Collision Repair Services Now Cater to Women

Here's some really helpful information that I received from John Shattuck - my local body shop owner:

Did you know that over 65 percent of our customers in the collision repair industry are women? No, it does not mean they are bad drivers. It just means they have taken more control of the family’s auto needs. In the past decade, women have jumped into a role that the men previously dominated.

An increasing presence and buying power of women in the automotive industry is the result of a rise in the overall percentage of female drivers, while the overall percentage of male drivers is decreasing. Furthermore, research shows nearly half of new car purchases are made by women, and 53 percent of used-car sales can be attributed to women. In fact, Ford Motor Marketing reports that women influence 80 percent of all purchases and have 95 percent veto power regarding automotive purchases.

In most cases, females are more knowledgeable then male customers. The old way of thinking -that males make all the decisions regarding repairs on the family’s auto - is a thing of the past. Female customers are also more critical of the cleanliness of a body shop and the quality of the repairs on their auto.

Due to the fact over 65 percent of auto repair facilities customers’ are women, shops need to change their appearance and their attitudes toward their female customers. This is why many mechanical shops and collision repair shops have removed the calendars of half dressed women. They have removed the old car seats and car magazines in their waiting rooms and replaced them with magazines like People and Time. Offices and restrooms are cleaner and more comfortable too. The main reason for this is the female customer. Without their business, they would not have one.

If you're a woman at a repair shop, do not be afraid to ask questions. There are no dumb questions. Insurance claims can be complicated. The average person has a claim once every seven years. [Some of us a little more often.] In the auto world, six months is a long time. Auto mechanical repairs can be even more confusing. If you don’t feel comfortable with whom you are dealing with or are confused, don’t be afraid to leave.

If you have an insurance claim, always remember it is your car and your choice about where it is repaired. You may have it repaired at any shop you would like (at least according to Michigan state law, but I would presume other states have similar statutes.) Choose a shop where you are comfortable. And be sure that it's one that provides a lifetime warranty.

Thanks, John!