Either way, you want the dents, dings and scratches fixed as soon as possible. Entrusting your prize vehicle to the first auto body repair shop you come across, however, could prove a regrettable mistake. Sad but true, not all auto body repair technicians have your best interest at heart.

Take for instance the recent "Sierra Vista Herald" news report declaring, "Auto repair shops to be watched." Seems Arizona's new attorney general is putting a sting operation into effect in the state that will "determine if those in the business of car repair are being honest with their customers."

What prompted the need for such undercover tactics? Turns out, some dishonest mechanics and auto repair technicians are telling consumers that their cars require expensive add-on services when they really don't. To make matters worse, they're dropping the costly bomb on customers after they've already lured them in with a lowball estimate.

In light of situations like these, it's no wonder recognition is being handed out by the Better Business Bureau and other watchdog organizations to auto body repair services that have their customers' best interests at heart. Recently, EMC Publishers reported that a "Local auto repair shop [had been] recognized by BBB for its integrity."

The auto repair shop was selected by a "panel of judges consisting of business and community leaders" who investigated business practices and anecdotal customer service stories to choose the winner. Honest and integrity in all areas of business by the auto repair service provider secured the win.

One of the ways in which the auto repair shop managed to treat its customers so well was by employing a team of long-term trusted staff to "make the right choices." An auto body provider's main objective should be getting you back on the road quickly and with the confidence that your vehicle has been restored to your complete satisfaction. ICAR Gold class certification also ensures that your auto repair technicians have obtained the highest credentials in the industry to get the job done right.

Another way in which the auto repair service walked away with the honor was by taking the time to explain to its customers, in plain, non-technical language, what repairs their car needed and what options were available to them. Your auto repair provider should be adamant in its pledge to use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and certified alternative components. Watch out for auto body shops that use knock-offs or cheap imitations but charge you just slightly less than a competitor that is committed to the real deal and backs it up with a guaranteed repair.

It's stressful enough when a vehicle is damaged without adding in the worry that you're being ripped off by your auto repair shop. A reputable car body team focuses on taking that stress out of the process with attention to detail from quote, to insurance agency document approvals, all the way through to finished product.