Autobody – The auto body repair process in and around Seattle, Auburn, Bonney Lake and Centralia, WA can be confusing if you are not familiar with collision repair. You probably imagine a team of talented technicians working hard to restore your car or other type of vehicle to its former glory. And if yes, then you are not far off. But there’s more to the auto body repair process: We’ve raised the bar for quality collision and auto body repairs at all four (4) Collision 1 locations in the Puget Sound, including our convenient Seattle collision repair center.
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s helpful to know about the auto body repair process. Not only will this knowledge allow you to understand the potential costs and timescales of the collision repair process, but it will also help you set realistic expectations for auto body repairs.
Autobody
There are thousands of traffic accidents in Seattle every year. I hope you never get involved in anything. But if so, here’s what to expect.
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Immediately after an accident occurs, it is important to assess the damage to your vehicle. Take photographs of the actual scene for documentation and file storage if you plan to do so. If you are seriously injured, call 911 and the police first. You should contact the appropriate local authorities if the accident occurred outside of Seattle. If the collision occurred anywhere in Washington, you can also use the Washington State Patrol’s Online Vehicle Collision Reporting page.
Give an objective statement about the accident to both your insurance company and the police. Please note that both Seattle and other Puget Sound areas have distracted driving laws. You must be honest and report whether you were on the phone while driving. This will prevent further complications with the authorities.
Be sure to exchange contact information with the other driver involved in the accident. Ask about their insurance policy and how to contact them for repairs. This part is critical when it comes to covering the cost of repairs after an accident. If the other driver claims that he does not have auto insurance, you should seek legal assistance as Washington requires all drivers to have auto insurance.
You will need to take your vehicle to a reputable auto body repair shop in Seattle or a nearby body shop to get an accurate quote for the repair. Note. When searching, you may be better off searching for “auto body repair shop locations” rather than “auto body repair shop near me.” While you can easily send any photos of Collision 1 from a body shop or get a quote over the phone, bringing the vehicle into the body shop will result in a more detailed and accurate quote.
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Our Seattle collision repair center, for example, will have one or more collision repair technicians on staff, and auto body repair technicians will perform a visual inspection of your vehicle to assess the level of damage, including interior damage, and determine which parts need to be replaced. Keep in mind that the first estimate usually only includes visible damage. When technicians start looking under your car’s body, they will likely find more damage, which could lead to additional repair costs.
Most auto body repair shops in the Seattle area, including Collision 1, will use computer software to create estimates and send them to your insurance company. You will also be given a copy of the repair estimate so you can compare it with other repair centers’ prices.
A few words when it comes to choosing which quote to use. The cheapest option is rarely the best. Always choose the company that provides the most detailed quote and that you feel most comfortable trusting.
Also a few words about repairs and write-offs of your car. When it comes to insurance claims, remember that the depreciated value of your vehicle will be taken into account in the calculation. The older he gets, the less the payment will be. Your insurance company assumes that as you age, certain parts of your car experience wear and tear. This means that you are almost always better off getting your car repaired rather than scrapping it.
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Finally, if you deal with the other driver, liability will be determined by fault, as required by Washington State law. Washington is a pure comparative negligence state where the at-fault party is liable for damages.
To give your collision repair and auto body technicians a clear understanding of your vehicle’s condition, they will develop a plan. This will be their map of systematic repairs to your vehicle. The details will be disassembled for further study. This is where more damage may be discovered that the body repair center did not notice during a visual inspection. A reputable auto body repair shop will contact you and your insurance company immediately to adjust the estimate if necessary. Don’t worry, this happens regularly and is part of how the industry works.
Some insurance companies will first require disassembly before honoring your insurance claim. Thus, all damage is documented and there is no need for further adjustments. This is also your insurance company’s way of making sure you are not falsifying your claim.
Please note that you have the final say on when your vehicle will be repaired. If your car is still in working order, you can wait until all the materials are ready before starting the repair. But before you give the green light to your auto body repair shop in Seattle or another area, check with your insurance company to make sure everything is in order.
How To Run A Successful Auto Body Shop
Collision-related accidents can deform a car’s frame to an extent you can’t imagine. Once collision repair work begins, the first thing an auto body repair technician will focus on is the vehicle’s frame. They will use laser frame diagnostic systems to achieve the exact shape. Frame machines are also used here to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident appearance. This process will take days or even weeks, depending on how damaged your car is.
Next up is metalworking. Here, if necessary, the metal parts of your car are replaced. Each part will be analyzed by an electronic measurement system to ensure body and mechanical repairs meet factory standards. This is to ensure that the chassis is straight and the frame has structural integrity suitable for driving. This is also where wheel alignment and suspension repairs are critical, as it affects the maneuverability and safety of your vehicle on the road.
It is important that frame repairs and mechanical repairs are performed simultaneously to avoid emergency adjustments. Experienced auto repair shops know how to do this.
Once the mechanical and frame repairs are complete, your vehicle will be ready for paint. Surfaces will be taped as needed before sanding and priming. After this, a base coat is applied, the same as the original, and then a clear coat. Once the curing phase is complete, your vehicle will go through a gloss finishing phase to return it to its pre-collision shine.
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Assembly is carried out after the painting process is completed. Every part and piece will be restored to its original location. Wiring, airbag components, hoses and other items will be put back in place if they were removed. This is a painstaking process as repairmen have to ensure that every part is in the right place. If you miss one screw, it could jeopardize the vehicle’s driving safety. This is another reason why you shouldn’t trust the cheapest deal from any auto repair shop in Seattle. Remember the saying: pay pennies, get monkeys.
After assembly, an initial inspection will be carried out. It’s also common for a Seattle auto body shop to conduct a test drive at their facility to make sure everything is working properly. They will check to see if the doors are installed correctly or if there are any wires that need to be adjusted.
After the dirty work, your car will be washed and the interior will be cleared of debris and metal dust. The paint will be re-polished for a better shine and all other surfaces will be cleaned to ensure a flawless finish. If necessary, all lighting components will also undergo additional testing.
This is also when the body repair center looks for minor problems. Every small detail will be checked and refined to achieve showroom quality.
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Once all work is completed a visual inspection will be carried out and another test drive may be carried out. The Production Manager and Chief Technician must agree to the collision repair as soon as everything is completed. All processes must comply with Seattle or other applicable Washington area standards and regulations.
Finally, the vehicle is prepared for pickup or delivery. Your Seattle auto repair center will contact you.