Media post: What to Expect During the Car Restoration Process After an Accident
After a car accident, the restoration process of your vehicle is likely the furthest thing from your mind yet it is also one of the most crucial items to take care of. Ensuring your vehicle gets back to its pre-accident condition should be a top priority so, whether the damage is minor or extensive, knowing what to expect from the process can reduce stress and ensure you’re prepared. Learn everything you need to know about the vehicle restoration process, from assessing the damage to picking up your fully repaired vehicle.
1. Assessing the Damage
The first step in restoring your car is a thorough assessment of the damage it suffered. This is typically carried out by a professional auto repair shop that specializes in collision repairs. The damage to your vehicle can vary in a wreck, but depending on the severity of the accident it may be reflected in the initial damage. After all, police must be called when property damage exceeds $500 and vehicles tend not to be unscathed at this point.
The repair shop is going to conduct a detailed inspection of both the visible and hidden damage on your vehicle. Visible damage such as dents or broken parts will be easy to spot, but hidden damage such as frame misalignments or mechanical issues will be more challenging. Once the damage has been assessed, though, the repair shop will create a damage report that outlines what repairs are necessary and will serve as an essential document for insurance claims.
Assuming your vehicle is insured, your insurance company will likely send an adjustor out to inspect the damage as well. They may use the repair shop’s damage report to approve certain coverage items for repairs or to estimate the repair costs themselves to generate a settlement figure.
2. Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop
Selecting the right auto repair shop will be one of the most important decisions that you’ll make during the restoration process. A reputable shop ensures that your car will be restored correctly and safely after all. Aim to look for a repair shop that has experience in car restoration, a strong reputation, and certifications such as Automotive Service Excellence.
Your insurance company might also have a list of preferred repair shops that they mandate you go to. While this can seem convenient, it’s important to still research these shops and consider your own preferences. Preferred shops are typically chosen for their efficiency, but independent shops might offer more personalized service or better pricing. It’s also a good idea to get estimates from a few repair shops as this will help you compare costs, timelines, and service options to ensure you aren’t being overcharged for repairs.
3. The Restoration Process in the Shop
Once the damage has been assessed and you’ve chosen a repair shop to handle fixing up your vehicle, the restoration process will officially begin. The first stage of the process will involve disassembling your vehicle to get a clearer view of the underlying damage. This is where some hidden issues such as frame damage, airbag deployment, or mechanical malfunctions will be discovered.
When the full breadth of the damage is understood, the repair shop will order all the necessary parts for your vehicle. They may be original equipment manufacturer parts or they may be aftermarket parts which are more affordable alternatives. The availability of parts will often directly impact how long the restoration process will take.
Once parts arrive, the repair shop will begin the work which could include bodywork, paintwork, or mechanical repairs. Tasks such as repairing the frame, replacing panels, matching new paint colors to the original, and engine repairs are all examples of this work. When all the repairs are completed, the repair shop will conduct a quality check to ensure that their work meets manufacturer standards; this step is crucial to ensuring your car’s safety and performance.
4. The Restoration Timeline: What to Expect
The time it takes to restore a vehicle after an accident will vary depending on a number of factors. Those factors include:
– The severity of the damage to your vehicle, such as damage to large parts or small parts
– The availability of replacement parts, whether OEM or aftermarket
– The complexity of the repair tasks themselves and the number of repairs required
– The possibility that hidden damages will be discovered once work has begun
A good repair shop will always keep you updated on progress and potential delays as the process continues moving forward. It’s worth noting that no repair shop should conduct repairs that they have not explicitly received permission from you to perform, so keep this in mind once the task is complete.
5. The Final Steps: Quality Check and Pickup
Once all the restoration work is complete, the final steps will involve ensuring everything on your vehicle is in working order before you pick up your car. The repair shop will likely conduct a final inspection and a test drive to ensure everything from the car’s performance to its handling is up to speed.
The repair shop will also likely provide documentation that outlines the repairs that have been made, as this will typically be required for insurance purposes, reselling the car, or for your own records. When you pick up your vehicle, be sure to check that it looks and drives as you would expect. Most shops offer a warranty on their repairs, so be sure to ask them about it. If you have any issues or concerns, now will be the time to address them with the shop rather than after you leave.
Enjoy your restored car and move forward
Restoring your car after an accident can be a complex process, but with the right approach and professional help, you can return your vehicle to its original condition. Through an assessment of damage, partnering with the right repair shop, and understanding the restoration process you can feel confident that your car is safe and ready for the road. Maintaining your vehicle after it’s been restored is equally as important to preserve its performance and value, so be sure to drive safe in the future.
