When you are involved in a car crash during the holidays the problems usually last all the way into January. One of the things to worry about is finding a good autobody repairer. This is not just about what is easy or cheap. It is an important decision that affects the safety of the people in the vehicle and other people, on the road. The autobody repairer you choose can make a difference for a long time.
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Today’s vehicles are complex integrated safety systems, a point emphasised by MasterDrive CEO, Eugene Herbert: “Crumple zones, crash bag sensors, anti-lock braking systems and structural integrity all work together to protect occupants.
“Substandard repairs can compromise these systems, leaving a vehicle that looks repaired but is dangerously vulnerable in a subsequent collision.”
He says if people do not do their work properly it can cause bad things to happen. For example the crash bags in a car might not work when they are supposed to. This is because the sensors that tell them when to work might not have been set up correctly. When this happens people can get badly injured or killed.
While policyholders have the right to choose their own repairer, there is merit in considering an insurer’s recommended network. These approved repairers typically offer guaranteed workmanship and adhere to specific safety and manufacturer standards.
Insurers maintain these networks through regular audits of equipment, technician training and repair protocols.
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Herbert says insurance companies want to make sure repair shops are good at their job. This is because bad repairs can mean the insurance company has to pay money when something goes wrong. So if you want to use a repair shop that is not on the insurance companys list you need to check the repair shop is just as good and safe as the ones the insurance company likes. Insurance companies like these repair shops to meet the same standards, as the others.
The complexity of modern vehicles, especially those with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), makes manufacturer certification particularly important.
When you take your car to an autobody repairer with OEM certification you can be sure they have the training and equipment to fix your vehicle. They also use parts, which is important to get your car back to the safety standards it had when it was new. If you use a repairer who is not certified you might lose your warranty.
And what is more important they might not follow the right steps to repair your car, which is the case, with OEM certification of an autobody repairer. This is why OEM certification of an autobody repairer is so important.
For those undertaking their own search, a careful approach is essential. It begins with verifying the workshop’s accreditation and OEM certifications for specific vehicle brands.
One should enquire about their structural repair capabilities, as even minor misalignments from imperfect frame straightening can affect vehicle handling and safety. The recalibration of ADAS features like emergency braking or lane-keeping assist is non-negotiable after bodywork.
A good workshop usually does work and this shows in the place. If they give you a written warranty for the repairs that means they are sure of what they do. The parts they use to fix your car are also very important because they affect how safe your vehicle will be, in the future.
Ultimately, selecting a repairer on price alone is a risky compromise.
“Substandard repairs do not just affect your vehicle’s resale value, they compromise safety: yours, your passengers and other road users,” Herbert cautions.
His advice is to choose meticulously, as “a qualified, reputable autobody repairer ensures your vehicle returns to pre-accident condition, maintaining its safety and value for years to come.”
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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