A Simple Guide To Understanding The Collision Repair Process

If you were involved in an accident with another vehicle or object, you are going to want to get your vehicle fixed up right away. You are going to need to work with an auto body shop in order to figure out the collision repair process. This simple guide will help you figure it out. 

Step #1: Estimate

The first thing that is going to happen is you are going to take your vehicle in, and they are going to inspect the vehicle. You generally have to drive or tow your vehicle to the auto body shop for the inspection. A professional estimator will inspect your vehicle and let you know what needs to be done. They will document in writing and with pictures all the issues that they see with the vehicle. They will provide you with a detailed report on the repairs. If your repairs are covered by your insurance, they will work with your insurance provider as well.

Step #2: Disassemble

If you decide to move forward with the repairs, the next step is to disassemble the vehicle. Everything that is wrong may not be easy to see with a visual inspection. With a vehicle teardown, your vehicle will be looked at in more depth and taken apart. That is often the only way to see the extent of damage to a vehicle after an accident. You will get a further report on any additional damage. If your insurance company is paying for the repairs, you will have to wait for them to authorize any additional repairs. 

Step #3: Fixing the Damage

Next up, the body shop is going to get to work fixing the damage. They are going to work to ensure that your vehicle is in the same condition it was in before the accident. Generally, that starts with repairing the frame. If the frame isn't fixed, issues will continue to pop up with your vehicle. After that, they will look at the suspension and wheel alignment and then move on to mechanical repairs. They will wrap up by fixing any damaged bodywork on the vehicle. 

Step #4: Painting

If bodywork was done, or body parts were replaced, you are going to need to paint the vehicle. Painting the vehicle can take some time, as the bodywork will have to be primed, painted, and sealed. This can be one of the longest steps of the process. Oftentimes, bodywork and painting happen at the same time as mechanical repairs. 

Finally, your vehicle will be put back together, and it will be inspected and tested to ensure that everything is working right and was put back where it belongs. Many shops will also wash and polish your vehicle in order to give it back to you looking as good as new! 

Contact an auto body shop near you to learn more. 

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