Understanding the Collision Repair Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Written By
Peter O'Neil
Published
Jun 5, 2024
Uncover the collision repair process step by step. This guide simplifies the journey, making it easier to understand and navigate.
At a Glance
Understanding the collision repair process is essential to navigating the aftermath of a vehicle accident smoothly. From the initial assessment and insurance authorization, to the intricate tasks of body and mechanical repairs, each step serves an important purpose. By grasping these steps, you can make informed decisions and prepare yourself for the journey of restoring your vehicle.
In the aftermath of a vehicle collision, the process of getting your car back to its pre-accident condition can be both daunting and complex. The journey through collision repair includes several stages: the initial assessment and estimation, vehicle disassembly, parts ordering and preparation, body and mechanical repairs, paint preparation and application in the paint booth, reassembly, and quality control. Additionally, aspects such as rental car options during the repair period, calibrations required for modern vehicles, and the final vehicle inspection are integral as well. This guide aims to demystify the steps involved in collision repair, highlighting its importance not only for the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your vehicle but also for your safety on the road. Let's dive in.
Initial Assessment and Estimation
Damage Inspection
Upon arrival at the selected collision repair facility, an assessment of the collision damage is conducted. An appraiser will examine the impact and try to discern from his or her inspection, which parts need to be replaced, and which items, such as body panels, and perhaps bumpers, can be repaired. This initial evaluation ensures that both the vehicle owner and the insurance company understand the scope of repairs and the associated costs. However, there are limits to what an appraiser can assess with a visual inspection. In collisions that are more severe the true scope of the repair won't be known until the tear down process begins. So this initial evaluation has limitations.
Cost Estimation
The auto body shop compiles an initial estimate that gives an idea of the extent of the damage and the potential cost of repairs. This estimate is then submitted to your insurance company, and there may be a step where someone from the insurance company may inspect the vehicle as well. Many factors influence the cost of an auto body repair estimate, including the extent of damage and the type of vehicle. Estimates can vary significantly, for example, windshield repair might range from $50 to $900, and more extensive damages like a dented bumper could cost between $400 to $1,500. Headlights and even tail lights can quickly add to the costs. Many current vehicles were assembled with LED or HID lighting and replacements can be $1,000 or more for one headlight.
Insurance Coordination & Total Loss
After receiving the repair estimate, the focus shifts to coordinating with your insurance company. In California, if the costs of the repairs along with the salvage value of the vehicle, exceed the vehicle's current value, the insurance company will likely declare it a total loss. Other states have different thresholds, or the insurance companies may have their own formula to decide to total the vehicle. But, if the vehicle isn't going to be economical to repair, the insurance company will not want to move forward for a variety of reasons. One of them being that estimates are just that, and costs can escalate once the tear down begins. Regardless, many consumers find it unsettling to hear that their vehicle won't be repaired and there can be some recourse to challenge the decision. If you are thrust into the market to purchase a new car, an auto buying service can be worthwhile to help shorten your vehicle research cycle and streamline the purchase process.
Assuming the cost of the repair do not create a situation where the vehicle is deemed a total loss, the coordination with the insurance company will have more to do with agreeing on the estimate. It's about aligning the cost, scope of repairs, and any deductibles with your insurance terms. This phase is not just about getting approvals; it's a negotiation and clarification process ensuring that all repair aspects are transparently communicated and agreed upon by your insurer. If there are discrepancies between the auto body shop's estimate and the insurance company's valuation, your auto body repair shop should take the lead on coordinating a solution with your insurance company.
Documentation and Authorization
After the vehicle is disassembled, technicians and estimators work together to document all findings thoroughly. A complete damage repair estimate is then compiled, which includes details of the hidden damages found during the teardown. This detailed report is crucial as it forms the basis for the supplemental claim sent to the insurance company, facilitating the continuation of repairs.
In cases where the disassembly reveals more complex issues, a teardown estimate is prepared. This estimate includes the costs of reassembling the vehicle, replacing parts typically damaged during disassembly like gaskets and seals, and any additional labor costs. The repair facility must also notify the vehicle owner about the potential for the vehicle to be in a different condition than when initially received, and provide a timeframe for reassembly. Importantly, if further work is required beyond the initial estimate, the facility must obtain the customer's authorization before proceeding, ensuring transparency and consent for any additional charges.
