By law, you are allowed to take your vehicle to your preferred licensed collision repair shop after your car has been in an accident. You do not have to use the body shop that your insurance company may recommend to you. However, while you can use any shop you want, you need to take the time to find the repair service center that is ideal for you. Asking a few questions can help you find a shop that fits your needs. Here are three important questions to ask if your car needs collision repair services. 

Do You Offer a Warranty for Your Repairs and Paint Job? 

One of the first questions that you should ask an auto body shop is whether they offer a warranty for the repairs they complete, including paintwork. No company is perfect and mistakes can be made. You want to ensure that you hire a collision repair service that will stand behind their work and make things right if a mistake is made. Most repair shops will offer a warranty for their work so call around to inquire about the length of the warranty and what is included in the warranty. 

How Long Will It Take to Repair the Vehicle? 

Another important question to ask if your car needs collision repair services is approximately how long it will take to repair your vehicle. You may be renting a car while your car is in the shop or trying to get by without one. As such, you want to know how long you will be without your vehicle. This is especially important to ask right now, as there can be supply chain issues with car parts. Always ask a repair service if they are experiencing supply chain issues and how that may impact the amount of time it takes to repair your car. 

Where Will the Car Be Stored While Repairs Are Taking Place? 

Lastly, you want to take the time to ask where your car will be stored when it is not being worked on. Some collision repair services will secure your car in their locked garage when the auto body shop closes for the evening. Some have a secured lot in the back where your car is stored. Others may store your car in their parking lot or even on the street. You want to ensure you know where your car will be stored and how secure it will be when the auto repair shop closes for the evening. 

Asking the above questions can help you to find collision repair services that offer the services you need and will keep your car safe in the process. Reach out to local collision repair services to ask these questions and inquire if they can make the needed repairs to your vehicle.