Accidents happen, and when they do, it can be overwhelming to figure out what comes next. At Performance Auto Body, we understand that getting your car repaired after an accident is more than just restoring its appearance—it’s about ensuring safety, performance and peace of mind. If you’ve recently been in an accident, here’s what you can expect when coming to an auto body shop for car repair near Chicago.
Step 1: Damage Assessment and Estimate
The repair process begins with a thorough inspection of your vehicle to assess the damage. Auto body professionals will check not only visible dents and scratches but also any underlying structural issues that may have occurred. Using advanced diagnostic tools, they can determine the full extent of the damage and provide you with a detailed repair estimate.
If you’re going through insurance, the estimate may need to be reviewed by your provider before repairs begin. Many auto body shops, including Performance Auto Body, work directly with insurance companies to streamline the approval process.
Step 2: Disassembly and Hidden Damage Inspection
Once the initial estimate is approved, the repair process moves to the disassembly stage. During this step, technicians remove damaged parts and inspect for any hidden issues, such as internal frame damage or misaligned panels. If additional repairs are necessary beyond what was originally estimated, the shop will update you and your insurance company to ensure all necessary fixes are covered.
Step 3: Structural and Body Repairs
For vehicles with structural damage, specialized equipment is used to restore the frame to factory specifications. Proper frame alignment is essential for both safety and drivability. Once the structure is intact, body repairs begin, which may include replacing panels, fixing dents and addressing any welding needs.
Step 4: Paint and Refinishing
One of the final steps in the repair process is repainting and refinishing the affected areas. Advanced paint-matching technology ensures that the new paint seamlessly blends with the rest of your car, making the repairs virtually undetectable. A high-quality auto body shop will also apply protective coatings to maintain the longevity of the finish.
Step 5: Reassembly and Quality Control
After the paint has dried, technicians will reassemble your vehicle, ensuring all parts are properly aligned and secured. Before returning the car to you, the auto body shop will perform a final quality control inspection, checking everything from panel gaps to the function of lights and safety features.
Step 6: Final Cleaning and Delivery
Before your car is ready for pickup, it will be cleaned inside and out to remove any dust or debris from the repair process. Some auto body shops also perform a final test drive to ensure everything is functioning properly. When you come to pick up your vehicle, the shop will go over the repairs with you and provide any warranty information on the work performed.
Trust Performance Auto Body for Expert Repairs
At Performance Auto Body, we take pride in delivering high-quality repairs and excellent customer service. Our team is committed to restoring your vehicle to pre-accident condition while making the repair process as stress-free as possible. If you’ve been in an accident, contact us today to schedule an estimate and let us help you get back on the road safely. Call Performance Auto Body today at 847-455-5511 or request a free estimate!
