Why You Should Use Your Local West Chester Collision Repair Shop Instead of a National Chain

Dean Westchester

The coronavirus has taken over 2020, but despite the stay at home orders and quarantine mandates, collision repair is considered essential. That means all 3D Collision Center locations are open and serving our local communities. Many people are starting to realize that independently owned businesses can offer more personal customer experiences as well as helping support the immediate community. For example, going to/ordering out from a small family owned restaurant is going to go a long way,  more so than if you were to go to a huge national chain restaurant.

When it comes to auto body repair, the level of service and quality is no different when comparing high production chains vs the independently owned or local shop. As long as people are still driving, there will still be accidents and cars will still need to be repaired. But how do you choose a collision repair shop and know they can fix your car properly?

repair estimateHow do you choose what body shop to use in West Chester?

When it comes time to choose a collision repair shop, we usually are already overwhelmed as a result of the accident and tend to go with the first choice or closest shop. However, it’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly because your repair is crucial for your future safety.

Most modern cars are made with safety technology features (also called ADAS or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) meant to help you avoid a collision. These smart computer systems and sensors all working together have also caused the increased cost and complexity of collision repair. With ever new year, new makes and models are released from the varying different manufacturers which means each collision repair is as unique as the person driving the car. This is why it’s important that each technician researches and follows the latest and most up to date manufacturer collision repair protocols. These are called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) guidelines and they are released in order to maintain your vehicles integrity and designated functions.

Unfortunately, not all body shops will follow these repair guidelines so they can save time and money. National body shop chains or high production shops are notorious for cutting corners just like looking up the manufacturer procedures. This means your repair is more than likely incomplete, unsafe all while the outside looks new and fixed.

Worried man and mechanic working on carFaster and cheaper repairs do not always mean better

It is normal to lean towards the shop that promises your car will be returned quicker or your repair will be cheaper, however you might want to take a closer look at what the time and cost savings really means. These high production shops will often write your estimate hundreds of dollars less, but this usually means there are missing steps that could put you and your passengers at risk. In fact, most states do not require any form of certification for a repair technician which means there is no required training or certification to monitor and ensure safe repairs. The smaller independent shops rely on obtaining these certifications because not only do they care about your safety, they care about quality and doing things the right way.

Your safety is our priority at 3D Collision Center and when we receive a car in our shop that has had previously performed, unsafe repairs, we immediately know how to handle the situation. We of course will notify you, our customer, and guide you through your options. There are some times we have to declare the vehicle a total loss or have to update the repair estimate to include the additional required repairs. At the end of the day, an incomplete repair is an unsafe one and we can not in good conscious allow you back on the road until your car is completely repaired.

Car being worked on

Know the right questions to ask

Any decent body shop will be happy to answer any and all questions you have regarding your collision repair, estimate or insurance claim process.

Here at 3D Collision Centers, it’s our promise to deliver safe, complete, and quality repairs in a hassle-free and timely manner. We strive to repair every vehicle to pre-loss condition while providing every customer with an outstanding collision repair experience. All 3D Collision Center technicians have the information, knowledge and skills required to perform repairs for the ultimate benefit of our customers.

Between the latest and greatest training and our 35 years of experience, you will only ever receive the most complete and safe repair.

If you are in need of collision repair services and would like to get an online quote or schedule an appointment, visit our website or feel free to give us a call at 877-692-7776. We are happy to discuss what measures we are taking to keep both our staff and customers safe.