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We are not a DRP shop. DRP stands for Direct Repair Program, and auto body shops that are part of a DRP work for the insurance companies, not for the customer. Auto Hut does the job of keeping customer satisfaction in mind, without cutting corners.
Always, Research Before You Repair
Google reviews are useful sources to get a sense of a shop’s quality based on customer reviews but take the online reviews with a grain of salt. You’ll want to pay attention to well-written, thought-out reviews—not nasty one-liners—since even the best businesses can end up with an unhappy customer from time to time. You may also be able to find discussion forums specific to your vehicle’s make and model where forum members can recommend good shops in Brampton.
Ask the Right Questions
When choosing a body shop, “You go in smart,” and ask some key questions.
Does the shop provide a written warranty? And if so, for how long? What does the warranty cover?
In my experience, a one-year warranty is the minimum that every auto body shop should provide. We provide a lifetime warranty in our shop. It does not matter if it is bodywork or a complete paint job. In Brampton, many shops offer lifetime warranties as a selling point, but that isn’t realistic when it comes to actually doing the work.
Most of the time, the stipulations and conditions those warranties require are more restrictive than the majority of people can adhere to, so basically, the warranty becomes useless.
Another key question is whether the shop carries fire and theft insurance.
You want to be sure you’re covered if your car is destroyed, stolen, or burglarized. Don’t forget to ask how long the shop has been in business. Make sure it has a business license.
You will also want to know about the materials the shop intends to use.
Are new, used, or aftermarket body parts going to be used? New parts are obviously the best, and used parts are fine, though they don’t offer the savings people imagine. Depending on the damage to your vehicle, aftermarket parts can save a lot of money and can be just as good as the ones that come from the original manufacturer.
If the paintwork is involved, ask how many coats of paint and clear coat the shop intends to use.
Ask if your body shop is using advanced technology to match the color. We’ve had customers come to us after having the work done elsewhere and then asking if we could fix the color difference.
Keep Your Existing Manufacturer’s Warranties Intact
Ask your chosen auto body shop if any mechanical repairs will void or alter any existing warranties you may have on your new or recently purchased car. Factory warranties on engines and accessories may be compromised if your car needs mechanical repairs following a collision, so be sure your car’s factory warranty isn’t being compromised with aftermarket or used parts or repairs that otherwise aren’t manufacturer-approved.
Key Takeaway
Overall, check if the car body shop is working for the customer and focus one hundred percent on the restoration of your vehicle. Now you must be wondering why I am saying this. Unfortunately, some auto body shops—the ones that tend to favor insurance companies—will routinely downplay claims, minimize auto repair costs, and use cheap parts. These practices can devalue your vehicle and put your safety at risk without you knowing it.
So, choosing a body shop should always be your choice, not your insurance provider.
