Ask an Expert: Finding a reputable auto body shop

by John and Theresa Kightlinger

It’s important to find an auto body shop that is reputable. Being able to trust the business that you bring your car to is essential. Luckily, it’s easy to find out if a body
shop is reputable or not. There are certain things to look for when it comes to finding the most prestigious auto body shop. The following can help you determine if an auto body shop is right for you.

Reviews. The first thing you should do when searching for a body shop in your area is to look at available reviews. Often, when somebody has either a good or bad experience with a business, they will write a review online that details their experience. These reviews are a great resource for you when you’re searching for a body shop. If an auto body shop is highly reviewed and seems to have many satisfied customers, this may be a good indication that you will have a good experience there, as well.

Qualifications. When researching possible body shops to patronize, make sure to look at the qualifications of the technicians who are employed at the shop. Often, this information can be found on the body shop’s website. You want to be sure that the technicians who work on vehicles are trained in the latest technology and are highly qualified in vehicle maintenance and repair. If an auto body shop employs experienced technicians, you can feel confident that your car will be properly cared for.

Word of mouth. It’s usually a good idea to ask people you trust about the experiences they’ve had with local auto body shops. If you have friends or family in your area, consider asking them if they have had experience with the auto body shop you’re interested in. Their experiences can tell you a great deal about what you might be able to expect. If they’ve had positive experiences and were happy with the services they received, chances are that you will have a good experience, as well.

Certifications. Often, auto body shops hold certifications in certain areas of vehicle maintenance and repair. Before choosing to work with an auto body shop, check to see if they have certifications. This may tell you something about the level of training that they require for their technicians. A prestige auto body shop’s certifications also may reveal something about the standard to which they hold their work.

Communication. When it comes to quality service and customer care, communication is key. A good auto body shop will communicate clearly about the repair and maintenance to be completed on your vehicle. They also will communicate clearly about the estimated cost for repairs. Making sure that you get an estimate in writing is important. This allows you to be sure that there’s transparency throughout the process.

John and Theresa Kightlinger own My Body Shop at 401 N. Clinton St., Stockbridge. The couple have lived in the area and raised their children here over the past 20 years. John has been in the auto body business since 1985, and Theresa began work at General Motors after high school. Between the two, they have been working on cars for more than 75 years.