Choosing an Autobody Repair Shop

So... you've been in an accident. Everyone's okay -- but your car is badly in need of repair.

The yellow pages list hundreds of repair shops. Your car is the second most valuable thing you own -- you want to make sure it's treated right and you're treated right. How do you know where to take your car?

Choosing a Certified Collision Automotive Repair (CCAR) facility can give you the peace of mind you're looking for. Collision repair shops who are CCAR members have a agreed in writing to 19 important operating standards. These standards ensure full information disclosure, quality workmanship, adequate training, a guarantee and, if required, an arbitration process, minimal environmental impact, and professional business practices.

In fact, members agree that your vehicle should be repaired to the same or better condition than before it was damaged - and they do their best to live up to that ethic by offering a minimum two year written workmanship guarantee and, if you're not satisfied, an independent arbitration procedure is available.

The CCAR program was initiated by the Automotive Service and Repair Association as part of a move to set standards to ensure quality service. "It's a move to embrace the concept of self-regulation," says Marjorie Zingle, executive director, Automotive Services and Repair Association. "CCAR standards are becoming recognized and demanded as consumers become educated."

CCAR now covers the province well with more than 130 participating repair shops.

Here's what CCAR members promise:

Full information disclosure: You know what you're getting. You'll be furnished with an itemized list of parts and services that clearly identifies all new, used, repaired, re-manufactured or aftermarket parts that will be used in the repair. You can also view the old parts if you wish.

Workmanship: As good as new -- or at least as good as it was. Your vehicle's structural components will be restored or replaced so that your vehicle conforms to its pre-accident condition with regard to location, integrity, durability and safety. The repair shop will maintain a current source of vehicle dimensions, and have available appropriate measuring equipment, a four point anchoring system, and the electrical and hydraulic equipment required to make multiple body or structural pulls. The shop will also use a welding system that can meet the manufacturer's specifications.

In addition, the facility will reinstate vehicle corrosion protection to the vehicle's pre-accident condition and have a paint application system that is capable of matching the vehicle's original finish.

Training: Staff know what they're doing. CCAR members employ Alberta licensed auto-body technicians. Apprentices must be registered and the ratio of apprentices to licensed technicians must conform to the Alberta Apprenticeship Board's recommendations. The shop must also ensure management and technicians are up-to-date.

Guarantee and Arbitration: Members stand behind their work. All CCAR members provide a minimum two year workmanship guarantee, and, in the event of a dispute, agree to abide by the ruling of an independent arbitration board. You have recourse.

Environment: Rest assured, CCAR members are committed to going green. All CCAR shops must have a spray booth that meets current federal, provincial and local legislation requirements and handle hazardous wastes in a manner that adheres to the current legislation. They must also demonstrate their concern for the environment, for example, by reusing, reducing and recycling when it's practical.

Business Practices: They're professionals who care about their reputation, customers and staff. CCAR members comply with federal, provincial and local regulations, and constantly strive to eliminate all illegal and fraudulent practices. They provide worker's compensation for staff and garage keeper's liability insurance. And, you can expect the area for receiving customers to be clean and professional.

No one want to have an accident. But if you do, and you need an autobody repair shop, consider a CCAR member. You know what you're getting.

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