Car Shop

4 Tell-Tale Signs of a Bad Auto Body Shop

4.9

4 Tell-Tale Signs of a Bad Auto Body Shop

Auto Repair – April 1, 2022

Your vehicle has been damaged and you want it restored to pristine condition again. But how do you know which auto body repair shop can be trusted?

If you notice any of the following four warning signs when you visit an auto body shop, take it as a sign to go somewhere else.  

#1)
Poor Appearance

Take a good look around when you step into an auto body shop. A reputable auto body shop is clean, well-organized and has modern equipment. Staff are professional in appearance too.

Shops that are extremely dirty or
disorganized could be a warning for the type of service to come.

#2)
Time Delays

Your vehicle is relied upon to get you and
your family from Point A to Point B.

If the auto body shop doesn’t provide a rental vehicle for you while your vehicle is getting fixed, then it can be stressful to make alternate arrangements when completion dates are unfulfilled. Although there are times when delays are out of a shop’s control, for the most part, the initial estimated delivery date should be accurate.

Although there are times when delays are out of a shop’s control, for the most part, the initial
estimated delivery date should be accurate.

#3)
Discourteous Behaviour

The type of customer service you receive
from the beginning is a great indication of how you will be treated throughout
the process.

You and your vehicle deserve to be treated with respect. If you experience any rude or apathetic behaviour from shop personnel, go somewhere else where you’ll be treated right.

#4)
Price Changes

Reputable auto body repairs shops should
provide you with a detailed, written estimate. Giving out extremely low quotes
or verbal estimates only may be just a tactic to get you in the door.

Sure, unexpected costs can arise when your
vehicle starts being worked on. However, a good shop would discuss the
possibility of that happening at the time of the initial estimate, and for the
most part, should stick to the agreed upon initial cost.

Final
Thoughts

When it comes to auto body repair shops,
it’s understandable to be apprehensive. You’ve likely heard of a family member
or friend who has been provided with dishonest, costly service and worry about
the same experience happening to you.

At Waterdown Collision, our family run business has been providing exceptional collision repairs since 1974. Our honest, trustworthy Platinum Customer Experience provides:

  • A commitment to 100% customer satisfaction
  • Dedicated and highly trained team
  • State-of-the-art facility
  • Manufacturer and Collision Industry Certified
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • On-site Rental Car Service
  • Complimentary customer shuttle
  • Complimentary vehicle detailing after repair

Find out for yourself what has earned us the solid reputation we have in the auto body industry! Contact us today for more information about our services.

What Our Customers are Saying!

4.9
Based on over 1300 reviews
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Steve Long
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Great work, great communication.
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Kelsey Gill
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The front service advisor/receptionist was very kind when picking up our company truck.
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Patricia Silverthorn
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Customer Service amazing. My CRV looks like new. Thank you Brandon. My first time to Waterdown Collision. Probably not my last time. Five, plus more stars.
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Eckhardt Kriel
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I am happy to give an unqualified 5 stars for Waterdown Collision Services. Their friendly service coupled with strong technical expertise made it a pleasure to work with them. I was extremely happy with the workmanship and timely delivery.
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Barry Mungar
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Waterdown Collision repaired the front end of our BMW quickly and made it look just like new. Staff were awesome to deal with: friendly, fast and efficient. Thx so much. Great work.
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Linda Thomason
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I have been going to Waterdown Collision for many years for my repairs. I have always been extremely happy with the service and repairs.
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Carter Hooper
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Everything was done in a very timely and professional manner! Everyone at waterdown collision is amazing and I recommend to anyone for all vehicle needs.
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Max Van Nieuwkoop
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Awesome experience! They were very efficient and super nice. Even detailed the car after, hasn’t been this clean since I bought it.
1974

Waterdown Motor & Welding Service. Where it all began.

1974 – 1988

1988 – 2026

1988-2026

For decades, this location has been a trusted place for Waterdown drivers — where experience grew, relationships were built, and our reputation was shaped.

Summer 2026

2026

Our next chapter begins here — a new, purpose-built facility designed to support the future of Waterdown Collision while keeping our roots firmly in the community. Opening Summer 2026.

The Journey Continues

From where we began to where we’re headed, our story is still unfolding.