As the outer panels of the vehicle are removed and the structure is exposed, it's not uncommon to find additional or 'hidden damage.' This necessitates an updated report to cover these new findings, often referred to as supplement damage in insurance terms. The insurance company must authorize these additional repairs before the process can continue. In anticipation of such findings, repair facilities often request pre-authorization from vehicle owners to expedite additional necessary repairs, thus avoiding delays in the repair timeline.
Parts Ordering and Preparation
Sourcing Parts
Once the vehicle's damage has been thoroughly assessed, the process of ordering parts begins. Whether the replacement parts are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket can become a point of contention. OEM parts are almost always more expensive and therefore, many insurance companies prefer aftermarket parts. Some consumers are surprised that their policy doesn't cover OEM replacement parts.
OEM vs. aftermarket parts is an ongoing debate and the concern from many is that aftermarket parts may not be built to the same specification that an OEM part is. The counterpoint is that OEMs today like Chevrolet and Honda etc., rarely manufacture these parts and instead they are purchased from suppliers. And in some cases that part is available through other channels without the OEM markup. Unfortunately we won't be able to settle this debate in this article, but it is something to be aware of during the repair process of your car. One caveat is that for leased vehicles, policies may require the use of OEM parts to comply with lease agreements. This can be verified by reviewing your lease agreement.
Preparation for Repair
Before the repair work begins, any parts that were pre-ordered and are already on-site are verified. Additional parts discovered during the disassembly process are then ordered. New parts arrive in their raw form and require prime-sealing and jamb-coloring to prepare them for installation. Similarly, any panels that were repaired during the disassembly stage are primed and sealed to ensure they are ready for the next stages of the repair process.
In summary, the parts ordering and preparation phase is an important step in the collision repair process, and issues with parts availability will delay the repair process.
Body and Mechanical Repairs
Frame & Body Alignment
The integrity of a vehicle's frame or unibody is critical to its overall safety and performance. Advanced electronic measuring systems are employed during the collision repair process to ensure the frame or unibody aligns precisely with factory specifications, maintaining structural soundness. Specialized knowledge and technology, including 3D imaging and laser-guided equipment, are utilized to detect misalignments and correct them, ensuring the frame and body functions as designed. Proper frame alignment not only enhances safety features like airbag effectiveness and structural impact absorption but also improves the vehicle's handling and driving dynamics.
Structural Repairs
In the heart of collision repair, structural integrity takes precedence, with technicians using advanced tools to reshape and repair the vehicle’s body panels and internal frameworks. If the vehicle’s frame is compromised, techniques such as frame straightening are implemented to restore its original condition. This process involves securing the vehicle to a platform, using hydraulic tools to realign the frame accurately.
Mechanical Fixes
Alongside structural repairs, mechanical fixes are essential to restore the vehicle's functionality. This includes addressing any damage to the suspension systems, wheel alignments, and other mechanical components that may have been affected during the collision. A collision that impacts the front of a vehicle will likely damage the cooling system of the engine, air intake and other systems. Technicians should ensure that all mechanical repairs are completed to preserve the vehicle’s performance and safety.
Paint Preparation and Application
Panel Preparation
Before painting can commence, preparation is essential to ensure a flawless finish. Technicians first remove any grime, grease, or old paint that may impede the adhesion of new paint. This is followed by thorough sanding, which not only removes the old layers but also smooths the surface, creating an ideal substrate for new paint to adhere. The use of the right grit sandpaper is crucial, as it ensures the surface is perfectly prepped without causing undue abrasion. Additionally, a high-quality primer is applied to lay the foundation for the paint, enhancing the durability and vibrancy of the finish. After sanding and priming, a final cleaning step is necessary to remove micro-contaminants that could interfere with the paint job. This comprehensive preparation process is vital for achieving a durable and aesthetically pleasing paint finish.
Painting and Sealing
Once the vehicle's panels are fully prepped, the application of the base coat begins. This phase involves the careful application of the chosen paint color, which is matched to the original vehicle color using advanced computerized systems to ensure consistency and accuracy. After the base coat, a clear coat is applied, providing a protective layer that enhances the gloss and depth of the color while also shielding the paint from environmental elements. The clear coat must be applied evenly to ensure it forms a solid barrier over the colored base coat, which is crucial for both the appearance and longevity of the paint job.
