F.A.Q

Accident | What to Do After a Car Accident

Car accidents happen unexpectedly, even to the most careful drivers. Getting in a car accident can be scary and disorienting, but following a few simple steps can ensure safety for everyone involved and make the resulting process easier.

Before the Accident:

Nobody plans on being in an accident, but having a few things prepared in case of an accident is extremely beneficial.

  • Carry a set of reflective warning triangles in you trunk to warn traffic of the accident. You can find these at any auto parts store or online for less than $20.
  • Keep you insurance information in your car, along with a pen and paper to take down any information you’ll need after the accident

Immediately After the Accident:

  • Stay calm and take a moment to compose yourself. Getting in an accident can be scary, but getting upset will only make things worse.
  • Check for any injuries to yourself or your passengers. Call an ambulance when in doubt.
  • If you are in a minor accident, safely move your car out of traffic.
  • Put on your hazard lights and set up any warning triangles, cones, or flares you might have.
  • Call the police, even if it’s only a minor accident.
  • Gather information from the people involved and any police officer who may be on the scene. What Information to Take Down.
  • Take pictures of the scene, damage to your vehicle, and any people involved.
  • Contact your insurance company to start filing a claim.

Other Tips:

  • Be polite to the other driver, but don’t admit fault or say you’re sorry.
  • Do not sign any documents unless it is for the police or your insurance agent.
  • If possible, don’t leave before the police and other drivers.
  • Neither the police nor the other driver will need your Social Security number. Don’t give it to them.

Following these simple steps can make the stressful process easier on everyone and make sure everyone walks away safely.

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F.A.Q

Do I have to use a body shop which is approved by my insurance company or can I take the car to a shop of my choosing?

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Insurance companies have special arrangements with many auto body repair shops in every city. Therefore, they prefer you send your vehicle to one of these shops. However, no matter what they may suggest to you, you should know that the choice is yours. Therefore, you can always have your vehicle taken to the shop of your choosing.

How long will it take to repair my vehicle?

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This question is a little difficult to answer. There are many unforeseen delays that can happen in our industry. This includes difficulties in obtaining parts and delays caused by insurance companies. However, we do our best to keep our customers in the loop throughout the process so you know what to expect. These issues aside, we will generally provide a ballpark of actual work time estimated and an expected date of completion under the ideal circumstances.

The Repair Process

The Estimate-

In the Estimate Process area the vehicle is inspected and relevant data is entered into estimate computer systems. This data is compiled into an estimate that determines the cost of repairs. However, often there is hidden damage that can not be seen until after the vehicle is disassembled.

Insurance Approval-

Once the estimate is completed, the insurance company will review the estimate. there may be some negotiations on the price and procedures required to repair the vehicle. The insurance company will determine if the vehicle is even repairable. Once this process is completed, the vehicle begins the actual repair process.

Disassembly-

In Disassembly hidden damage is often found, and inner structure repairs are determined. Many times this will require scheduling insurance re-inspection and ordering additional parts.   

Order Parts-

The required parts for your vehicle are ordered, and availability is checked. If a part needs to be special ordered, the order will be placed as soon as possible. Although many parts may arrive very quickly, the repair process can not begin until the shop receives all of the structural parts.

Structural Repair-

In the Structure Repair area, the unitized body is returned back to the factory specification. A sophisticated measuring system is used to monitor all phases in this area. A computer based measurement system is used to analyze the frame of your vehicle. This system assures an accurate repair.

Body Repair-

The Body Repair Department replaces exterior panels, and all metal finished that may be required. The vehicle begins to come back to life as sheet metal is installed and aligned. From here the vehicle will go to the paint preparations department.   

Paint/Preparation-

Paint Preparation is a critical step in the refinishing process of every vehicle. All panels are prepared for paint, then primed and sealed to assure good adhesion when the final top color and clear coats of paint are applied.

Reassembly-

Final moldings and details pieces are put back on the vehicle in the reassembly area. All the vehicle's systems are checked during this process. The vehicle is almost complete and ready for delivery when it is in this stage.

Detailing-

During the repair process the vehicle accumulates dust from the repairs. It will be cleaned. It will also be road tested to ensure that everything is working properly. A final inspection will assure that the vehicle is restored to it's pre-accident condition.   

Completed-

Delivery is the last step in the repair process. When the customer arrives to pick up the vehicle, the bill is explained and the final paper work is completed. The customer drives away in the vehicle that has been restored to it's pre accident condition.