Collision Repair Process: How the Pros Do It?

After a car accident, your vehicle will usually need repairs. Many drivers wonder about the collision repair process and what happens at each step.

Below, the best experts on collision repair in Tucson, AZ, guide you through the time and labor-intensive auto collision repair process.

Inspection and Estimate

Once your vehicle arrives at the auto body repair shop, an in-house estimator inspects your vehicle and goes over the repairs with you. You’ll sign off on documentation of your car’s repairs, then the estimator will take photos of the vehicle. The shop turns all this information over to you and your insurance company.

Teardown

Some insurance companies request a vehicle teardown to verify that no hidden damage remains. Teardown involves removing damaged sections of your vehicle’s body and inspecting the components beneath. If the repair shop finds more problems, they’ll send the updated information and adjusted cost of repairs to the customer and insurance company. 

Vehicle Repair

While visible damage may seem bad enough, collisions can warp your vehicle’s frame and cause problems throughout your car. Structural repair ensures the shape and integrity of your frame so that other repairs last longer and take less work. Badly warped frames may take several days or weeks to correct.

After frame repairs, auto body technicians will inspect and replace metal parts in your vehicle. Mechanical repairs may include wheel alignment or suspension repairs.

Refinishing and Reassembly

Repairing or replacing your vehicle’s framework and mechanical parts damages your paint, requiring a new coat. Your auto body shop will begin the refinishing process by sanding and priming your vehicle, then painting and applying a sealant coat. Once painted, technicians reassemble your vehicle and test it for proper functionality.

Cleaning and Detailing

Part of the collision repair process involves presenting you with a vehicle that looks good as new. Your auto body shop will take time to carefully clean your car’s interior, followed by an in-depth exterior clean. This deep detailing doubles as a chance for technicians to catch minor damage and repair it.

Owner Inspection and Approval

After your vehicle’s collision repair finishes, you’ll receive a call to pick up your car or schedule delivery. Upon receiving or retrieving your vehicle, you’ll receive an itemized list of repairs and parts for your records. Your technician will also provide you with a final bill outlining the costs.

Before accepting the vehicle:

1. Take time to perform your own inspection.
2. Check every exterior and interior detail to ensure it meets your expectations.
3. Address any concerns with your auto body shop so they can fix them before you approve the final result.

Trust Your Vehicle Repair to Tucson’s Best Auto Body Shop

If you’ve been in an accident and need professional collision repair, call Formula 1 Collision Center of Tucson, AZ, at (520) 369-4291. We follow a stringent collision repair process that promises you a showroom-level vehicle regardless of the damage.

Before fixing your vehicle at home, know the dangers of DIY auto body repairs.