Getting into an accident is stressful enough—the last thing you need is to feel overwhelmed about what comes next. Whether it's a minor fender bender or major damage, understanding the collision repair process can help you stay in control and ease your mind.

Here are the top 10 things you can expect when your vehicle heads in for repairs:

1. Initial Assessment and Estimate

First, the auto body shop will inspect the damage and provide you with an estimate. This includes visible damage and a heads-up that hidden issues might be uncovered later.

2. Insurance Coordination

If you’re going through insurance, expect the shop to work directly with your provider. A good shop will help with the paperwork and approvals, so you don’t get stuck in the middle.

3. Tear Down and Hidden Damage Check

Once repairs begin, the shop may disassemble parts of your car to look for hidden damage. It’s common for more issues to appear once the exterior panels come off.

4. Parts Ordering

Based on what needs to be fixed or replaced, parts are ordered—OEM (original) or aftermarket, depending on your insurance policy or personal preference.

5. Structural Repairs

If your frame or structure was damaged, this step is critical. The repair shop will use high-tech equipment to restore your car to its original factory specs.

6. Body Work and Panel Replacement

Damaged panels are repaired or replaced, dents are smoothed out, and everything is aligned back into place. Precision matters here.

7. Paint and Refinishing

Once the bodywork is done, your vehicle moves to the paint booth. Shops will color match and refinish the area, blending it seamlessly with the rest of your car.

8. Reassembly

After painting, your car is carefully reassembled with all the repaired or new parts. Lights, mirrors, moldings—everything goes back in its place.

9. Quality Control and Safety Checks

Before handing your car back, a good shop will do a full safety inspection, test the systems, and double-check that everything looks and functions perfectly.

10. Final Cleanup and Delivery

Finally, your vehicle will be cleaned inside and out—looking sharp and ready for the road again. You’ll get a breakdown of the repairs done and any warranties included. At Prime Complete Auto, we know how important your vehicle is to your daily life. That’s why we handle every collision repair with precision, transparency, and care—from the moment you walk in to the moment you drive out. Need help after an accident? Get in touch today—we’ll make the process smooth, simple, and stress-free.