What Steps Are Involved In Collision Repair?
To make your collision repair at a place like Mach 1 Body Shop Inc goes smoothly, you may want to follow these steps after an accident.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Whether or not you want to start an insurance claim will depend on the type of accident and the extent of your insurance coverage.
If you were hit by another driver, definitely follow up right away with their insurance company to file a claim. They are liable for paying for any damage to your vehicle in this situation. Even if you feel that the collision was minor, small dings in your vehicle weaken the metal structure and potentially lead to rusting.
If you are at fault for the accident, the situation may be different. Your insurance will pay for damage to the other vehicle under your liability coverage. But damage to your own vehicle may not be covered if you don't have collision insurance. If you do carry collision insurance, they should foot the bill for repairs and any transportation you need to rent while your car is in the shop.
Get a Repair Evaluation
Next, visit a collision repair shop to get a cost estimate for repairs. They should sort their review out by which repairs are the most essential. The mechanic will look for structural or mechanical damage first. Even when there's nothing visually apparent, the engine could be disturbed or the suspension and axles could be thrown off. Repair shops will also give you cost estimates for cosmetic damage. Prioritize your repairs based on your budget and the severity of the damage if you are paying out of pocket.
Prepare for Repair
Group repairs by type, if you can. For example, if a few different repairs will require the car to go up on a rack, it will save you on labor if you get these done at the same time since it will take less time overall. You may need to look into rental vehicles, or your shop might offer a courtesy shuttle at least to get you home from the shop. Ask for timeframes upfront and make sure that your collision repair shop sticks to them.
Follow Up
Hopefully you can get a complete collision repair after your accident. But if you notice any other issues with the way your car behaves or the way it handles, don't be afraid to return to your collision repair shop for a re-evaluation if new issues crop up.