The final step in the painting process is curing, which is distinct from drying. Curing refers to the paint achieving its full hardness and adhesion to the vehicle's surface, a chemical process that ensures durability and resistance to damage. This process can be expedited through various methods, such as controlled air circulation and temperature adjustments. Infrared curing is particularly effective, using radiation energy to quickly and evenly cure the paint, significantly reducing wait times compared to traditional methods. Proper curing is essential for the paint to withstand daily use and environmental exposure without deteriorating.
Each of these steps, from panel preparation through to the curing process, is crucial in ensuring that the vehicle not only looks its best but also that its paint finish is durable and long-lasting.
Reassembly and Quality Control
Reassembling Components
Reassembling a vehicle is one of the last steps of the vehicle repair process, where all parts and components are put back into place. The basics of reassembly work begin during the build down, where technicians organize and document each part on a rolling parts rack to guide the reassembly team. Technicians use a compartment case to write down the names and locations of the parts, which aids in efficiently identifying and placing them during reassembly. This organized approach is crucial, especially for more extensive jobs, where the technician who disassembled the vehicle is often involved in its reassembly to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
After all parts are freshly painted, the vehicle is fully reassembled, ensuring that each component fits perfectly and functions as intended. In the reassembly area, detail pieces and final moldings are returned to the vehicle, and all systems are inspected to confirm their operational integrity.
Final Inspections
Once the vehicle is reassembled, it undergoes a series of final inspections to ensure quality and functionality. The quality control department performs a thorough visual inspection to confirm that all parts are correctly installed and functioning. This includes checking for any open welds, bare metal, missing spot welds, or misaligned structural panels. Additionally, the paint surfaces are should be examined to ensure the paint has been applied evenly and without errors.
Test Drives
Before the vehicle is deemed ready for customer delivery, it undergoes test drives to ensure there are no driving problems related to the repaired parts. This includes checking the vehicle's handling, listening for any unusual noises, and ensuring that all mechanical and electronic systems function as expected. Technicians drive the vehicle over several miles incorporating different speeds and road conditions to thoroughly evaluate its performance.
After the test drives, a final post-repair scan is conducted to ensure that all systems, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), are functioning correctly. This involves using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to perform a factory-level diagnostic scan, verifying that all systems are operational and that any diagnostic trouble codes generated during the repair process are cleared.
The vehicle then receives a final clean, ensuring that it is presented to the customer in a condition that meets or exceeds their expectations. This meticulous approach to reassembly and quality control is essential for delivering a vehicle that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and reliable for the road.
Conclusion & FAQs
Through this comprehensive guide, we've navigated the complexities of the collision repair process, from selecting a trusted facility and understanding insurance authorizations, to managing temporary transportation and inspecting the completed work for consistency in panel gaps and paint application. The journey through each repair stage—from initial assessment, detailed body and mechanical work, to the final quality checks and reassembly—highlights the critical importance of each step in ensuring your vehicle's safety and functionality on the road. It's a process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a keen understanding of the intricacies involved in bringing your car back to its pre-accident condition.
For those facing the unfortunate event of a total vehicle loss, especially in California, there's a next step to consider beyond the collision repair process. The CarOracle Auto Buying Program and the CarOracle Auto Leasing Program offer valuable assistance in selecting, finding, and negotiating for your next vehicle. Leveraging such programs can ease the transition into a new car or lease, ensuring you make informed decisions tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Remember, the journey from collision to recovery is not just about repair but also about ensuring your continued safety and satisfaction on the road, with a vision towards an efficient and informed transition should the need for a new vehicle arise.
FAQs
1. What is the primary purpose of collision repair? The primary purpose of collision repair is to restore a vehicle that has been damaged in a collision. This involves not only returning the vehicle to its original structural integrity but also repairing any damage to both the exterior and interior of the car.
2. Why must collision repair technicians be proficient in various repair techniques? Every accident presents unique challenges due to the different types of damage that can occur. Therefore, it is crucial for collision repair technicians to be proficient in a wide range of repair techniques. This expertise ensures they can effectively handle any damage they encounter during their work.
3. What does an introductory course in collision repair involve? An introductory course in collision repair, often referred to as the Intro to Collision Repair Series, encompasses a variety of topics. These include understanding the specific terminology used in the field, learning about the tools required, ensuring personal safety, mastering refinishing techniques, and getting familiar with different vehicle construction materials.
4. How is a car collision defined? A car collision, also known as a traffic collision or motor vehicle collision, occurs when a vehicle hits another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or any stationary or moving object like road debris, a tree, a pole, or a building.
