Have you been involved in a collision? Getting your car back to its pre-accident state can be overwhelming and confusing. As such, most users don’t give it much thought. The technicalities take the backseat, and they are only interested in the final result. Nonetheless, knowing the basic processes involved in collision repair can help you make a more sound decision. This includes understanding the labor needed, timeframe, costs, among other considerations. While this varies from one auto body shop to the next and the extent of the damages, the typical collision repair process follows some basic steps. Here is a quick look at the general guidelines that can help you better manage the process.
The estimate
An estimate done by a pro at the body shop is the first step. After the estimation, including preparing all the necessary paperwork, it is sent to you and your insurer. Today, getting an estimate is a lot more manageable, as you can even do it online. You only need to fill in a few details and include photos to get an estimate. Understanding the process can help you make a sound decision as you can compare estimates and pick a service that offers the best value.
Disassembly and repair
Following the estimate, your insurer could request the car teardown. This ensures that the damages are accurately estimated and documented to establish if the car should be repaired. Once the insurer gives the go-ahead, you can give the body shop the authorization needed to start the collision repair. The repair process is a lot more technical. Mechanical, structural, wheel alignment and suspension repairs are the standard considerations. From picking the right parts, using the best tech, among other concerns, you might not be as interested in all the details. Nonetheless, ensuring that the body shop has the right tools, such as an electronic measuring system, comes in handy. This ensures that you pick the best collision repair service.
Paint and reassembly
The refinishing process includes paint preparation. Proper preparation counts before priming and sealing, ensuring better adhesion once the top color and clear coating are applied. Reassembly involves bringing back the pieces and final molding to the car. An inspection is then carried out to ensure everything is in place. After reinstalling the parts, the interior is cleaned. This is followed by body cleaning and paint polish. The next process is quality control inspection, entailing a physical check and test drive.
Get your car back
Your car has been returned to the pre-accident state. Now, you only have to go through some details to conclude the collision repair. This includes picking the final paperwork. You can also ask the body shop for a rundown of the bill. After ascertaining that everything is in order, you can drive your car.
While you don’t need to know the ins and outs of a collision repair, understanding the basics comes in handy. For instance, you can get an idea of how long you will be without your car. This helps you pick the best measure, such as considering a rental over the bus or taxi after considering your budget.
