Don’t Let Your Mechanic Wreck Your Bank Account

You get into an accident, file a claim with your insurance company and get a settlement check to help cover the repairs. But when your mechanic walks out of the workshop, he quotes you a total price twice the amount of the estimate you received from your insurance adjuster with hidden damages and extra fees. Do you foot the bill or walk out?

Here are a few things to consider before digging into your wallet to cover unexpected car shop fees:

• Find out what kind of history the car shop has. Talk to previous and existing customers in the area. If you have friends and family in the area, try to get a recommendation from someone you trust. If you’re new to an area or can’t find a recommendation, check customer reviews online and compare ratings for several mechanics in the area.
• Check the place out for yourself. Is it clean? Is there a long line of cars sitting on the lot, waiting to be repaired? Are the mechanics experienced? Find out how long the employees have been there – if a shop has an unusually high turnover rate, it could be a very bad sign indicating poor integrity or other problems.
• Get a thorough estimate. This includes a cost of parts and labor plus any additional hidden fees. Scan your estimate for vague descriptors such as “cost of fluids.” Depending on the problem and the type of car you have, you could face an addition $50 or more in fluid replacements that weren’t calculated in your original estimate.
• Do some research. If your mechanic sounds like an auctioneer as he’s spouting off what the repairs will entail, ask him to slow down and explain the processes to you in simpler terms you can understand. If you still can’t grasp what he wants to do to your car, take notes and research unfamiliar terms, average costs and other questions you may have online.
• Talk with your provider. Many carriers recognize that there could be hidden damage and will “reinspect” the vehicle in conjunction with the body shop and try to hash out the difference.
• Compare quotes. Until you sign an itemized estimate, a mechanic is not authorized to perform any repairs or charge you for anything. If an estimate seems too high, or if you suspect you’re being charged for unnecessary repairs, get a second opinion.

Many top providers offer services to help you locate a trustworthy repair shop as part of the claims process – work with your licensed agent to find out what’s available in your area. Remember that you have a voice – and a choice – in choosing a repair shop.

Source: AutoInsurance