If you've been involved in a car accident, the aftermath can be stressful. Not only do you have to deal with the emotional and physical aspects of the incident, but you also have to handle the repair process. Collision repairs can seem overwhelming, especially if you’ve never gone through them before. Understanding what to expect during the repair process can make everything smoother and less stressful.
At Mikes Auto Body, we pride ourselves on making the collision repair process as simple and transparent as possible for our customers. Whether your car requires minor repairs or significant restoration, we guide you through each step with care. Below, we break down what typically happens during the collision repair process.
1. Initial Assessment and Estimate
The first step in the collision repair process is an assessment of the damage. Once your car is brought in, our experienced technicians at Mikes Auto Body will carefully inspect the vehicle to identify both visible and hidden damage. It’s important to understand that collisions often cause damage that isn’t immediately apparent, such as bent frames or internal mechanical damage.
- Visual Inspection: We start with a visual check of the body damage to identify dents, scratches, broken parts, and areas needing replacement.
- Frame and Structural Inspection: Using specialized equipment, we assess whether the vehicle’s frame has been bent or misaligned.
- Mechanical Components: The accident could have affected the car’s engine, suspension, or other key systems. We ensure that all parts are functioning as they should be.
After this thorough evaluation, we provide you with a repair estimate that includes both parts and labor costs. This estimate is often shared with your insurance company if you’re filing a claim.
How We Help You:
We work closely with your insurance provider to ensure that the estimate is accurate and that your claim process goes as smoothly as possible. Our goal is to take the pressure off you and help facilitate a hassle-free experience.
2. Insurance Approval
Once the initial estimate is done, it’s time to submit the repair quote to your insurance company (if applicable). Insurance adjusters often need to review and approve the estimate before we begin repairs. While this may take a few days, at Mikes Auto Body, we are experienced at working with all major insurance companies to expedite the process.
- Insurance Claim: If you’re filing a claim, we will work with your provider to make sure they cover the necessary repairs.
- Deductibles: Be aware that your insurance policy might require you to pay a deductible, which is a set amount that you will need to cover before your insurance starts paying for the repairs.
How We Help You:
We help you navigate this stage by keeping you informed about your insurance company’s processes and ensuring everything is handled efficiently. We aim to reduce your stress during this part of the process, so you can focus on other things.
3. Disassembly and Damage Discovery
Once your insurance approves the repairs, the disassembly process begins. This is when the vehicle is taken apart to assess the full extent of the damage. Some issues, such as frame damage or internal component failure, may not be immediately visible until parts of the car are removed.
- Removing Exterior Parts: Body panels, bumpers, fenders, and other parts may be removed to inspect for internal damage.
- Inspecting for Hidden Damage: Even if the car appears to be in good condition on the outside, we check for things like frame misalignment, airbags, and suspension damage.
How We Help You:
The disassembly process is crucial for a full and accurate repair. Our team will keep you updated on what we find and inform you of any additional damage that might affect the repair timeline or cost. Transparency is key, and we make sure you're never left in the dark.
4. Structural and Body Repairs
Depending on the damage, your vehicle may require structural repairs or a complete replacement of certain parts. This stage often involves working on the frame, suspension, and body panels.
- Frame Alignment: If your vehicle’s frame was bent or misaligned, we use advanced frame straightening equipment to restore it to factory specifications.
- Body Panel Repairs or Replacements: If parts of the body are too damaged, we’ll replace them. If the parts are salvageable, we’ll repair them to ensure a flawless finish.
Once the frame and body are repaired or replaced, we move on to prepping the vehicle for painting and finishing.
How We Help You:
Throughout this process, we provide you with updates on the progress and let you know about
