Expert: Brandon Sievers - 9/14/2006

Question
My 2003 Sante Fe was dinged in an accident where their son opened a van door on our front quarter panel.  It left a dent and scratched some paint.  Their insurance company is telling us we can go to a body shop (which they guarantee their work) or the place of my choosing.  They just need to give an estimate first.  I am inclined to go to the Hyundai dealership body shop to get it done since they know the exact paint/expertise for the job. What are the pros and cons of doing each?  Recommendations?

Answer
I have worked for several body shops in my days and found that there are some straqnge and disturbing people out there that work on car. I also found that there are very good tech at these shops as well. I suggets if there is a body shop in town that is reputable, take it there. They can usually raise the estimate a little bit to try and hide the deductable for you. In my opinion, dealership bodyshops have a high turnover rate of employees due the fact that they pay poorly. A reputable body shop will also guarantee their work.
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