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Should You Use a Dealer or Independent Body Shop?

Andy Mohr Collision Center Blog

Posted: September 11, 2020

Should You Use a Dealer or Independent Body Shop? Indiana

When it comes to auto services and repairs, you may be wondering if you should use the service center at your dealership or an independent body shop. Our team at Andy Mohr Collision Center wants to make sure you’re making the best decision for your specific Plainfield, Indianapolis, Fishers, and Bloomington, IN, lifestyle needs, so we put together this guide for you.

Read on to learn about the benefits of both body shops and give us a call if you have any further questions.

Benefits of Service Shops at Dealerships

Should You Use a Dealer or Independent Body Shop? Indiana

If you choose to service your vehicle at a dealership, you may be treated to a greater peace of mind. Since these service centers deal mostly with the brand(s) they sell, they are extra familiar with that particular car line and know the needs of your specific make, model, and trim level. This association to a particular brand also comes with special warranties and technicians with certifications in that specific vehicle make.Dealer body shops also use OEM parts, which are crafted to match the original components used in your specific vehicle. These parts will not only fit your car perfectly but are built to last longer as well, providing you with extra confidence on the open road.

Benefits of a Mom-and-Pop Shop

If instead you’re interested in an independent body shop, you’ll be getting an emphasis on customer relationships. Since mom-and-pop shops are smaller, you may be able to forge a closer relationship with your technicians.

Additionally, because there is no added cost of training, overhead, and genuine parts, you may find services to be cheaper at these smaller body shops.

Additional Perks to Look For

Should You Use a Dealer or Independent Body Shop? Indiana

Whether you’re interested in a dealer repair center or an independent body shop, the following are benefits you may want to look for:

  • ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certification: Tests and certifies automotive professionals
  • I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference in Auto Collision Repair): Provides information, knowledge, and skills needed to completely safe and quality repairs
  • Better Business Bureau: Set standards for marketplace trust and addresses substandard behavior
  • PPG Certification: Offers five levels of certifications for technicians to complete every two years

Body shops may have these certifications displayed proudly, or you can ask if they have met the standards these organizations have set.

Dealer vs Independent Body Shop: The Final Verdict

As you can see, each body shop comes with its own perks. If you think you want the added protection of genuine parts and certified technicians, you may be interesting in visiting the service center at your dealership. If so, you will be happy to know Andy Mohr has a range of dealerships in the Plainfield, Indianapolis, Fishers, and Bloomington, Indiana, areas to assist with the specific make and model of your car.

If you’ve been in an accident, Andy Mohr Collision Center is also here to help. Give us a call today to learn more and schedule an appointment. We hope to see you soon!

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Andy Mohr Collision Centers