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Roman Studio/Getty Images November 02, 2022 TJ Porter is a contributing writer for Bankrate. TJ writes about a range of subjects, from to . Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to take control of their finances by providing clear, well-researched information that breaks down otherwise complex topics into manageable bites. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise
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“Supply chain issues and lack of availability of certain parts doesn’t only affect new car manufacturers, it’s also related to vehicle service and repair,” says Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader. Primarily caused by a decrease in supply and an increase in demand, drivers will likely be met with higher costs at the repair shop. Moody explains that parts may be unavailable, which causes delays. On top of this, parts are going to sell for more money as the competition and the cost of transporting parts increase. 6 tips to save money on auto body repairs
Auto body repair can be expensive, especially if you want your car to look pristine. But you can cut the cost of repairs by playing it smart and knowing what to ask. With high prices on top of mind, consider these tips to save money. 1 Get multiple estimates
You will have the best chance of finding a good deal on a repair by getting multiple estimates. This can also be helpful if you ever need to go back for additional maintenance because you will already know which places are inexpensive and have the level of service you’re looking for. To get the best price for maintenance or a repair it is wise to get three to four quotes, recommends Moody. “Plus, it can help you realize that, even though a price seems high, it might be that all shops are charging that due to parts and/or labor shortages,” Moody says. Lightbulb Bankrate tip Take advantage of online resources like the to compare repair prices in your area before you begin shopping. 2 Ask for a labor estimate and cost
You have to pay for both the materials used in the repairs and the cost of labor. Some places won’t give you a good estimate of how much labor a repair will take or the hourly labor rate. Make sure you ask for this information when you get a quote. Even if you can’t get a hard number, knowing roughly how many hours the repair will take is helpful. Once you have a labor estimate, you can factor it into the full-price estimate for the repair. 3 Provide your own parts
Most body shops have their own sources for getting new parts to repair cars. But these may cost more — this is because the shops can add in a profit margin. Putting in the extra effort and finding your own parts can be worth the work but doesn’t come without risk, Moody says. “Purchasing your own parts is best for those with a specialty car or those who can and want to do the work themselves,” Moody says. By taking your time and making sure you have the right parts you won’t have to deal with returns — or worse, put you and your passengers in danger. 4 Consider independent and franchise shops
Not only is it important to compare a few estimates but it is best to consider different types of shop options. “It used to be an independent shop was the only way to get a great deal. Today, independent shops do provide a great value but franchise dealerships are becoming competitive,” Moody says. Many dealerships also offer special benefits via mailer and online coupons and regional specials that drivers in the area frequently need. Don’t write off a dealership for future repairs, especially if you have a remaining . 5 Get repairs done quickly
If your car needs repairs, it’s important to get the repairs done quickly. If you leave the car as is for a while, it can worsen the damage. For example, if your car is dented or scratched, that exposes your car to rust and other wear. If you get the repairs done quickly, you can prevent expensive corrosive issues from taking hold. 6 Form a relationship with an auto body shop
“A shop (or any service-based store, really) is more likely to treat you well if they know you’re coming back,” Moody explains. This treatment comes with a few benefits, like a priority over other drivers and possible additional discounts. Having an expert on your side also helps when determining which repairs are most important, especially if you need more than one done. Spending more now might save you money in the future
As with anything, quality and reputation matter a lot when it comes to car repairs. While you should shop around for a good deal, if one quote comes back far lower than the competition, you might want to think about why that shop charges so much less. If you get your car repaired by a shop that does poor-quality work, you might find yourself bringing your car back in for repairs to fix their mistakes. So, make sure that the shop you go with does high-quality work that won’t require frequent returns for additional maintenance. Lightbulb Bankrate tip When shopping for your next car, consider how maintenance costs can add up. Even slight trim differences on a vehicle can mean money saved on future repairs. The bottom line
If your car gets damaged, you should try to get it repaired as quickly as possible. However, higher than usual prices mean that you shouldn’t bring it to the first shop you see and pay whatever they ask. Taking the time to shop around and putting in some effort can help you save a lot of money. Learn more
SHARE: TJ Porter is a contributing writer for Bankrate. TJ writes about a range of subjects, from to . Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to take control of their finances by providing clear, well-researched information that breaks down otherwise complex topics into manageable bites. Related Articles