somewhere in the door jam, in the trunk, or under the hood. This paint code gives the exact color of the manufacturer’s paint for the repair shop to match. At Fender Mender, all of the paint we use is mixed on-site to factory specifications, so any touch-up or repair paint job will match the rest of your car.
5. Do I Need to Schedule an Appointment?
Some car repair shops will require you to schedule an appointment before you bring your car to the shop. Here at Fender Mender, we know that you do not plan for a car accident, so we are here to help at any time. You are welcome to schedule an appointment and guarantee someone is waiting to help when you get here, but our doors are always open to anyone.
6. Will You Put Everything in Writing?
You have the right to ask for a written estimate, so you have, on paper, what you have agreed to pay for your repairs. When you pick up your car, also ask for an itemized bill of everything that was done, from labor costs to the costs of parts. Review that bill and do not be afraid to question something that seems wrong. The auto repair shop should be able to explain every line item on that bill and why the cost is what it is.
7. What Is the Payment Policy?
Reputable auto repair shops will have payment policies that let customers know their labor rates, warranty information, and acceptable forms of payment. Our Fender Mender locations accept credit card, debit card, cash, money order, cashier’s check, or a check from your insurance company.
8. How Often Will I Receive Updates About My Car’s Repair Status?
Find out how much communication you should expect with your auto repair shop throughout the duration of your repair. Will you need to contact them? Will they provide you with updates? How will you know when your car is ready to be picked up? Fender Mender will contact you through your preferred method, either email, call, or text, midway through the repair process to let you know how things are going and then again 2 days prior to the estimated completion date. We want to keep you updated and informed throughout the entire repair process.
When you are in an accident or just need car repairs, don’t necessarily go to the first auto repair shop you find. You need to go to a body shop that you trust. Be sure to ask questions, do your research, and find the right shop for you. If you have any additional questions about Fender Mender, please feel free to reach out to us. We want to keep you, your family, and our community safe by putting safe cars on the roads.