5 Questions to Ask a Body Shop Before You Sign

You are allowed to ask

You are about to hand a stranger your car. Most people ask two things: how long and how much. Ask these too. A good shop answers them without getting defensive.

Before you start: the shop is your choice. Texas Insurance Code 1952.301 says so. You are not stuck with the shop a claims rep named.

1. Is the estimate free, and is it in writing?

The answer you want: yes and yes.

A number said out loud in a parking lot is not an estimate. Get it written down, with the parts and labor listed.

2. Which parts are going on, and who decided?

The answer you want: here is the list, here is which parts are new from the carmaker, and here is why.

On an insurance job, your policy usually decides the parts. A shop should still be able to tell you which part is which.

3. Will you blend into the next panel?

The answer you want: yes, when the color needs it, and here is why.

Paint fades with age and sun. Stopping new paint at a seam can leave a visible edge even when the mix is right. Blending into the next panel is how the repair disappears.

4. Do you work with my insurance company?

The answer you want: yes.

You should also be free to pay yourself if that makes more sense on a small repair.

5. How long will it take?

The answer you want: a time once they have seen the car, not a number over the phone.

Then ask the follow-up: how will I hear if that changes? You should not have to call around to find out where your car is.

Answers that should end the conversation

"We can take care of your deductible." That money comes from somewhere, usually a padded bill to the insurance company. That is fraud, not a favor.

"It will never show up on a history report." Nobody can promise that. A police report or a claim can put it there no matter who does the work.

"Filing will not affect your rate." Rates are your insurance company's call. No shop controls that.

Get a straight read

Text us photos or bring the car to the shop in Lewisville. The estimate is free, and you are not committing to anything by asking.