A lot goes on in the shop during the repair process. Whether your car is already in for repairs or you’re researching before making the appointment, taking a look at the steps can help you understand what to expect when you bring your car into an auto body shop. Your service may vary, depending on what your car needs–you may not require every step. At Graham Collision, we strive to keep our customers in the loop with live updates from the shop, but with these 10 steps, you’ll have more of an understanding of what your car is going through while you’re not around.
7 Steps Your Vehicle Goes Through During the Repair Process
Step 1:Initial Estimate
Your first step will be to contact us at Graham Collision to set an appointment (or come visit us, drive-ins are welcome!) for your estimate. If you haven’t gotten in touch with your insurance company yet, we are happy to assist you in that process as well. While your vehicle is with our experienced team at the shop, we can help you arrange a rental vehicle if you need it!
Before we start the repair process, we give your vehicle a thorough washing so that every detail of your car is checked over during an inspection. In this inspection, we gather data on the damage to your car before computing an estimate that determines the cost of repairs. We do our best to provide the most accurate results from our inspections.
Step 2: Insurance Approval
Once we have your quote, we confirm with your insurance company who will review our estimate. Your company will determine if the vehicle is even repairable, or if the damage is enough to consider it totalled. Once this step is completed, we schedule a time with you to begin the physical repair process.
Step 3: Disassembly
In disassembly, we take apart the vehicle and reassemble it again to ensure that no details have been overlooked. This step is often adjusted for each car and its damage. For smaller damage, there may only be a partial disassembly. If we uncover any hidden damage in the inner structure of your vehicle in this step, we’ll order any additional parts required and contact your insurance to revise the claim.
Step 4: Auto Repair
- Structure/Mechanical Repair
For vehicles in need of structure repair, we restore the body back to factory specifications and standards. Any mechanical repairs that need done are completed during this phase. We use a sophisticated measuring system to monitor all phases in this step to assure the most accurate repair.
- Body Repair
Now for vehicles in need of body repair, we replace exterior panels and any metal finishing needed. This is where we begin to see your car return to the vehicle you know and love.
- Painting
Paint is a critical component of the process. We prepare your vehicle, priming and sealing every panel to guarantee secure adhesion when we finally apply top color and clear coats of paint.
Step 5: Reassembly
We’re almost to the end! In this step, the little details, like moldings, are put back on the vehicle. As we begin to complete the repair, we check all of the vehicle’s systems to ensure that nothing has been missed and that the car is on the right track to completion and delivery.
Step 6: Detailing
Through this extensive and focused process, your vehicle accumulated dust and debris from repairs. To bring you a like-new car, we clear the dust and debris, give your car a final thorough cleaning and conduct a final test and inspection, ensuring everything is in working order and that we deliver you a vehicle restored to its pre-damaged condition.
Step 7: Delivery
It’s time for delivery! Whether you visited us for your repairs or are researching prior to your appointment, we thank you for trusting us with your safety. After your vehicle has been washed, tested, and inspected, we walk through the repairs at delivery with you, bringing you nothing less than complete satisfaction.
