Vehicle Body Shops Near Me – The auto body repair process in and around Seattle, Auburn, Bonney Lake, and Centralia, Washington can be confusing if you’re not familiar with collision repair. You might imagine a team of talented, all-suite technicians working hard to restore your car or another type of vehicle to its former glory. And if so, you won’t be far from it. But there’s more to the auto body repair process than that, we’ve raised the bar for the quality of collision and auto body repair at our four (4) Collision 1 Puget Sound locations, including our convenient collision repair center in Seattle.
If you have a car accident, it’s a good idea to know the car body repair process. This knowledge will not only allow you to understand the potential costs and timeframe of the collision repair process, but will also help you set realistic expectations for auto body repairs.
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Thousands of collision accidents occur in Seattle every year. Hopefully, you never get involved in it. But if so, here’s what to expect.
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Right after an accident occurs, it is important for you to assess the damage to your car. Take photos of the actual location for documentation and case filing if you plan to do so. If you are seriously injured, call an ambulance and police first for help. You should contact the appropriate local authorities if the accident occurred outside Seattle city limits. For collisions that occur in any part of Washington, you can also use the “Online Motor Vehicle Collision Reporting” page provided by the Washington State Patrol.
Give an impartial statement about the accident to your insurance company and the police. Note that Seattle and the rest of the Puget Sound region have distracted driving laws. You should be honest and state if you are on the phone while driving. This will prevent further complications with the authorities.
Don’t forget to exchange contact information with the other driver involved in the accident. Ask about their insurance policy and how you can contact them for repairs. This section is critical to covering collision repair costs. If the other driver claims to not have an insurance policy, you should seek the assistance of the appropriate legal authorities as Washington requires all drivers to have auto insurance.
You should take your car to a trusted auto body shop in Seattle or a nearby repair shop to get an accurate repair quote. Note: When searching, you may be better off searching for “auto repair locations,” rather than “auto repair near me.” While you can easily send Collision 1 body shop pictures or consult over the phone, taking the car to the shop will result in a more thorough and accurate quote.
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Our collision repair center in Seattle for example will have one or more collision repair and auto body technicians perform a visual inspection of your vehicle to assess the extent of damage, including internal damage, and assess which parts need to be replaced. Keep in mind that the first estimate usually only covers visible damage. When technicians start inspecting the outside of your car, they will likely find more damage that could result in additional repair costs.
Most auto body service centers in the Seattle area, including Collision 1, will use computer software to create an estimate and forward it to your insurance company. You will also be given a copy of the repair estimate so you can compare it to quotes from other repair centers.
A quick word on choosing which quote to continue with. The cheapest option is rarely the best option. Always choose the company that provides the most comprehensive offering and that you feel most comfortable with.
Also, an explanation of repairing vs writing off your vehicle. In the event of an insurance claim, remember that the depreciated value of your vehicle will be taken into account. The older the person, the smaller the payment. Your insurance company assumes that old age makes some parts of your car fail. That means you’re almost always better off repairing your vehicle than scrapping it.
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Lastly, if you are dealing with another driver, liability will be determined by fault, as mandated by Washington state law. Washington is a pure comparative negligence state where the at-fault party is liable for damages.
To give collision repair and auto body technicians a clear picture of your car’s condition, they will create a blueprint. This will be their roadmap for repairing your vehicle in a systematic process. The parts will be torn down for further examination. This is where more damage can appear so the auto body service center does not neglect its visual inspection. A reliable auto body shop will contact you and your insurance company promptly to adjust the estimate if necessary. Don’t worry, this happens regularly and is part of how the industry works.
Some insurance companies will require demolition first before fulfilling your insurance claim. This way, all defects are documented and there is no need for future adjustments. This is also your insurance company’s way of ensuring that you are not fraudulent on the claim.
Note that you have the final say on when vehicle repairs will begin. If your vehicle is still in usable condition, you can wait until all the materials are ready before repairs begin. But before giving the green light to your auto repair shop in Seattle or another area, ask your insurance company if everything is in order.
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Collision accidents can bend a car’s frame to a degree you can’t imagine. Once collision repair efforts begin, one of the first things an auto body technician focuses on is the car’s frame. They will use a laser frame diagnostic system to achieve accurate shaping. Chassis engines are also used here so your vehicle will be restored to the condition it was in before the accident. This process will take days, even weeks, depending on how damaged your car is.
Metal work is next. This is where the metal parts of your vehicle are replaced as needed. Each part will undergo electronic measurement system analysis to ensure car body and mechanical repairs comply with factory standards. This is necessary to guarantee that the chassis is straight and the frame has structural integrity suitable for driving. Wheel alignment and suspension improvements are also important here as they determine the maneuverability and safety of your vehicle while on the road.
Frame and mechanical repairs must be performed synergistically to avoid emergency adjustments. An experienced auto body service center will know how to do this.
After completing mechanical and chassis repairs, your vehicle will be ready for painting. Surfaces will be taped as necessary before being sanded and primed. After that, the same base coat as the original will be applied, and followed by a clear coat. After the curing stage is complete, your vehicle will undergo a glossy finishing stage to restore the shine it had before the collision.
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Reassembly will be carried out after the painting process is complete. Each part will be returned to its original location. Cables, airbag components, hoses and other equipment will be reinstalled if removed. This is a painstaking process because the repairman must ensure that each part returns to its proper location. Missing one screw can endanger the vehicle’s driving safety. This is another reason why you don’t want to trust the cheapest quote from any auto repair shop in the Seattle area. Remember the saying: pay peanuts, get monkeys.
Initial inspection will be carried out after reassembly. Seattle auto repair shops also commonly conduct test drives within their facilities to ensure everything is working properly. They will check to see if the door is installed correctly or if there are any cables that need to be adjusted.
After the dirty work, your car will be washed and the interior will be cleaned to remove dirt and metal dust. The paint will be refinished to a greater shine and all other surfaces will be buffed to ensure a clean finish. All lamp components will also undergo further inspection as needed.
This is also the point where auto body repair centers look for minor breakdowns. Every little detail will be checked and perfected to achieve showroom quality.
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A visual inspection will be performed and another test drive may also be performed once all work is completed. The production manager and chief engineer must approve the collision repair once everything is complete. All processes must pass local standards and regulations in Seattle or other Washington areas.
Finally, the vehicle is prepared for pickup or delivery. Your Seattle auto collision repair center will be in touch