What questions to ask Medford Auto Body before your next repair!

There can be lot going through someone's head when they need repair work done on their vehicle. Where do you go? How much will it cost? Can you trust the repair shop? Let Medford Auto Body take the guess work out of choosing a shop. And next time you need repairs/upgrades, you'll know exactly where to go!

First check out the reputation of the repair shop!

 

Check out the repair shop in question online-Does the shop have good reviews? Have there been specific issues in the past?  Check their social media (Facebook), Yelp page, website, etc.

Does the insurance company have good things to say?

Word of mouth? Have friends, family or acquaintances talked positively about the shop? Negatively?

 

 

Then, go to the shop for an estimate and get the answers you need.

 

 

 

Do you need an appointment for an estimate? 

Most places will not require an appointment for estimates, but be aware that some do. However at Medford Auto Body we take walk ins! Free estimates are given Monday through Friday, except major holidays.

It's also not a bad idea to get another estimate if you are unsure on pricing or the repair shop. Then you will have peace of mind for whichever shop you choose.

All of our estimates are put into writing before the repairs start; you will also be given a copy for your records. It gives a breakdown of what needs fixing, labor and parts cost.

The car isn't drive able, how do you get it to the shop?

If the car repair is going through insurance, the insurance company will most likely set that up for you. However, we do work directly with a towing company that will be able to make the process easier. We can call and set it up for you too.

A lot of repair shops do have their own tow trucks too.

 

 

What parts will be used in the repair?

 

CAPA parts

OEM part

There are all different qualities and prices for each car. Some are better than others, but we offer OEM, after market and LKQ. Check out the blog here to learn more and decide what is best for your car. We will suggest what may be a better option for each estimate.

 

 

 

What kind of work does the shop do?

 

Side scoops- can do small upgrades to any car!

A lot of shops do insurance work. At Medford A.B., we don't stop there! We do restorations on all types of cars (including fiberglass), small and large upgrades to your car, large and small repairs, etc. Just come in and ask us, we love to say yes! You can even get work done that isn't included in an insurance claim while your car is here. That can help save time and multiple trips.

 

Will your vehicle be inside or outside while being worked on?

Usually, the cars are kept inside while being worked on and uncovered. Once the repair starts, the car is left indoors where it is safe and dry.

 

What about paint matching?

Water based paint

Painting a car

Cars come with a factory paint code that all painters have access to. This allows the painter to get the "recipe" for your car's color. However, time and sun can affect the color on the car and a freshly painted panel may look a bit off. So, painters "blend" the adjacent panels of the car so your naked eye can't tell there is even a difference in color.

At M.A.B., we use a water based paint system for all repairs. This allows the color to be matched even more precisely than a solvent based paint, while being better for the environment! Check out more information here!

How long will the repair take?

Every repair is different and varies in time and price. However, most shops will allot 5 hours per day for business days only. Things that factor into timing: time for parts to come in, extent of damage, if there is underlying damage not seen at first, how busy the shop is, holidays, if the car is drive able, etc.

All of those factors take time, but we try to make it as quick as possible, while still maintaining quality.

Does the repair shop offer rental vehicle while you car is being worked on?

Some shops do offer this service and some are contracted to a rental car agency. At M.A.B., we don't have this service, but we do work with Enterprise Rent A Car. If you find yourself needing one, we can set up reservations, have an employee drop off a car for you at our shop and then you can leave the rental at our shop and drive away in your own car! Just one less thing to do during the inconvenient process of auto repairs.

Does the shop offer a warranty on all repairs?

Usually insurance companies warranty the repairs made on the car. Some shops stop there and are comfortable with that coverage. However, other shops go a step or two ahead and will warranty for a few years or life on top of what the insurance company already covers.

At Medford Auto Body(M.A.B.), we guarantee the repairs for life, or as long as you own the car. If there is ever trouble with the repairs or you have a question, stop by or call us!

Are there any promotions or deals to help save you money?

At Medford Auto Body, we run deals seasonally to save on your deductible. Check in or on our Facebook page for more information! We can also work directly with you to choose parts that work with your budget.

How should you pay?

Most shops will take a check, debit card or credit card. Come check us out and find a payment that works best for you! All payments need to be paid in full prior to leaving with your vehicle.

What about car washing? 

Most shops clean the outside, and sometimes the inside if it was a hefty repair, of your car before returning it to you. However, some automatic car washes may be too harsh for your new paint job so soon after. Ask what the shop recommends for your repair, some may differ based on depth of repair, and also if you want to wax the car.

Some more questions to ask that are specific to each shop:

Is the shop familiar and comfortable with repairing your make/model vehicle?

What are the hourly rates for labor?

Do they do any specialty work? (Disability vehicles, custom upgrades, restorations, etc.)

Check out our Facebook page, our website, call or stop in to check out our pictures and ask any other questions!