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How to Get an Auto Body Paint Repair Quote Online
If you have recently been in a fender bender, had your car scratched or found your car otherwise damaged, it’s helpful to know how to get an auto body paint repair quote online to save you time and money. There is no need to drive from shop to shop in search of the best estimate when you can receive one online for free. It’s not a complicated process, but there are a few steps you should take to receive the most accurate quote from your home computer. With the Internet at your disposal, finding a reputable auto repair facility at the best price has never been easier.
Assess the Damage
First off, you should have an idea as to the extent of the damage to your car. Ask yourself the question: Is it in need of collision repair or is it a cosmetic fix? Collision repair is a more involved procedure, especially if it requires structural adjustment or a lot of work on the body. Cosmetic fixes can be completed in a relatively short amount of time, such as key scratches, minor scrapes, dings or bumper damage. If you have a basic idea of what needs to be done, you’ll be able to discern between a reasonable and an excessively high repair quote.
Get an Online Quote
If you car requires a cosmetic fix, an online quote is very easy to receive. You probably won’t even have to submit any digital photos of the damaged portion, unlike for collision repair, but you will have to indicate the location and the extent of the damage. It may be that a scratch or ding extends into a second or third panel of your car’s body, or the damage is close enough to another panel requiring a blending of the paint. If there is damage in more than one location-even if only cosmetic-the quote will be higher simply because more time will be involved in the repair. Likewise, if there is both collision and cosmetic repair needed, it will be assessed at a higher rate due to the more extensive damage.
For cosmetic repairs, an interactive map allows you to select the areas needing a repaint. Collision repairs require the vehicle identification number (VIN) as well as uploaded photos to assist the estimator. After you provide your name and number-which will be kept private-you will be directed to a list of participating auto body repair shops in your area that will then review your record and offer a quote, usually in 24 hours or less. Normally, you will receive three different quotes to choose from.
Choose an Auto Body Paint Repair Shop
Once you select an auto body paint repair shop, make an appointment and take your car in for repair. Online auto body repair estimates are very accurate, although the repair shop will inspect your car upon taking it in to make certain the online estimate was thorough. If there are any additional charges, you will be fully apprised of them beforehand.
Getting a quote online for auto body paint repair is a quick and convenient way to determine the price of a repair, and it can end up saving you both time and money. Online estimators are timely and accurate and offer you competitive quotes from several repair shops in your area.
