Auto Body Shop Career Guide and Counseling

Question: The auto body shop did a bad job. Can I refuse to pay deductible? I recently had my truck's tailgate replaced by a local auto body shop. The did a bad job and released the truck to me with one part still on order (they ordered a part for the wrong model year). Without going into the many ways the shop made mistakes on the job, I'm wondering if I'm still obligated to pay the deductible? I'd even be willing to not go back for the last part if I don't have to pay the deductible.

Answer: you should make your insurance carrier aware of the problems, it is their job to make sure you are satisfied.

Question: How much would it cost at an auto body shop to replace a Nissan Altima 2000's front bumper? A bumper costs about $130 but with the matinence fee, how much will it end up being if I take the car to an auto body shop?

Answer: 40.00 for paint. 40.00 for clear. 80.00 for prep and installation.

Question: Is it illegal to take my car back from the auto body shop without them knowing? I had just recently taken my car to a "mom and pop" auto body shop two weeks ago. From the time I got the estimate, until the time I actually put it in the shop I have been having difficulty. I owe more than he quoted me by $400. I am a very resourceful person. Is it illegal for me to drive my car off the lot without them knowing, and then pay the total later?

Answer: Uh...theft of services if you remove the vehicle from the shop with the service bill unpaid in most places. Can go straight to the police and file charges in most jurisdictions.

Question: What is a good way to find a good auto body shop? Is there a website or approach to finding a good auto body shop in an arbitrary location? Most people say "ask friends" but if you are new to an area, is there another way?

Answer: Many Insurance companies have lists of "approved" shops. All those shops do, to get on a list, is give that particular insurance company special rates, etc., in order to gain business. They are not necessarily better than any other shop. For a good body shop you need to look for a clean, mom and pop shop that has listed testimonials and has been in business for a number of years. I would stay away from big chain shops. People's credibility is hingent on their customer testimonials and the duration of their business. Sometimes you can learn alot from a company's website, if they have one. Many body shops put their testimonials right on their website. Others will proudly list the number of years that they are in business, etc. Good luck. www.harrisonbodyandradiatorshop.com

Question: Where can I find an auto body shop in Los Angeles, CA which offers financing or pay in installments? A friend of mine suffered an auto accident recently, but she has not kept up paying her car insurance premiums. Therefore, it was canceled. Now she has no insurance and no money to pay up front. I would like to know if there is an auto body shop in the L.A. area which gives a payment plan in paying in installments or some sort of financing plan? Let me know ASAP! Thanks a lot.

Answer: THERE ARE MANY PLACES LIKE THIS BUT THEY DO NOT HANDLE THIS THROUGH THEIR COMPANY BUT RATHER FARM IT OUT TO A THIRD PARTY AND THE INTEREST RATES ARE ABOUT 23.5 PERCENT. YOU WOULD BETTER OFF TRYING TO GET A PERSONAL LOAN.

Question: Do i need to repair my car from the auto body shop suggested by insurance company? Another car hit my car from the rear it damaged to my car's rear bumper.it was not my fault other party's insurance company send me to an auto body shop(their own choice) for estimated cost done on my car.They send me the estimated cost directly to me.Is it necessary to go to the same body shop for repair on i can go by my choice.other persons insurance company is Ameriprise.

Answer: My wife and I just encountered this situation 1 month ago. We called our insurance company and they advised us of who they recommend. We took the car to the body shop they recommended and the car came out looking better than before the accident. If your insurance company recommends the same body shop as the other company, then visit them in person and check out their work. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO USE THE BODY SHOP THE OTHER COMPANY RECOMMENDS..................

Question: How do I get my car out of the impound/auto body shop? I was pulled over, arrested, lost my job and my car was towed to an auto body shop who is now trying to charge me 1,500 dollars for almost 3 weeks of storage. The tow and original fee only added up to about 200 dollars, I could of borrowed that but now with storage its out of the question. Does anyone know any other way to get my car out?

Answer: You have been introduced to the 'shady' world of 'legalized' auto theft. You need to find a GOOD LAWYER ASAP or the towing company will 'lien' your car, you can't pay, and they will 'assume' ownership based on the fact that you 'abandoned' the car. It's a SCAM and RIP OFF. Of course they can charge you storage fees, but $1500 is really excessive and you need to find an attorney now if you want your car. It may have to go the route of a lawsuit. The only other suggestion I can offer is to get in touch with David Horowitz "FIGHT BACK"... http://www.fightback.com/ and see if he can help you. Just tell them what you said here, and that this practice is nothing more than legalized auto theft. Try contacting your local TV news station as well, as they usually have resources to help their viewers 'fight back'. Sometimes just a call from a TV New station is enough to get them to 'release' the car or renegotiate the amount owed. The threat of lots of negative publicity might get them to back off. You may to have to borrow the money somehow to get your car back, then go back on them with a lawsuit to recover your funds.

