Nearly every driver will experience an auto accident at one point in time, especially if they drive for many years. Fender benders or other incidents can lead to needing collision repair for your car.
Finding the right auto body shop near you for collision repair can be one of the more stressful decisions during the repair process. However, if you understand a bit about the collision repair process, you may feel better equipped to make the correct decision.
For auto collision repair needs in Denver, Colorado, consider Capital Dent Masters. Dent repair experts, our customer service matches our premier dent repair quality. Reach out to learn more about how we can help your auto collision repair process be seamless and stress-free.
Common Auto Collision Repair Steps
While each collision repair varies in detail, the auto collision repair process typically passes through each of the following steps. We will dive into each of these as this article goes on.
- Assess the Damage: A thorough inspection of the vehicle is conducted to determine the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs.
- Estimate & Insurance Approval: An estimate is prepared for the repairs and submitted to the insurance company for approval. Once approved, repair work can begin.
- Disassemble & Order Parts: Damaged parts of the vehicle are removed, cataloged, and prepped for repair or replacement. Hidden damage is sometimes found at this step, resulting in a supplement.
- Structural Repair: The frame and the utilized body of the vehicle are repaired using specialized equipment to meet factory standards.
- Body Repair: Damaged body parts are repaired or replaced, and the vehicle is prepared for paint.
- Painting: The vehicle is painted to match the original color and finish.
- Reassemble Your Vehicle: The repaired or replaced parts are reinstalled on the vehicle.
- Final Inspection: The vehicle is thoroughly inspected to ensure that all repairs have been made correctly, and the vehicle is safe to drive.
- Detailing & Delivery: The vehicle is cleaned, detailed, and delivered to the customer, like new.
Dive into each step of the auto collision repair process in Denver a bit more below.
Assess the Collision Damage
Assessing the damage is the first step in the collision repair process. A thorough inspection of the vehicle is conducted by a trained technician to determine the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs. The damage to the vehicle’s body, frame, mechanical components, and underlying damage will be reviewed. All damage will be documented, including photographs, to be included in the estimate.
During the damage assessment, the technician will also consider the safety of the vehicle. They will check for any structural damage that could affect the integrity of the vehicle and mechanical damage that could affect the vehicle’s performance and reliability.
This review of the auto collision damage helps your auto insurance company determine if your vehicle can be repaired or if it is considered a total loss.
Auto Collision Repair Estimate & Auto Insurance Claim Approval
With the damage assessment, an estimate reflecting your auto collision repairs needed is created. This estimate will include a detailed list of all repairs, parts and labor costs, and an estimated time for completion. The estimate is then submitted to your auto insurance company for approval with your claim.
Your auto insurance company will review the estimate and determine if it is reasonable and if the repairs are covered under the policy. If the estimate is approved, the insurance company pays for any repairs within your policy, and you are only responsible for paying any deductibles or additional costs.
If the estimate is not approved, the insurance company may negotiate with the repair shop or the car owner to reach a mutually agreeable cost for the repairs. The approval process may take some time, and it is important to keep track of the status of the estimate and communicate with the insurance company.
Our auto insurance claim specialists can speak directly with your auto insurance company, allowing you to focus on life without adding the stress of following up on an auto insurance claim status.
Disassemble & Order Collision Repair Parts
Disassembling a damaged vehicle allows us to assess the extent of the damage and determine which parts need to be repaired or replaced. During this process, we carefully remove and catalog all of the damaged parts of your vehicle.
Each part is inspected, noting any cracks, dents, or other issues. We may take measurements and photographs of the parts to document their condition. Parts are sent to the appropriate departments for repair or replacement. For example, if an engine is damaged, it may be sent to an engine rebuilder for replacement.
With all of the damaged parts removed, we can see if there was additional, underlying damage. This is an important step in the collision repair process, as it helps ensure that all damage is identified and properly addressed. Supplements are sent to your auto insurance if additional repairs are necessary.
Structural Collison Repair
Structural repair refers to the repair of the frame and unibody of a vehicle. The frame, or chassis, forms the backbone of the vehicle and supports the body and other components. The unibody, short for unitized body, is a type of construction where the body and frame of the vehicle are integrated into a single unit.
Repairing the frame and unibody requires specialized equipment and techniques, such as frame straightening machines, measuring systems, and welding equipment. The vehicle is placed on a frame machine and the frame is straightened back to its original shape. Then, the unibody is reinforced with new metal. The repaired area is painted to match the original color.
Finally, the vehicle is aligned and realigned to ensure that all the systems are working properly, and the vehicle is safe to drive. It is important to note that structural repairs should only be performed by trained and certified professionals using the latest techniques and equipment. Contact Capital Dent Masters for collision auto repairs in Denver.
