Repair Process - AGC Collision Center

our repair process

How long the repair process takes is based on a number of factors, including the amount and type of damage, availability of the necessary parts, and how responsive any insurance company involved is.

You can contact us at any point after the accident if you have questions. We offer around-the-clock service, because we know accidents occur at any time of the day. You also will want to contact the insurance company involved. The insurance company may ask if you want a shop recommendation. But be aware: We can work with all insurers, we are a certified collision center for more than a dozen automakers, we offer free estimates, and we warranty and stand behind all our work.

Breakdown of Our Repair Process

When we repair your vehicle, we follow an in-depth, 8-step approach to ensure the best results for your vehicle:

First

Getting an Estimate

To save time, minimize inconvenience, and to ensure that our professionals can dedicate as much time as needed to address your needs and concerns, we suggest an appointment be made for your estimate. To make an appointment, please contact one of our two shop locations.

We will create an initial estimate, based on what we can see with the naked eye. Once we receive your authorization, we can take a more comprehensive look, and make a more through estimate (see disassembly). If you are leaving your vehicle for repair, we will be happy to arrange a courtesy shuttle or car rental for you.

Second

Tow-Ins

If your car is not drivable from the accident scene, please contact one of our two shop locations and we will arrange for a tow from the accident scene to our shop. If necessary, we can also arrange for a rental car at that time.

Once the car arrives, we will make a damage assessment. If the car is a total loss, we can advise you on next steps and, if you wish, direct you to a local dealership to help replace your car with a similar vehicle.

Third

Disassembly of Vehicle

In this step, we remove the necessary parts from the vehicle to identify the full extent of the damage. This stage is important for an accurate estimate because damage hides beneath the vehicle’s body panels.

Think of it like dominos; each domino affects the one next to it; a damaged car panels affects the panel or part adjacent to it as well. We look not only for damaged sheet metal, but damaged steering and suspension parts as well.

Fourth

Repairing the Vehicle

In this step, we will make all of the necessary body and mechanical repairs according to the car manufacturer’s recommendations and protocols. If needed, parts are ordered. We primarily use OEM parts for superior fit and finish. (See “Why Insist On OE Parts” on this website) We quality check your vehicle with each phase of the repair so it is ready for the next step. We will keep you updated during the repair process and confirm a completion date for your vehicle. (Also see “Time Required For Repairs” on this website.)

Fifth

Painting the Vehicle

After all of the body and mechanical work is done, it’s time for expert refinishing. We smooth and sand the surface of your vehicle. Then it’s primed, painted to match, and covered in a clear coat to protect the finish. You vehicle is quality inspected again, to make sure its paint looks as good as it did before the accident.

Sixth

Reassembly of Vehicle

Once all repairs are made, the vehicle is reassembled and body parts checked for fit and alignment. The car is then electronically scanned to ensure all computers and electronic components are properly functioning. If yours is a late model vehicle with an ADAS system, (See Your Car’s Technology on this website) all affected systems will be re-calibrated to assure safe and accurate operation.

Seventh

Quality Control & Cleaning

Your vehicle will receive its third major quality check. All elements of the repair, from cosmetic to safety, are checked for proper function, fit, and finish. If necessary, your vehicle is test driven. Every vehicle gets a thorough cleaning so it will look and feel as good as new!

Eighth

Delivery

By now your vehicle has been through various stages of quality inspection and cleaning. We have made every effort to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. We will walk you through the repair and make sure you are satisfied. (See “Retrieving Your Repaired Vehicle” on this website.)