Accidents happen, and when they do, your vehicle might sustain damage that requires professional attention. Understanding the collision repair process can ease any anxiety and ensure you’re well-prepared for what lies ahead. This comprehensive guide will walk you through what to expect during collision repair, from assessing the damage to maintaining your vehicle post-repair.
Common Types of Collision Damage
Knowing the types of collision damage can help you understand the extent of repairs needed. Here are some common types:
1. Cosmetic Damage
This includes scratches, dents, and paint chips that affect the vehicle’s appearance but not its functionality.
2. Structural Damage
More serious than cosmetic damage, structural damage affects the vehicle’s frame and safety components, potentially compromising its integrity.
3. Mechanical Damage
Collisions can also impact engine components, suspensions, and other mechanical systems, necessitating specialized repairs.
4. Glass Damage
Broken or cracked windows and windshields are common in collisions and require immediate attention to ensure safety and visibility.
The Repair Process: Step-by-Step Overview
Understanding the collision repair process can make it less daunting. Here’s a step-by-step outline of what you can expect:
1. Initial Assessment and Visual Preliminary Estimate
The first step is typically the initial assessment, during which either your insurance company or shop of choice would quickly evaluate visual damage to provide a preliminary estimate. This involves a visual inspection during the original consultation or via online photos that you supply either to the body shop or insurance company. This initial step will also secure more information, such as your concerns, wishes for the repair, current safety status of the vehicle, insurance information, and more.
2. Schedule Repairs
Whether your vehicle is driveable or not, this step will confirm and secure a scheduled starting point for all necessary administrative, parts, insurance, authorizations, and planning to move forward. Typically, by this point, we will also confirm your insurance coverage (if you are making a claim).
3. Disassemble and Blueprint the Repair
To fully understand the damage, parts of the vehicle need to be disassembled. This helps technicians and damage appraisers identify any hidden issues that need to be addressed.
This stage is also necessary in order to fully analyze all damages to the vehicle. Within this process, the trained auto body technician will Scan the electronics, pre-measure the frame, and define all damages to the vehicle. Once organized, the body technician will present all information to the shop’s estimator, who will research all OE repair procedures and write up a line-by-line item repair plan estimate showing all necessary repair costs. All disassembled parts will be stored and protected.
4. Document Repairs
The appraiser will Document all photos and supporting documentation to notify the vehicle owner and their insurance company of all costs involved in bringing the vehicle to a safe and quality repair. This step is needed to obtain approval to proceed with all repairs.
5. Order and Obtain Parts
At this stage, all parts are ordered, verified, received, and mirror-matched. Parts will then be organized per repair order and then stored to be ready for body and paint technicians.
6. Structural and Mechanical Repairs
Technicians address any structural and mechanical damage first, ensuring the vehicle’s frame and essential systems are restored to their original state.
7. Body and Paint Repairs
Once the structural and mechanical repairs are complete, attention turns to cosmetic issues. This involves fixing dents and scratches and repainting affected areas to match your vehicle’s color. Once ready, the painter will make and mix the expertly matched basecoat per the vehicle’s manufacturer’s color code. All of the parts to be refinished will be degreased, prepped, staged, and masked in the paint booth to be refinished.
8. Reassembly and Quality Check
After repairs, the vehicle is reassembled. ADAS calibrations and test drives will be performed if necessary. Technicians perform a thorough quality check to ensure everything functions properly and meets safety standards.
9. Final Inspection, Cleaning, and Delivery
Before returning your vehicle, a final inspection ensures all repairs are up to standard. The vehicle is then cleaned inside and out, and the vehicle owner is notified when it is complete.
Understanding the Role of Insurance
Navigating insurance claims can be one of the most challenging aspects of collision repair. Here’s what you need to know:
Filing a Claim
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. They will guide you through the process and may recommend approved repair shops.
Deductibles and Coverage
Understand your insurance policy, including your deductible and what types of damage are covered. This will help you manage your out-of-pocket expenses.
Working With Repair Shops
Some insurance companies have preferred repair shops, but you can choose where to get your vehicle repaired. Ensure your shop is certified and has a good reputation for quality work.
Post-Repair Care: Tips for Maintaining Your Vehicle
Once your vehicle is back in your hands, following these tips can help maintain its condition and prevent future issues:
1. Inspect Your Vehicle
After repairs, thoroughly inspect your vehicle. Check for any missed damage or issues that weren’t addressed.
2. Follow-Up Maintenance
Schedule follow-up maintenance to ensure everything continues to function correctly. This might include alignment checks, oil changes, and more.
3. Protect Your Paint
Invest in a paint protection film or ceramic coating, or regularly apply a high-quality wax to keep your new paint job looking fresh and protected from environmental damage.
4. Drive Cautiously
Be extra cautious when driving post-repair, especially if your vehicle had significant structural or mechanical repairs. This period allows you to ensure everything functions correctly.
Contact Us
At Bumpers Etc. Auto Body & Collision in Lancaster, PA, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch collision repair services. Our experienced technicians and state-of-the-art facilities ensure your vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition with the utmost care and precision.
Call us at (717) 738-0334 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services. We’re here to help you get back on the road safely and confidently.
