What to Do When Your Car Wasn’t Repaired Properly After a Collision

Car owners should be aware of their rights when it comes to getting their car repaired after a collision. All too often, people take their car to a body shop, only to find out that the repairs were not done properly. If this happens to you, there are some things you can do in order to get the situation resolved.

INSPECT YOUR CAR AFTER REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED

The first thing you should do is inspect your car once the repairs are completed. Make sure to look over the entire car, paying close attention to any areas that were repaired. Make sure that the wheel alignment is correct, the headlights and taillights are properly aligned, and that there are no gaps or unevenness in the body work.

DISCUSS THE PROBLEMS WITH THE BODY SHOP

If you do find problems with the repairs, the next step is to discuss them with the body shop. Be sure to let them know exactly what problems you have found, and be specific. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the problems, if possible. This will give the body shop a clear idea of what needs to be fixed.

REQUEST A POST-REPAIR INSPECTION

If the body shop is unwilling or unable to fix the problems with your car, you may want to request a post-repair inspection from a certified mechanic. A post-repair inspection verifies that the repairs were done correctly and that your car is safe to drive.

CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY

If you are still not satisfied with the repairs, your next step should be to contact your insurance company. Explain the situation to them, and let them know that you are not happy with the repairs that were done. Your insurance company may be able to help you get the situation resolved. Be sure to include as much information as possible, including pictures of the problems and copies of any paperwork related to the repairs.

FILING A CLAIM WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

If you have tried all of the above and you are still not satisfied with the repairs, your last resort may be to file a claim with the Better Business Bureau. This organization works to ensure that businesses are operating fairly and providing quality services. Filing a claim with the BBB can sometimes pressure a business to make things right.

WRITE A REVIEW

Finally, once the situation is resolved, be sure to leave a review of the body shop if you feel strongly about the experience you had. Be specific about the problems you had and what was done to resolve them. This can help warn other customers about potential problems and help ensure that they have a better experience.

BOTTOM LINE

The bottom line is that you should not have to settle for less than perfect repairs after a collision. If the body shop has not done their job properly, be sure to take action in order to get the situation resolved. You deserve to have a car that is safe and looks great, so don’t let poor repairs stand in your way.