A Look At Auto Body Service Credentials And What They Mean

A car can be almost like an appendage; you use it to function in your everyday life. Therefore, when your car is damaged, you will want to get it in for autobody repairs as fast as possible, and you will want the job done right. When you start checking around online and scoping out auto body shops in your area, you will see most of them have a lot of credentials and certifications listed on their websites. To understand which shop is going to offer you the best service, it is a good idea to get familiar with what these credentials mean and why they are important. 

AAA-Approved

You probably won't see this designation very often because the Automobile Association of America (AAA) does not hand these out without serious consideration. These shops have been inspected and thoroughly examined to ensure they meet a certain set of qualifications. You can use the handy online locator from AAA to track down those service shops in your area that are certified by AAA. Keep in mind, however, that the most established shops that have been around for a bit will usually have this accreditation, so even new shops that are perfectly capable of doing the work may not boast the AAA-approved seal. 

A+ Grade From the BBB

The Better Business Bureau is considered the gold standard for consumers who want to know if a business or establishment is trustworthy. The BBB collects consumer reviews and reports to offer ratings for auto body shops all over the country. If an autobody shop has an A+ rating from the BBB, they will almost always make sure it is proudly displayed on their website because this rating tells consumers a lot about the shop. 

ASE-Certified

ASE certification comes from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. For an auto body shop to show this kind of high-ranking credential on their website, it means that the techs who work in the shop have been ASE certified, and that can take industry-specific testing among other things. ASE certifications are actually split up into different categories. For example, a tech may be certified in automotive painting processes or body repair. It is not uncommon for one technician to have multiple ASE certifications relative to the different skills they possess, but finding one shop that has multiple techs that hold differing certifications is actually more common. 

To learn more, contact your local auto body services.

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