Question: Where is an auto body shop in Spokane? I need to find an affordable auto body shop to repair my vehicle in Spokane WA. A place where repairs can be done in quality and a timely manner. What recommendations can be made?

Answer: I had similar problems last month and was glad I got my repairs covered under my extended warranty. They are if you don't buy them from the manufacturer. http://www.americaschoicetoday.com/Auto-Warranty.html

Question: where is the best and the cheapest auto body shop in tijuana? Hi I got an accident in San Francisco last week. The hood was damage and need to be replaced with a new one. The frame of the car was pushed in little bit and need to be pushed it out. The grill was gone and both head lights need to be replaced as well. It will cost me $1,300 to fix. I am thinking to fix it in Tijuana. Does anyone know what is the best and the cheapest auto body shop in Tijuana? Btw, I am asian, and I don't speak Spanish. Thanks

Answer: asian in mexico...... dude good luck you should pay a english/ spanish speaker when you go

Question: can an auto body shop paint a piano? I have touched up some dings and scratches on a baby grand piano and now it need to be painted. I don't want to spray it with aresol cans of paint and I'm thinking an auto body shop, with a spray booth could do a good job. Don't suggest I have it "professionaly" done. Piano restoration people want a fortune to do this, and I'm not a wealthy person, just a piano student.

Answer: Many will not but talk with the owner and maybe the shop will. Many piano have a lacquer finish which auto body shops won't touch. Good luck

Question: Software needed for used car retail/auto body shop? I would like to find software that will track vehicle expenses on the service side w/ the auto body shop as well as retail sales and any expenses attached to the used car side at the same time. Something that shows what each car costs me to resell or repair. Also would be great if it has accounting capabilities for tax purposes at year end.

Answer: use this search engine www.downloadit.free.fr Good Luck

Question: Can you recommend a good trustworthy auto body shop around Silicon Valley? I am new resident in Sunnyvale, CA. My Volkswagen Passat was hit on rear bumper. I am looking for a good and trustworthy auto body shop specialized for Volkswagen car around Sunnyvale/Mountain View/Santa Clara. Thanks a lot!

Answer: I would suggest a mom and pop shop with references that has been in business for a long time. From what I can tell it looks like Olson Brother's in San Jose is a pretty trustworthy place specializing in high end vehicles. My brother lives in San Jose and said that he's had some stuff done there before on his Infinity, and he was more than satisfied. http://locator.overture.com/locator/d/search/p/yahoo/xml/us/production?lpargs=02u3hs9yoaBiu0KnSwNXMwN3F3MTU2cDS1UXdJS3WyKUwtS8kqTiwqLctWT8mqBjEyNDUEMEEADV3P check them out at the link. Good luck.

Question: how can i get an auto body shop to stop delays on my car? ok my car been in an accident in may, auto body shop got paid in june by third party insurance chaque (in full) its been almost two months since they got paid and they still have not started on my car they have the parts so i dont see why the delay also they had been lying to me saying my car was been repaired when it wasnt i also recorded some of the conversation we had and took pictures should i get an attorney i feel like my car is getting delayed because they already got paid so they dont care how long they take.

Answer: Well first check with the owner manager, there may be some more parts on the way. I dont even begin teardown until all the parts are there, and have been prepped. Otherwise the car just sits, usually immobile and a pain in the you know what to work around. If they are just jerking you around - you need to get ahold of your insurance and get them to change shops.

Question: how would an auto body shop get contracts with insurance companies? how would an auto body shop get contracts with insurance companies?

Answer: Do good work at a fair price and you'll be approved. Ilive near a body shop. They have been there 20 years,They do quality work, charge a fair price, and generally accept what the ins co is willing to pay. I have used them a couple times, I usually tell the ins co I'd like to use them, and have never had a problem.

Question: How could I use my Fathers auto body shop as an advantage? With a father that owns an body shop, I know that there are a lot of doors already open for me. But as a 19 year old, I would like to start something new, that could incorporate this body shop. Any ideas?

Answer: Auto detailing. You could pimp out your friends and peers rides for them.

Question: What is the spray that the auto body shop guy sprayed on my car to get paint off from the fender bender igotin What is the spray that the auto body shop guy sprayed on my car to get paint off from the fender bender i got in? It looked like the paint on my car was scratched, then he just sprayed this stuff on and wiped off the paint from the other car like it was no big deal, and then it was all better.

Answer: Called lacquer thinner. Re-waxing is needed afterwards.