12/15/2025
Dealing with a vehicle accident is stressful enough. Knowing what happens after the tow truck leaves can help you feel more in control. Here at Coad Collision Center we use specialized processes that restores your vehicle's safety, function, and appearance to its pre-accident condition.
Here's a breakdown of the typical collision repair steps:
1. Damage Assessment & Estimate
What happens: A trained technician or appraiser thoroughly inspects the vehicle—not just the visible dents, but also potential hidden damage to the frame, suspension, and internal electronic systems (especially important for modern cars with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS).
The outcome: A detailed estimate is prepared, outlining necessary repairs, required parts (OEM vs. aftermarket), and labor costs. This is often sent to your insurance company for authorization.
2. Disassembly & Hidden Damage Check
What happens: Once the repair is authorized, technicians begin disassembling the damaged areas. It is very common to find additional, hidden damage that wasn't visible during the initial estimate.
The outcome: If new damage is found, the shop contacts you and the insurance company for a supplemental estimate and approval before proceeding, which can sometimes extend the timeline.
3. Structural & Mechanical Repair
What happens: This is the most critical safety step. If the vehicle's frame or unibody (the combined frame and body on most modern cars) is bent, specialized tools and laser measuring systems are used to pull and align the structure back to the manufacturer's exact specifications.
The outcome: The vehicle's core integrity and safety are restored, ensuring proper wheel alignment and crashworthiness.
4. Body Work & Refinishing
What happens: Damaged panels (doors, fenders, bumpers) are either repaired or replaced. The surface is prepped through sanding and priming, followed by the paint process. Modern shops use computerized color-matching systems to ensure the new paint perfectly blends with your vehicle's existing finish.
The outcome: The exterior looks flawless, as if the accident never happened.
5. Reassembly & Quality Control
What happens: All repaired and painted parts are re-installed, along with any trim, lights, and electronic sensors. A rigorous final quality check is performed, including:
System testing (lights, ADAS, electronics)
Test drives to check handling
Final visual inspections
The outcome: Your vehicle is cleaned and detailed, ready for pickup, fully restored and safe for the road.
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