Choosing the Right Body Shop

There are about 35,000 body shops operating in the US.  As one might expect, they are not all created equal.  By many accounts, perhaps 10% to 15% are outstanding in the industry.  AGC is one of those outstanding shops. 

For most people, next to their home, their car is their biggest investment. They depend on their car for everyday transportation, to get family members to work or school and take care of important errands.  They need transportation that is dependable and safe.  That’s why choosing the right body shop, like AGC Collision, is so important. 

A reputable body shop employing trained, competent technicians, following recommended repair procedures, using the proper tools and equipment, and operating in an ethical manner can make a  big difference not only in how your car is repaired, but equally important, how you’ll feel about driving your car afterwards.

The average person can’t tell if a shop has the proper tools and equipment or not.  But there are a few things you should look for, and questions you can ask.

First, look at the shop’s work area.  A relatively clean, organized shop is a sign of professionalism.  Just because body work can sometimes be messy and dirty, doesn’t mean that the shop should look that way.

Next, look for plaques or certificates stating the shop is a current member of the local Better Business Bureau or are members of local, regional, or national trade organizations such as a state auto body association.   

Ask what kind of training the shop technicians have had, or if they are certified or recognized by some entity.  Here are some examples of what to look for:

• Factory Training:  Some car manufacturers provide their own collision repair training.  AGC Collision has received factory training from Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW and Tesla.

• I-CAR Training:  The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, more commonly known as I-CAR, is a not-for-profit international training organization dedicated to improving collision repair.  They are the premier training entity for the collision industry in the US.  AGC Collision has achieved the highest level of I-CAR training signified by their Gold Class status.

• ASE Certified:  The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, more commonly known as ASE, works to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive repair professionals.  AGC Collision employs several ASE Certified technicians.

• OE Certification / Recognition Program:  Some vehicle manufacturers have shop certification or recognition programs.  Each has their own criteria.  Be sure to ask the shop if it participates in a certification or recognition program for your brand of vehicle.  AGC Collision has received OE certification from American Honda (including Honda and Acura), Ford, Nissan, Infiniti, Fiat-Chrysler, GM Collision Repair Network, Tesla, Maserati, Volvo, BMW Factory Trained Technician program, Jaguar and Land Rover.

• Third-Party Certifications:  There are some third-party organizations within the industry that have their own certification programs.  Be sure to ask your shop about third-party programs and the program’s criteria.

• Paint Companies: Lastly, look for certificates of completed training from paint companies and see what brand and of quality paint is used by the shop.  AGC Collision uses BASF Glasurit paint exclusively.  From a company founded in 1888, Glasurit was first used for automotive applications in 1964.  In the ensuing 50-plus years, Glasurit has become BASF’s premier paint line offering world-class quality, unsurpassed durability and European-style gloss.

Be sure you are comfortable with the body shop you choose and are reasonably sure that it will provide a safe and proper repair for your vehicle.  You will have to live with the results of its work for a long time.  We’re sure you will find AGC Collision to be the right choice for you.