Getting an Estimate For Auto Body Repair

When you need car accident repair services, you must look for the best place to get your auto body repair done and receive an estimate for the work that makes the process affordable and reasonable. As you search for an auto body repair estimate, there are a few things that you should remain cognizant of during the process. You may not be familiar with the process, but you need to understand what you are looking for so that you can get your car back into perfect condition.

Are You Filing an Insurance Claim in Iowa?

Before you look for an auto body repair shop, you need to decide if you are filing an insurance claim or not. If you are filing a claim, you need to go through your insurance company.

You also need to get the car assessed by an adjuster. The adjuster can total out the vehicle if it is in such bad condition that repairing it is more expensive than simply buying a new one.

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Should You Schedule an Appointment?

You should call the auto body repair shop and schedule an appointment so that they have time to review the vehicle and give you a complete estimate. If you drop into an auto body shop, you may need to wait a short bit before someone can take a look at your car. When you make your appointment, ask the staff how long it takes to complete an estimate. They will give you a window of time, and you can leave your car for an estimate or wait.

What Goes Into an Auto Body Estimate?

An auto body estimate includes several parts because the shop is doing more than a simple repair. The auto body repair shop must bring that part of the car back to life, install new parts, paint the vehicle, and ensure that the paint blends with your current paint job.

When you get the car collision estimate, it should have all these items listed for your review. For example, they might need to order a new bumper because the current part cannot be repaired properly.

Each section of the vehicle will have a similar breakdown, and you should review that information before signing off on the repairs. You will see a subtotal, and you should consider how much your insurance deductible is. If your deductible and the repairs are about the same price, you may forgo these repairs because you are paying out of pocket while your insurance carrier collects your deductible. If the repairs are far more expensive than your deductible, you should approve the repairs because you are getting what amounts to a massive discount on these repairs.

Does Your Estimate Include Vital Components?

Your estimate might include vital components that you need to repair properly, or your estimate might include surface damage that can be repaired. If you are filing an insurance claim, you will get everything repaired to perfection.

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Car Accident - Auto Body Repair Shop

How Long Does the Estimate Last?

You should ask the auto body repair shop how long their estimate is good for. The document likely says so, but you should ask if you have seven days, a week, a few weeks, or a month to decide. This gives you time to decide if you are going through insurance or out of pocket.

A car collision estimate may change because the parts or paints you need are not readily available. The options can be researched and discussed.

How Long Will the Repairs Take to Complete?

When you schedule accident repair services, you need to know how long it will take to complete the work. You may need to leave your vehicle with the shop for a short period of time, or you may need to wait for all the parts to become available. You can also schedule multiple repair appointments depending on your schedule and needs.

Get Your Car Repaired With Confidence

Take your car to an auto body repair shop for repairs after an accident or incident but ensure that you use these tips to get the most out of the process. You want to know how long it will take to get an estimate and how much it costs. You should also ask the estimator how long it will take to start and finish your repairs.

As you know, we are the best auto collision repair shop in Marion, Iowa.

Contact us today for a free estimate

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Michele Nibaur Kruse
Michele Nibaur Kruse
20:58 13 Dec 23
I wanted to take a minute to shout out a BIG "Thank You" to Sarah, Wade and the entire team there!! We've been going to Wade's Auto for quite a few years now and absolutely love their quality of work and their determination to do a great job! Even when there is a little hiccup and miscommunication (on my part too) in repairs, they went above and beyond to make things right!! I truly appreciated their kindness and compassion when I reached out to them regarding my concerns!! Thank you for the great customer service and taking the time to listen!! Merry Christmas to you all, and cheers to a happy and prosperous New Year!! (Please check Wade's Auto Collision out if you ever need body repairs)
Amanda Sutton
Amanda Sutton
19:29 19 Nov 20
Wonderful customer service and I was very pleased with how my vehicle turned out.
Paul R Strang
Paul R Strang
23:26 14 Jul 20
They did a fantastic job! I'm very happy with the repair and the timely manner it was completed. Great Customer service as well.
Morgan Brislawn
Morgan Brislawn
02:35 26 Jun 20
We have used Wade’s a few times now and every time our vehicles come out better than expected. Wades is always a fun and professional and very fair place to work with by far the best in the state
Missy Rochelle
Missy Rochelle
02:19 26 Jun 20
Took my car there to get hail damaged fixed. They had it looking brand new in just a short amount of time. Everybody that works there is super friendly and they gave me step by step on what they were doing with my car. I’d give more than 5 stars ⭐️ if I could!
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