What Really Happens During a Collision Repair? Step-by-Step Breakdown

What Really Happens During a Collision Repair? Step-by-Step Breakdown

If you’ve ever been in an accident — whether it’s a small fender bender or major crash — the process of getting your vehicle repaired can feel overwhelming. Between insurance, parts, delays, and estimates, it’s hard to know what’s going on behind the scenes.

At Moreno’s Elite Autoworks LLC, we believe in full transparency. So today, we’re breaking down what really happens during a collision repair, step by step. Understanding the process will help you make smarter decisions, avoid surprises, and feel more confident in your auto body shop.

Step 1: Damage Assessment & Estimate

After an accident, the first step is to inspect the vehicle and write an estimate. This includes visible damage to the body, lights, bumpers, and trim — as well as a basic check for potential structural issues.

What happens during this step:

• The technician checks the exterior for dents, scratches, and broken parts.
  
  
• Photos and notes are taken for documentation.
  
  
• A written estimate is created for labor, parts, paint, and materials.
  
  
• If you’re going through insurance, we submit this directly to the adjuster.
  
  

💡 Pro Tip: Even small collisions can cause hidden damage. That’s why this step is often followed by a deeper inspection once repairs begin.

Step 2: Insurance Approval & Authorization

If you’re filing an insurance claim, the shop communicates directly with your provider. They may send an adjuster to inspect the damage in person or approve the estimate remotely.

You, the vehicle owner, must also sign a repair authorization form before any work begins.

What you need to do:

• Approve the shop’s estimate or insurance-approved work order.
  
  
• Verify deductible details and insurance coverage.
  
  
• Provide permission for the shop to proceed.
  
  

At Moreno’s Elite Autoworks, we work with most major insurance companies and help walk you through the paperwork — so you don’t get stuck between claims and delays.

Step 3: Vehicle Disassembly & Secondary Damage Inspection

Here’s where the real work begins. Once the vehicle is in the shop, we disassemble the damaged areas — removing panels, bumpers, trim, and sometimes even mechanical components.

Why? Because damage that isn’t visible from the outside can become obvious once the panels come off.

What we check for:

• Crushed brackets or mounting points
  
  
• Hidden frame or unibody damage
  
  
• Wiring or cooling system impact
  
  
• Airbag sensor damage
  
  

If additional damage is found, a supplemental estimate is created and sent to the insurance company for approval.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “They stayed on top of my repair and kept me informed. No surprises. Just great service.”
— Shari Davis

Step 4: Structural & Frame Repair (If Needed)

If the accident caused structural misalignment, our technicians use computerized frame measuring systems to compare your car’s dimensions to factory specifications.

With specialized equipment, we can pull, push, or realign the frame back to its original condition.

What this involves:

• Straightening or replacing bent frame rails
  
  
• Realigning crumple zones
  
  
• Securing welds to reinforce structure
  
  
• Verifying suspension and wheel alignment
  
  

This step is critical for safety. A car that "looks fine" but has a misaligned frame may handle poorly or fail to protect occupants in a future crash.

Step 5: Body Work & Part Replacement

Once the structure is sound, we begin restoring the body itself. This includes repairing panels, doors, hoods, bumpers, and any other affected components.

What we do:

• Remove dents using metalwork and filler (when necessary)
  
  
• Replace damaged panels with OEM or approved aftermarket parts
  
  
• Ensure proper panel alignment and gap spacing
  
  
• Prepare the surface for paint
  
  

Our goal is to restore the original contours and strength of the vehicle — as if it was never damaged.

Step 6: Paint Preparation & Color Matching

After the body is repaired, we move the vehicle into our paint prep area. This is one of the most technical stages of the repair process, and when done right, it makes all the difference in appearance.



Our paint process includes:

• Sanding and prepping the surface
  
  
• Priming repaired areas
  
  
• Using digital color-matching tools to ensure perfect paint match
  
  
• Applying multiple layers of color and clear coat
  
  
• Baking the paint for durability
  
  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My car is a difficult color to match… and they nailed it. After 5 years of mismatched panels, my car finally looks right!”
— Shari Davis

Step 7: Reassembly & Detail Work

Once paint is cured, the vehicle is reassembled. This includes reinstalling:

• Trim, mirrors, moldings
  
  
• Lights, bumpers, grilles
  
  
• Door handles, badges, sensors
  
  

We also calibrate any sensors or cameras that were disconnected during the repair. Final touches like polishing, buffing, and interior cleaning are done to return the vehicle in like-new condition.

Step 8: Final Inspection & Quality Control

Before your vehicle is returned, our technicians perform a multi-point inspection to ensure everything meets both factory and shop standards.

We check:

• Structural integrity
  
  
• Panel alignment
  
  
• Paint consistency
  
  
• Electrical systems
  
  
• Sensor functionality
  
  
• Road test (if necessary)
  
  

Only after everything passes inspection do we call you to schedule pickup.

Step 9: Delivery & Follow-Up

When you pick up your car, we:

• Walk you through the completed repairs
  
  
• Provide documentation for your records
  
  
• Answer any questions
  
  
• Review the warranty coverage on parts and labor
  
  

You drive away knowing your vehicle is restored, safe, and backed by a team that cares.

Why Understanding the Process Matters

When customers know what goes into collision repair, they’re better equipped to:

• Spot quality work
  
  
• Avoid shady body shops
  
  
• Ask smart questions
  
  
• Feel confident in their investment
  
  

At Moreno’s Elite Autoworks, we take pride in doing it right — and helping you understand what “right” looks like.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Amazing work! Great care, kind owner, and got my car back within the week.”
— Jayson Williams

Need Collision Repair in Lubbock, TX?

Call Moreno’s Elite Autoworks at (806) 772-9956
Visit us: 8901 US-87 Suite 125, Lubbock, TX
eliteautoworksoflubbock@yahoo.com

We’ll walk you through every step and deliver collision repairs that are honest, accurate, and elite.