At some point or another, you are going to need auto repairs. This means you need to know how to select a good auto body shop.

When you discuss this question with people with automotive experience, there is one piece of advice that you hear again and again. It is to find a good auto body shop before you actually need one. There are several reasons for this. One is that if you wait until you need the auto body shop, it might be because you have just been involved in an accident. Your beautiful automobile is banged up, and you are going to be stressed. Hardly the best time to be making an important decision. The possibilities of going astray under these circumstances are too many.

When you pre-select an auto body shop, you approach your investigation at your leisure and when your head is clear. It is possible to take the time to ask around among your friends and business associates about any recommendations they might have for you. A good report from a friend who has had dealings with the shop can be invaluable. People involved in the automobile industry generally have opinions on good body shops. This could be servicemen at your local gas station, or even salesmen at used car dealerships.

It is also possible to visit the shop, and this is a good idea. Introduce yourself, and ask a few questions. Let them know you are a potential long term customer. During this visit you can get clear answers to what should be a long list of items that can be used to compare different shops. Does the shop perform all services? If not, which ones are performed there, and what are the recommendations and methods used to handle things such as glass repair or repainting?

Payment arrangements are an important factor in selecting an auto body shop. How the technicians are paid does not have a lot to do with the quality of their work. Despite this, it is you that is going to have to pay if you need their services. Do they accept checks? Are they able to take credit cards? Do payments have to be made in advance, or large deposits paid before work begins? Are installment payments a possibility?

Many people are drawn to the major chain type of auto body shops. They are fancy, modern, and clean. They generally are full service. They might even have a lounge where you can sit and sip coffee and watch television. It is sometimes in those small shops located in an old garage where the masters of auto body repair and restoration can be found. Do not make the mistake of letting the buildings fancy exterior overly impress you.

Ernie Yetis is with AutoBodyShopStop.com - providing auto body repair information.