EHow.com Answers it this way: Finding a good body shop is invaluable, because at some point nearly every car will require repairs. You'll need to find a place that's affordable, trustworthy, and that will complete work on your car in a reasonable amount of time. If possible, take your time finding a good body shop; you want to gather as much information as you can, then visits body shops in person, evaluating their work ethic, prices, and atmosphere.

• 1. Look for a good body shop before you actually need one. This is probably the golden rule of auto body repair, and for good reason: to find a good body shop, you must have a clear head and not act in desperation.
• 2. Consult with your friends and co-workers. Find out who they use and why. Ask them about price ranges for various services.
• 3. Talk to experts and professionals in the automotive industry. Talk to workers at automotive mechanics and salesmen at car dealerships. You can even return to the dealership where you bought your car to ask which body shops they use and why. Ask for approximate price quotes.
• 4. Visit the recommended auto shops. Assess the places: do they seem organized and well run? Are there many bored customers waiting indefinitely for their cars in the waiting room? Do customers seem angry when they're paying? Ask for price quotes and how long given repairs will take.
• 5. Ask the auto shops about the form of payment they accept. Also ask how long they've been in business. Good shops tend to have longer lives.

We also recommend that you look for technical certification from ASE, I Car Class Professionals and belong to trade organization like AASP and DuPont Performance Alliance. These organizations are dedicated to true professionalism and quality craftsmanship. The shop should be clean and orderly. They should have modern equipment. Most of all, choice a body shop that works for you not an insurance company.

Click here to open and print "In Case Of An Accident" - (Keep a copy in your vehicle)
Stay Safe: Remain calm. Stop safely. Turn Emergency lights on. Watch for oncoming traffic.
Don't Apologize: An apology can imply fault. Never admit fault. If you have to say something, ask, "Are you OK?".
Contact Authorities: Call an ambulance if people are injured. Notify your supervisor if you are driving a company vehicle.
Get Witnesses: Interview people that have seen the incident. Get their names, contact information and have them sign a statement of the incident.
Provide Contact Information: Show your driver's license and registration. Exchange information.
Release: Get witnesses to sign a release that you were not at fault.
Notify Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company ASAP.
Notify your Auto Body Repair Shop: Your Auto Body Shop can be a wealth of assistance ranging from advice to removal of your vehicle. Auto Rebuilder offers 24/7 towing.

Yes you do have a choice on where you bring your vehicle. If you do not know where to go, your insurance agent will be more than happy to recommend someone. However, if you have your own Shop that you are comfortable with, you can use them. Mater of fact New Jersey state law: 11:3-10.3 protects the insured.

An approved auto body shop is one that has been reviewed and approved by a particular insurance company. These shops meet the requirements of technical knowledge and equipment requirements needed to do most any repair. These approved Auto Body Shops work well with that insurance company. This could work to your advantage or disadvantage depending on your situation. You should make the final decision. The Auto Body Shop you choose should look out for your best interest not the insurance companies.

Most of the time the agreed estimate will be the final cost. However, sometime during the repair process an item may have bee overlooked. Your Body Shop will contact your insurance company and notify them of the situation. A supplement will be added to the estimate. An additional check will be issued to cove the cost of the supplement. You should always be aware of any change to the estimate. At no time should you pay more than the agreed estimate and out of pocket expense.

A properly repaired vehicle will be the same or better than what is before the accident. The quality of parts and technician will make the difference. Be sure to select a quality Auto Body Shop.

A quality Auto Body Shop should guarantee the workmanship for the life of the vehicle. The Parts are guaranteed by the manufacture of the parts. The Paint is guaranteed by the manufacture when applied by an auto body professional. See Auto Rebuilder's Lifetime Limited Warranty.

OEM Parts: "Original Equipment Manufacturers". These are the best. They are purchase directly from the manufacture of the vehicle. The fit and quality is exactly what was used in the manufacturing of your vehicle.
Aftermarket Parts: These are new parts manufactured by companies other than your vehicles manufactures. In most case these parts are as good or better than the manufacturers. Your insurance company may specify an aftermarket part because the cost will be less. Your body shop will know which are best and may even recommend to your insurance company to change manufactures of that part or insist on OEM Parts for a particular situation.
Reconditioned Parts: These are used parts which go though a process to bring them back as close as possible to a newly manufactured state. Again, an insurance company may recommend a Reconditioned Part to save money.
Recycled Parts: These are used part. Mostly they will be removed from a scrapped vehicle of the same make, year and model as your vehicle Once again, an insurance company may recommend a Recycled Part as a cost cutting procedure.

Review your estimate. Look over the vehicle and make sure to notice the fit and finish of the damaged area. The color should match the adjacent panels. There should be uniform spaces in-between panels. Make sure you have new parts when new parts are required and that reconditioned or recycle parts are in good condition. Check out all electronic options on your vehicle. Make sure they are in the same working order as before the accident. Report any issues to your Auto Body Shop as soon as you notice them for quick and proper resolutions.