My personal recommendation is you find one within a reasonable drive (whatever you feel that is) and visit them often.

Hopefully, it will help keep your car from being ignored, you'll be able to watch the progress and discuss in person, you can possibly catch stuff you don't like and discuss before it's too late, and if something doesn't smell right, you can take action to minimize any potential damage.

Not trying to scare you, just pointing out that you have a lot more control when you can visit frequently and observe. If the guy doesn't like that, then I wouldn't use him. Now, I'm not saying be a pest, but it is your car and your money.