September 19, 2019

As a result of natural occurrences such as storms, rust, and corrosion, harsh sunlight, or unexpected events like automobile accidents, your car can be damaged. It’s important to find a collision repair and refinishing body shop that will get your car back to top shape and have you back on the road safely and efficiently.

The most common mistake drivers make is thinking they can only go to the shop their insurance company suggests. However, it is Iowa State Law that a customer can choose any facility they prefer. Select the body shop you want to work with based on their credibility and skill.

When to Start Shopping for a Body Shop

Start shopping before you need one because you can make better, more informed decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic. Talk to your friends and family to see who they recommend. Always try to visit the shop before making the decision on who will repair your vehicle.

At the Shop

When searching for a shop, look for:

An Organized Facility

How the shop looks is the first indicator of the business’s professionalism and cleanliness. If it’s busy, it can mean they are a quality choice for repairs. By watching how employees communicate, how the boss delegates, and how quickly the staff works can help you justify or reject getting your car serviced there.

Great Customer Service

Once at the shop, ask how long the shop has been in business and its training requirements for employees to know if they’re well-experienced. Take note when talking to an employee on how courteous, helpful, and willing the staff is to answer your questions; professionalism is an indicator if the shop values your service. If their background is acceptable, ask if the shop handles your vehicle’s make and model.

Awards and Certifications

For confirmation, check the shop’s walls and its website for civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, and customer service awards.

In addition to the awards, you should find trade school diplomas and certificates of advanced coursework training from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR). Many vehicle manufacturers require specific repair procedures and equipment for the repair of their vehicles. Therefore, it’s important that the facilities can perform the repairs on your vehicle.

After you have chosen your body shop, all policies, guarantees, and methods of payment should be posted or explained to you clearly and satisfactorily by one of the company’s employees.

Why Choose Waln

The principles at Waln Repair and Collision Center are quality, honesty, and integrity; those principles have guided our business since we opened in 1998. As a family-run business, we are directly accessible to our customers just as a small business should be.

Our customers can expect to be served by experienced, highly skilled staff who provide the quality car-care they need. Waln Repair & Collision understands the stress that accompanies an accident. We will do everything possible to get our customers back on the road safely. We are proud of the reputation we have developed as an honest, professional, and caring business. Trust us with your next repair.