Angie's List

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― If you've ever been in a car accident you know that repairing any damage can be a big hassle.



But it doesn't have to be. In this week's Angie's List, Jim Donovan tells you what you can do to make it a little easier.



A car accident can cause major damage to your car in an instant!



But fixing it can take weeks, even months and it can be expensive.



So what should you be looking for when it comes to choosing a repair shop? Here's some advice from Angie.



Did your ruin your paint job in a car accident? Maybe you need a dent removed. Either way, you should research your repair center before deciding to get any work done.



"Well typically people don't have a regular relationship with their auto body shop. Hopefully they are not having accidents that regularly. So doing your homework on an auto body repair shop is going to be important. Checking with services like angie's list and friends and family will give you a list to start with, but get three estimates," said Angie's List founder, Angie Hicks.



And your best bet is to fix that damage fast.



"One of the biggest mistakes auto repair companies tell us that consumers make is they wait to make repairs. So if they have accident, they wait and may end up with rust on the spot which just leads to more costs in the repair work," said Hicks.



Angie's List asked some of its highly rated auto technicians for tips on handling the repair process:




Never take a chance on an unknown repair shop or mechanic, whether you're paying the costs up front or your insurance company is taking care of it. The time you spend shopping · around and comparing at least three different places is time well spent because you may never have to question where you'll turn next time.



· Regardless of how long you've used a certain mechanic or auto repair shop, communication early and often is the key to swift and sure repair.



· Initial inspections can sometimes miss hidden damages to the vehicle, and you should be alerted to extra costs as any new repairs are identified. Before you authorize any work to be done, get a written description of the work to be performed and be sure that the repairs will be guaranteed with a written warranty.



· After the repair, your vehicle should look and run the same as it did before the accident. If after you drive away, you notice any problems, drive right back to the shop. If you can't get there right away, write down a description of the issue and take the car back to the repair center as soon as you can.



· While it might be tempting to avoid shelling out money for costly repairs to correct minor damage, it's in your best interests to have those repairs done quickly and correctly, experts say. In some instances, driving a damaged vehicle can lead to a traffic citation. In a worst-case scenario, those "minor" issues can cause an even more serious car crash.

 

Angie's List offers tips on finding a reputable auto shop:

 

Get multiple estimates:

Three should do. The insurance company might have companies they recommend, but be sure to get estimates from companies you know and trust. If one estimate seems way out of line compared to the others, ask why. Ultimately, the choice on where to get your vehicle repaired is yours and you want to hire a repair center that is · going to make your vehicle safe, while preserving the integrity of its resale value.



· Hire a repair center you trust: Look for a repair center with a good history and a professional atmosphere. Ask for a tour of the facility. The staff should be properly trained and have certifications displayed from a trusted national organization, such as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) or National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Ask questions about the repair process and unexpected repairs that might arise. Get estimates for parts and labor up front. Be sure you understand the warranty process. Ask for a written warranty.



· Don't delay; fix your car today: Appearances can be deceiving, so even damage that might appear to be only minor or superficial should still be thoroughly inspected to ensure there is no hidden damage. Driving a damaged vehicle could lead to a costly citation, or worse, another accident.



· Ask the shop to help arrange a rental: Most repairs take two weeks on average and many shops work with local car rental agents. Your repair center should be able to help arrange for a rental to be waiting for you when you drop your car off.



· Kick the tires; twice: Have the repair center explain everything that was done to your vehicle. Check the work closely before you leave. Address any concerns immediately. Request an itemized receipt and check for any work billed but not performed. After you leave, keep a list of any problems you experience and contact the repair center immediately.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

CBS3.com Editor's Picks

• What's Brewing ...
• Eagles Cheerleaders Eco-Sexy Calendar
• Everything Eagles
• Everything Phillies