Knowing a renowned and reliable truck collision repair center is one of those things you never really think about until you need it. Then, you never leave your home without their business card in your pocket.
Driving a truck can give you a false sense of security. Nothing bad can happen to your massive, high-tech vehicle. But, here’s the hard truth: breakdowns can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone.
Being in a truck collision is a terrifying experience as it is. In addition to assessing the level of damage on your truck, you also need to think about police reports, insurance claims, physician visits, and medical payments. The last thing you need on your mind right now is to worry about finding a good truck collision repair center.
Making a good decision in a moment of such confusion can be hard. Countless questions go through your mind as you are picking a truck collision repair service. Have I made the right decision? Can I trust their services? How much will it cost me? How long will it take them to repair my truck?
To help you avoid these moments, we’ve put together a list of things to consider before choosing a truck collision repair company.
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Pick a Truck Repair Center for You
Insurance companies often try to force drivers to pick a collision repair facility of their choice. Most drivers trust the recommendation of their insurance providers and send their trucks to whatever company suggested, without doing any research of their own. But, here’s the thing: insurance companies have contracts with truck repairing centers, and their recommendations aren’t always in your best interest. Refuse your insurance company’s suggestion politely and look for a collision center with no Direct Repair Program contract.
Pay Attention to Word of Mouth
Any business can advertise, but it’s important to choose a truck collision repair facility that has proven to satisfy customers. A good repairing center will provide competitive prices, stellar services, and will give you peace of mind that your truck is in good hands.
Does their Work show Quality (Now and Later)
Look for the clues:
- Portfolios and examples on their site
- Feedback and reviews from customers
This should also include follow-ups some months from the initial service. Ask clients how their rigs have held up to get a good idea of their work.
Look for a Company That Offers a Warranty
Your insurance company will probably tell you that they won’t cover warranty on your repairs if there are done at a different center than the one suggested by them. Don’t listen to them – that’s just a scare tactic. A reliable collision center will provide you a warranty of repairs.
- Ask the Right Questions
Don’t go with your wallet open when choosing a truck collision repair shop. Be smart and ask them the right questions. Do they provide a written warranty? What does it cover and for how long? What materials do they intend to use? How many coats of paint will they use?
Original Manufacturer vs. Non-Factory
There’s a huge difference between original manufacturer (OEM) components and non-factory ones, and it can have a big impact on the repair of your truck. Its’ noot only that OEM parts are of higher quality, but they are patented and can’t be replicated. Make sure you choose a collision repair shop that only works with original manufacturer parts.
Upgrades
Perhaps you’ve been on the fence with upgrading the fleet. Now’s the opportunity since it’s in the shop. Mechanics doubling as body shops can provide upgrades while the fleet is stripped.
Customizations could include:
- Hydraulics
- Heating elements
- Paint jobs
- Vehicle wraps
- Interior work
- Hitches and lights
These timely updates could bring the fleet up to standards. This includes legal requirements, too.
Quality Parts
Repair shops are known to cut corners by offering low-quality parts. Sometimes this is at the request of the fleet owner. Other times, it worked as part of an aggressive sales tactic.
Check their website and shop literature to know what brands they use. Then, compare online reviews and discussions to ensure their quality.
Look for quality brands like:
Knapheide
Curt
Stellar
Liftmoore
PPG
Quality parts cost extra but have longevity. You’ll experience fewer unexpected expenses and less-frequent breakdowns. Plus, better parts come with better warranties.
At Pacific Truck Colors we work hard to give our customers only the best services for truck collision repair in Portland, OR. Our skilled technicians will make sure that your truck works like new and you are completely satisfied.
DINGS AND SCRATCHES TO BODY WORK AND UPGRADES
Pacific Truck Colors, Inc is here for you whether it’s routine maintenance or full body work. Our commitment to respect and quality is the reason so many have chosen us since 1992.
Give us a call (503-692-7247) or send us an email. We’re here to take care of all your collision repair needs.
