When your car is damaged, it can be a costly and stressful experience. But with a little bit of preparation and research, you can save money when working with panel beaters to repair the damage to your vehicle. Say you only had third-party car insurance in a recent accident that you caused. Fortunately, insurance covered the damage to the third party’s expensive car, but not yours. Sadly, this means you had to repair your car at your own expense and deal directly with a local panel beater. Here are some tips to keep in mind when approaching the panel beater. 1
You can negotiate online with the panel beater
Although you cannot change spare parts prices, there is room for negotiation with other charges proposed by the panel beater in his quote. Some garage markups can be up to 200%. You must obtain several quotes from other panel beaters to establish a foundation from which to negotiate. 1
Negotiating a fair quote
According to a nationwide survey in the US, more than 66% of panel beaters altered their final quote when confronted with standard price information. 1
How to negotiate
It’s easiest to negotiate with independent panel beaters, and not dealerships and franchises. You should know beforehand what repair aspects you can discuss. Panel beaters are highly competitive, and so showing quotations from all three types of panel beaters will help. 1
When should you negotiate?
This should be well before you authorise any repair work because you still have a chance to exit the situation. But you can no longer negotiate when the panel beater has concluded the repairs. The panel beater could hold your car until you’ve paid the total amount. 1
Speak to the authorised person
It’s futile to negotiate with an employee who doesn’t have any authority. In such a case, inform the employee you will go elsewhere. 1
What to do when you’re at the panel beater
Ask the panel beater as many questions as possible about his planned repairs. Show what you’ve researched, and this should lessen the chance of the panel beater overcharging you for unnecessary repairs. 1
How to stay safe
Protect yourself by being involved and informed. Avoid providing any confidential information, such as you’re going on holiday soon. 1
Don’t offer a blank cheque
Don’t ever tell the garage manager to repair as he sees fit. You should always clearly describe and sign off on the repairs. Make sure that the panel beater offers a warranty on the repairs. This will ensure that you are protected in case anything goes wrong after the repair is complete. 1
Communicate clearly what you want
Make sure the floor manager clearly understands your requirements. For instance, he may only proceed with repairs with your permission. After signing an estimate, the panel beater may only charge up to that amount. If your car needs further repairs, he must contact you for authorisation. 1
Disclaimer
The aim of this article is to show you how to save money when a panel beater is repairing your car. 1
The above account concerns a motorist who caused an accident having no cover or having only third-party car insurance. It is much more difficult to deal directly with a panel beater as opposed to an insurer doing it on your behalf. Why not contact us at PMD and learn more about affordable car insurance products and experience our world-class client service? Our products have unique benefits such as fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
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1https://novacreations-mfg.com/negotiating-the-price-and-keeping-your-repair-shop-honest/
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.