If you’ve been in a car accident, one of the repercussions is having to deal extensively with finding a panel beater to fix the damage. There are many professionals in this business, so it can be challenging to choose one, especially with such an important task at hand.
In this article, we will examine five essential tips for choosing the best panel beater in Melbourne. That way, you can get back on the road and back to your everyday life as quickly and efficiently as possible without spending too much time and money.
Table of Contents
Read Reviews and Ask Around
The first place that most people go to when they need a service performed is the Internet. Perhaps, though, a better starting point is reaching out to the people you know. Many people need the services of panel beaters at some point, and you can trust the others in your life to give you a candid assessment. If they don’t have personal experience, they may know someone who does.
There’s nothing wrong with looking online at reviews as well. In fact, they can be very helpful. Be sure to check several sources and read multiple assessments in the low, middle, and high-star ranges. That way, you can get a more complete picture of others’ experiences and assess for yourself from there. Remember also that people who have had negative experiences are more likely to leave reviews.
Check Their Certifications and Qualifications
Now that you have a list of reliable panel beaters in your area, you may be able to eliminate some based on their certifications and qualifications.
The most important thing to make sure when selecting which one of the panel beaters in Melbourne to hire is that they are fully qualified and certified. As far as qualifications, the most prominent professional organization is the Australian Motor Body Repairers’ Association (AMBRA). If your panel beater is a member, that is an excellent sign that they know what they’re doing.
In addition, you should be able to find out which training program your panel beater attended. I-Car programs have an outstanding reputation. In most places in Australia, panel beaters must also hold a license. You can look them up online on government websites.
Make Sure That Your Quote Is Detailed and Clear
Any repair person that you work with should give you a quote before beginning any work on your car. It should be apparent as to the services that will be performed, what those services cost, and the estimated final price.
Be sure to ask potential panel beaters about how extra costs might be incurred. See if there are ways to mitigate them before you sign any paperwork or allow the shop to start working on your car.
Get a Warranty
A good panel beater should offer you a warranty on all of the work they do. This gets more and more important the more complicated your repairs. They should cover the parts, labour, and any associated services with the warranty.
Many businesses will offer a warranty upfront. Be sure to have a conversation about what it covers. If there is not a warranty written into the contract, you may need to request one and be sure that it covers everything you need.
Have a Timeline
You definitely want to have a conversation with your repair shop about the timeline. This is especially true if you rely on your vehicle to get to work, transport your kids to school, or other necessities. In addition, you may be able to continue driving your car while waiting for parts to come in.
Discussing a timeline can help prevent conflict and stress down the road. It ensures that you and your panel-beater in Melbourne are on the same page from the beginning.
Get Your Repairs Done Right
By going through all five of these steps before signing a contract or allowing anyone to work on your car, you can save yourself a great deal of time, money, and energy. One thing is for sure; the accident itself was stressful enough. You don’t need the repairs to be too. Follow the tips in this article, and you’ll be good to go!
Read Also: How A Good Lawyer Can Help You With A Car Accident Claim