Written by: Wrecktify Collision
If you're ever in an accident and require vehicle repair, know that you have options on where to take it for repair. In most cases, you'll elect to have it repaired at either an auto body shop or the local dealership - and while there are pros and cons to each, there are benefits to seeking service at the auto body shop if you need collision repair.
In this post, we'll take a closer look at the key differences between service at the dealership and the auto body repair shop so you can make the best decision the next time you need collision repair. Read on for more information or contact Wrecktify Collision today.
Differences Between Dealerships and Auto Body Repair Shops
Body shop vs dealership - what's the difference? Both perform collision repair, but where the collision repair takes place could be something totally different.
For example, dealerships tend to specialize in standard repair work. Dealerships are good at replacing brake rotors, performing various routine maintenance, doing engine diagnostic checks, and more. But while they tend to be good at this standard maintenance and repair work, they tend to struggle with collision repair. While many dealerships will accept your vehicle if it needs collision repair, it's not uncommon for them to outsource your vehicle repair to a third-party repair shop. Many dealership service center business models involve completing repair work quickly to meet profit margin goals. If body repair is involved, it often makes sense to outsource these repairs to other entities that specialize more in such services. In some cases, dealerships may attempt the repair themselves, rushing through it at the sacrifice of quality. Or they may repair it knowing that they don't have the best possible parts or materials for the fix, essentially piecemealing the job. Either way, it's not what you want.
Conversely, when you work with an auto body repair shop, you can rest assured that this type of work is their specialty. Technicians at auto body repair shops tend to be much more proficient in collision repair and know what it takes to get the job done right. Rather than specialize in all types of vehicle service or repair, an auto body shop's bread and butter is collision repair.
Read on for more of the key differences between collision service at a dealership versus an auto body repair shop so you can decide which option is the best for your situation:
Cost Considerations
A big difference between dealerships and auto body shops is cost. For instance, dealerships tend to charge higher prices for repair costs than auto body shops. This is largely because it tends to take dealerships longer to make repairs, which means that there's more labor involved in each repair. Independent body shops, on the other hand, tend to make repairs faster and more efficiently due to their higher level of expertise. This can result in lower overall costs.
Before you sign any agreement, make sure you get an estimate on the vehicle so you know what the expected repair will cost.
Quality of Repairs
As we mentioned earlier in this post, dealership service centers run on a business model of making repairs quickly so that they can accept higher volumes of work. Yet, this isn't always a business model that results in success - especially when you consider that auto body repair tends to require more specialized service. That's one of the big differences between dealerships and auto body shops. Independent body shops have expert technicians who are experienced in auto body repair, which often results in a higher level of work, whether it's dent removal or a more significant repair.
Parts and Materials
Do you know where the parts and materials are coming from? It's always best to check with either the dealership or the auto body center that you're considering to get a better understanding of this. One thing to consider about parts and materials is that auto body shops tend to work with multiple part suppliers, allowing them to really zero in on the issue and ensure that they acquire the best solution to repair it. That's often a key difference when it comes to the body shop vs dealership debate. Because auto body shops do collision work more often than dealerships, they know where to go to get the best part for the specific fix. Many dealerships only work with limited suppliers, which also limits the parts they're able to acquire for fixes.
Customer Service Experience
The customer service experience is really what a specific dealership or auto body shop makes it, so it can vary from dealership to dealership, auto body shop to auto body shop. At Wrecktify, however, we specialize in treating the customer with dignity and respect. We take what we do very seriously, and we know how important your vehicle is to you - both from a personal and practical standpoint. That's why we'll always carefully explain the repair process, operate with transparency along the way, and ensure that you're 100 percent satisfied before your vehicle leaves our garage. It's the Wrecktify Way.
Contact Wrecktify Collision to Learn More
For more information on the differences between a dealership and an auto body repair shop, contact Wrecktify Collision today. As an experienced collision repair shop, we offer full-service repair on all vehicle makes and models, making us your trusted choice for collision repair. With over 60 years of combined experience, we know what it takes to return your vehicle to pre-accident condition.
We also offer various value-added benefits. For instance, we'll work with your insurance company, provide you with a rental car while we service your vehicle, and take you through every step of the repair process so you have a thorough understanding of what we're doing and why we're doing it.
Contact us to learn more and to schedule an appointment today.
207 Hoesly Drive, New Glarus, WI 53574
608.527.2246