What To Expect When You Bring Your Vehicle To A Body Shop
If you have recently experienced a mishap that left your vehicle with body damage, you most likely want to have it repaired so your vehicle works properly and looks its best. If you never had this type of event occur in the past, you may wonder what happens when you drop off your vehicle at a business that provides body repair services. Here is a rundown of the actions that are taken to help you prepare for the event:
Decide Whether Insurance Is Needed
The scope of the work that needs to be provided to repair your vehicle is necessary to help you make a decision whether to place a claim with your insurance provider. If the damage is minimal, the amount being proposed for a repair may be less than your deductible amount. This needs to be taken into consideration to ensure you do not pay more for insurance than the shop charges for repairs. Because of this, it is best to seek assistance from an auto body shop before contacting your insurance provider if you feel damages are not extensive. The car shop will provide you with a quick estimate to aid in making a decision on whether to get your insurance company involved. If you do decide to contact your insurance company, they will send an adjuster to your home to check out the condition of your vehicle. They will then provide you with paperwork regarding the amount they intend to cover for repair work.
Bring Your Vehicle To The Shop For An Evaluation
Whether you use insurance or not, the body shop you intend on using needs to inspect your vehicle in detail for damage. This involves placing your vehicle on a lift so the undercarriage is exposed. Workers will look over your vehicle closely while keeping a list of parts they need to obtain to repair the vehicle completely. Some auto body shops will acquire parts from used vehicles if the cost is an issue. Be sure to ask about this amenity if this pertains to your situation. The body shop will schedule an appointment for the start of work on your vehicle, as well as an estimated completion date. You will need to leave your vehicle at the business for the duration of the repair work, so be sure to have another means of getting around during this time.
The Vehicle Is Repaired And Restored
Bodywork can take longer than the repairing of other portions of a vehicle. If new parts are placed on your vehicle, the time it takes to get your vehicle back may be a bit shorter. When workers need to reconstruct portions of the body using chemical agents and paint, the process takes longer as there is a need for curing and drying in between work sessions. If you have concerns about the processes being conducted, let the body shop know you would like to check on your vehicle every few days to assess the work in progress.
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