Being involved in an auto accident is typically a huge hassle. Best case scenario, no one is hurt, but most auto collisions result in damage to the car that will need to be professionally repaired. If you have been in a car accident and your car has been damaged, you will need auto collision repair services. Many people do not know what to expect when their vehicle is repaired after a collision, and they may not know what to do. Continue reading to learn more about what steps to take and what to expect during the auto collision repair process:

Get a Repair Estimate

When your car is damaged in a car accident, the first step is to find out how much it will cost to have it repaired. To do this, you will need to take your car to a reputable auto body repair shop for a comprehensive estimate. Most auto body repair shops let prospective customers make an appointment for an estimate, and in most cases, estimates are free of charge. Your vehicle will be closely inspected to determine the extent of the damage so an accurate estimate can be provided. Depending on the amount of work your vehicle needs, you may want to get repair estimates from two or more auto body repair shops.

Working with the Insurance Company

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, or the repairs for your car will be paid for by the at-fault driver's insurance company, the insurance company will be involved in the repair process. After selecting an auto body repair shop to perform the auto collision repairs, you will need to provide the insurance company with the repair estimate. In some cases, the auto body repair shop may discover that additional repairs are needed; if this happens, the repair shop will typically get in touch with the insurance company to ensure that all repair costs are paid for.

Repairs are Made

Once everything is squared away with the insurance company, repairs on your vehicle can begin. The amount of time it takes for the repairs to be completed will depend on the extent of the damage to your car. Don't be afraid to request that OEM parts, which are made by the car's manufacturer, are used during the repair process. After the damaged areas of your car are replaced and repaired, the panels will be painted, with close attention being paid to ensure that the replaced panels are the same exact color as the rest of the car. 

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