Auto Body Repair
Body repair includes the process of repairing or replacing damaged body parts of a vehicle and preparing the vehicle for paint. Body parts that may need repair or replacement include the hood, fenders, doors, bumpers, and panels.
If the damage is minimal, such as a small dent or scratch, then the repair can often be performed using techniques such as paintless dent repair or spot painting. When damage is more extensive, then the damaged parts will need to be removed and replaced with new or used parts. Once the replacement parts are installed, the repair technician will prepare the surface for paint by smoothing out any rough edges, filling any gaps or dents with putty, and sanding the surface to a smooth finish.
Auto body repair should be performed by trained and certified professionals who use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure that the repair is performed correctly and that the vehicle is restored to its original condition. Get your free estimate at Capital Dent Masters today!
Auto Body Repair Painting
After the body repair is complete, the vehicle is moved to the paint booth. The paint booth is an enclosed space where the vehicle is painted using a paint sprayer.
Painting is the process of applying a new coat of paint to a vehicle to match its original color and finish. The process of painting a vehicle is a multi-step process that includes surface preparation, primer application, color coat application, and clear coat application.
First, surface preparation. Your vehicle’s body is cleaned and sanded to remove any rust, dirt, or debris, and to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Any dents or imperfections in the body are repaired with BONDO or PDR.
Next, a primer coat is applied. Primer is a base coat that helps the paint adhere and provides a smooth and even surface for the color to be applied.
After the primer has dried, the color coat is applied. The color coat is, as it sounds, the layer of paint that gives the vehicle its color. Paint is usually applied using a spray gun, which sprays a fine mist of paint onto the surface of the vehicle. It is applied in multiple thin coats to ensure even coverage and to avoid drips or runs.
Once the color coat is dry, a clear coat is applied. The clear coat is a layer of paint that provides a glossy finish and protects the color coat from fading or chipping. After the clear coat has dried, the vehicle is buffed and polished to remove any imperfections in the paint and to give it a smooth finish.
A poor-quality paint job can lead to poor finish and durability issues, so it is important to choose a reputable and experienced painter. The quality of work can impact the value of your vehicle.
Reassemble Your Car
Reassembly is the process of reinstalling the repaired or replaced parts of a vehicle. It is the final step in the repair process, and it involves putting all the components back together to make the vehicle operational again.
The reassembly process begins with the reinstallation of all the parts that were removed during the disassembly process. Parts are reinstalled according to the manufacturer’s specifications and with the use of the proper tools.
After the mechanical parts have been reinstalled, the body parts are then reattached. This includes the hood, doors, fenders, and any other parts that were removed for repair or replacement. The body parts are secured with the use of bolts, screws, and other fasteners.
Once all the parts have been reinstalled, the vehicle is then inspected and taken for a test drive to ensure that everything is working properly, and it is running smoothly.
Final Inspection
Auto collision repair final inspection is the process of thoroughly inspecting a vehicle to ensure that all collision repairs have been made correctly and that the vehicle is safe to drive.
The final inspection is a comprehensive examination of the vehicle, including both its mechanical and cosmetic aspects. The technician will check that all the repairs have been made correctly and that there are no leaks or other issues. Proper alignment and balance of the vehicle’s tires, as well as the overall condition of the tires, are reviewed. The lighting systems, windshield wipers, and other safety-related components are also inspected to ensure they are functioning properly.
Detailing & Delivery
Detailing and delivery are the final steps in the repair process where the vehicle is cleaned, detailed, and delivered to the customer. Detailing is the process of thoroughly cleaning and polishing the vehicle to make it look like new.
All auto collision repair vehicles at Capital Dent Masters are treated to a hand wash and wipe-down before reuniting with you. After all, a makeover deserves to be presented fresh & clean.
Delivery of the vehicle to the customer is the final step of the process. We walk through the auto collision repairs received and demonstrate any new features or repairs. You will also receive any warranties or guarantees that come with the repairs.
Auto Collision Repair in Denver, Colorado
The auto body collision repair process in Denver is a complex and detailed process that involves assessing the damage, removing and replacing damaged parts, and restoring the vehicle to its original condition. It requires skilled technicians who are trained in the use of specialized tools and equipment, as well as knowledge of the latest repair techniques. The process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the extent of the damage and the type of vehicle.
It is important to choose a reputable auto body repair shop near Denver that has a proven track record of quality work and customer satisfaction. Overall, auto body repair is essential to maintain the safety and functionality of your vehicle.
Reach out to Capital Dent Masters to find out how we can make your stressful auto collision repair a seamless experience.
