An estimator will inspect your vehicle and start documenting the damage caused by the collision. In some cases, there may already be a preliminary estimate of this damage prepared by your insurance company.
We must first have a signed authorization before any work can begin.
Next, if there is a claim being made, we need an authorization form from the insurance company involved.
Upon receiving approvals from you and the insurance company, we will begin the process of locating and ordering the part(s) necessary to complete the repairs.
As soon as we have received the parts, we contact you to schedule a time to bring your vehicle in. If your vehicle is already at the shop, repairs will begin immediately upon receiving the parts.
A tear down is the process or removing all parts to be replaced in order to look for any damage that may be hidden from view. This additional damage is difficult to diagnose at the time of the original estimate as it cannot be seen until we perform this thorough inspection.
A supplement is written if there is additional or “hidden” damage that was discovered during the “tear down”.
We will need the insurance company’s approval for the additional damage discovered before we can continue the repairs on your vehicle.
In case we should need additional parts, we will need to repeat steps 2, 3, and 4. If this should happen, we may need you to sign an authorization document for additional repairs. Keep in mind, this may change your vehicle’s completion date.
