You can’t trust your car to just anyone. However, after a car crash, you usually don’t have time to painstakingly research different repair shops and mechanics. You have to find the quickest, most convenient option.
Most people performing crash repairs in Brighton are meticulous professionals who will make your car look as good as new. However, sometimes you will get a repair shop that just cares about taking your money, or you might catch a good mechanic on a bad day.
If you’re not satisfied with a car crash repair, you have options. Don’t be afraid of making noise until your car is repaired to your specifications – your safety is at stake.
Table of Contents
Inspect the Car – Before You Pay for Anything
The best time to catch a shoddy repair job is before you pay for something. Thoroughly look over your car’s exterior and interior, paying particular attention to the impact site. The repair shop should also let you take it for a short test drive, particularly if you came in with complex damage that affected the interior.
When inspecting your car, look out for any strange noises that it makes as you drive as they could indicate that a more dangerous problem is lurking beneath the hood. You should also check the headlights, wheel alignment, and the ease of steering. These are the most common problems after a complex crash and could lead to another accident if they are not addressed.
Any reputable shop that performs crash repairs in Brighton should let you inspect your vehicle before you pay or sign for insurance. If they give you trouble, stand firm and continue insisting on an inspection – they might have something they are trying to hide.
Take Your Concerns to Higher-ups
If you are not satisfied with the repairs done on your vehicle, ask to speak to a manager or shop supervisor. They are the ones who can authorise any refunds or tell the shop to redo repairs.
During your conversation, be polite but firm. Point to specific problems with the repairs that are giving you pause, and document them if necessary. The manager should offer you specific solutions for how the shop will address your concerns.
You should ask to speak to a manager before you pay as that will make it easier to get the treatment that you need.
Get a Third Party Involved
If you are not able to work it out just between yourself and the auto body shop, then you can involve an independent party to support you.
Ask for a post-repair inspection by an informed independent inspector. They can be someone from your insurance company or another expert. Most reputable auto body shops freely provide inspection services themselves so they should not deny this request. An inspector can verify the quality of the repair job as well as the quality of the initial assessment.
Your insurance company should also help you in a dispute, even if you went to a shop that is out of its network. It can send an agent to try and mediate your concern or withhold payment on your behalf to the shop until your car is restored to its original condition.
Complain
If you cannot succeed in getting the shop to repair your car to your satisfaction, you can at least try to get justice for your experience or your money back.
Depending on where you live, you can complain to an official governing body that will support you if you take legal action to get your money back or even cover your repairs at another shop. Crash repairs in Brighton are protected by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce that can help you get an official inspection report.
If all else fails, write a detailed review explaining the mistakes in your repair experience. You can help other customers from experiencing the same difficulties that you did.
If you are not satisfied with your post-crash repairs, you don’t have to just accept them. Thoroughly inspect your car and share your concerns with a manager, third-party inspector, or your insurance before paying. If all else fails, complain to a governing body or write a review warning other customers.