How to Find a Good Collision Repair Center

When it comes to repair services, expertise, price, and customer service, auto body shops vary considerably. So, if you’re searching online for a “collision center near me,” you probably have questions about what makes a reliable body shop and what red flags you should avoid. Eli’s Collision Repair has answered those questions for you below! Read on to find out why factors like reputation, location, and more make all the difference when you’re searching for a body shop you can truly depend on. 

Reputation

The largest and most recognizable body shop near you might not always be the best choice. Reputation and word-of-mouth shouldn’t be ignored when you’re putting your car in some else’s hands, and sometimes, that means skipping the big collision center on the block and going with a shop recommended to you by friends, family, and neighbors. Eli’s Collision Repair has been recommended by dealers throughout Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and beyond, largely due to our many hard-earned manufacturer certifications. 

Location

When you need expert collision repair, it’s best to go local and search for an independently owned shop that’ll treat you like a welcomed guest rather than just another customer. Founded in 1977, Eli’s Collision Repair is family-owned and operated and has been serving the Los Angeles area for over four decades. Another benefit of choosing local shops like ours is the fact that our technicians are familiar with all sorts of makes and work hard to maintain their manufacturer certifications, so when your restored vehicle is returned to you, it’ll look as good as new. 

Estimates

One of the best ways to avoid being overcharged for collision repairs is to shop around and compare prices. If you get a quote lower than ours, bring it to us! Our friendly staff will be happy to work with you, so you can get the expert repairs you need for a reasonable price. One thing to keep in mind while getting estimates is if anyone says they can “do the work really cheap,” look elsewhere. In many cases, they can do the work cheaply because they cut corners or aren’t certified by your vehicle’s manufacturer to perform the work correctly, which will cause more headaches and bills for you later. 

Research

This goes hand-in-hand with the section above, but part of researching to find the right body shop is asking the right questions. When you speak with the staff, don’t just ask about price — ask about their warranty, what it covers, and how long it lasts. You’ll also want to ask if they provide insurance, so you don’t have to worry about repercussions if your car is stolen or irreparably damaged while it’s in their care. It’s also a good idea to ask about the technicians’ experience, if they’re certified through the proper associations like ASE or I-CAR, and how long the shop has been in business.

Intuition

Lastly, follow your intuition. Ask yourself some questions about the auto body shop you’re considering. Is the shop dirty and disorganized? Does business seem slow? Does the owner seem annoyed to be answering your questions, or do they give answers you don’t like? Are there certifications on the wall? You have no obligation to stick around. Find a shop that’s transparent with its customers, is clean and organized, and has a welcoming and knowledgeable staff that’s happy to make sure you’re on the same page. 

Let Eli’s Collision Repair be Your Partner!

Eli’s Collision Repair is ready to partner with you to restore your car to its former self! We strive to make collision repair as hassle-free as possible for our customers in and around Silver Lake and Mid Wilshire. Use our collision repair cost calculator to get a car repair estimate, or take a look at some of our before/after photos to get a feel for our work. Feel free to contact us online or give us a call at 424-384-4000 with questions or to schedule a drop-off and pick-up appointment!