Once you’ve picked out the hand controls, the wheelchair lift, or the securement system, you still have one more decision to make, and it might matter more than the equipment itself. Who’s going to install it?
A rushed or improperly done installation doesn’t just mean a callback. It can mean equipment that fails when you need it most. If you’re comparing shops in the Chicago area, here are five questions worth asking before you hand over your keys.
1. How much hands-on experience do they have with wheelchair accessible van installation?
Experience is what tells you a shop can handle your specific situation, whether that’s a full wheelchair accessible van installation, a custom fabrication for an older vehicle, or a straightforward hand control setup. Ask how long they’ve been doing this work, how many vans they see in a typical month, and whether they can show you examples of similar adaptive installs. A shop that installs adaptive equipment every day will move faster and catch details a generalist might miss.
2. Is this their specialty, or a side service?
Adaptive driving equipment isn’t standard automotive technology, and most general mechanics and body shops simply don’t work with it regularly. That’s not a knock on them. It’s just not their focus. Ask whether the shop is a dedicated adaptive driving equipment installer or whether mobility work is something they take on occasionally alongside other repairs. A specialist has the training, the parts relationships, and the day-to-day repetition that comes with focusing on this one thing.
3. Which brands and manufacturers do they work with?
A shop’s manufacturer relationships tell you a lot. Ask which brands of wheelchair lifts, securement systems, hand controls, and docking systems they install regularly. A shop with established partnerships across multiple trusted manufacturers can match you with the right equipment for your vehicle and your budget, rather than pushing whatever happens to be on the shelf.
4. What does the warranty and ongoing support look like?
Installation is the beginning of the relationship, not the end of it. Ask what’s covered under warranty, for how long, and what happens if something needs adjusting six months down the road. Many manufacturers recommend annual inspections and bi-annual equipment checkups, and skipping them can void your warranty. Find out whether the installer offers ongoing maintenance and inspection services, or whether you’ll need to track that down separately.
5. Can they offer an affordable mobility equipment installer option with financing?
Mobility equipment is a real investment, and cost is almost always part of the conversation. Some shops price for mega-dealer overhead; others work to keep options affordable while still doing the job right. Ask about financing options, free consultations, and whether they offer used or budget-friendly vehicles alongside new ones. A shop that’s upfront about pricing and willing to work within your budget is thinking about your whole situation, not just the sale in front of them.
Choosing the Right Fit
Finding the right adaptive vehicle installer near Chicago comes down to trust: in their experience, their transparency, and their willingness to answer your questions honestly. Take your time, ask these five questions, and pay attention to how a shop responds. qThe right team will welcome the conversation.
At AMS Auto, we’re a family-owned shop serving Woodstock, Crystal Lake, and the greater Chicagoland area — not a mega-dealer. We install, inspect, and maintain everything from hand controls to full wheelchair securement systems, partner with trusted manufacturers, and work to keep mobility solutions affordable. We’ll always give you a straight answer.
Have questions about your installation? Call us at (815) 527-7297 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
