Our Collision Repair Process

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at an auto body shop during the repair process?

There's a lot more involved than you might think. Performance Alliance shops have a repair process to return your vehicle to its original condition using high-quality product resources and technical support from Axalta Coating Systems. Below is an overview of the basic repair process. Now you don't have to wonder any longer.

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Estimation

The first step in a common repair process may contain the following tasks:

  • Perform a thorough damage assessment
  • Examine the critical safety systems of your vehicle
  • Explain/advise you on all repair details and answer any questions
  • Gain your commitment for repair
  • Guide you through your insurance company claims process (if applicable)
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Repair Preparation

The shop will typically perform some of the following activities to get your vehicle ready for repair:

  • Wash the repair area and surrounding area
  • Complete any disassembly needed
  • Remove emblems
  • Clean the repair area

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Body

Preparation for refinishing generally involves completing the following:

  • Removing the original layers of paint
  • Straightening the frame and welding the new panels in place
  • Removing dents, sanding and filling with body-repair material
  • Taking steps to protect against corrosion

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Paint

Typical preparations for applying the color coat and clearcoat include:

  • Vehicle is covered to protect from materials used on repair area
  • A primer surfacer is applied to guarantee good adhesion of paint
  • Once surfacer hardens, it is sanded and cleaned for a smooth finish
  • Paint is mixed using digital or manual color tools to match the exact color of your vehicle
  • Color coat is applied to your vehicle
  • Finally, a clearcoat is applied to help ensure that the gloss and texture of the repaired areas are identical to the original finish

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Detail

The final steps before your vehicle is ready to be returned to you:

  • Once the finish is approved, final trim pieces are installed
  • Interior is vacuumed
  • Exterior is washed
  • Vehicle is inspected to ensure your satisfaction

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Ready for Delivery

Your vehicle is ready for the road. Hopefully you will never need us again, but if you do, remember your experience with an Asbury body shop!

Behind the Scenes at our Collision Center

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE ESTIMATE PROCESS?

We can schedule an appointment for you to visit with one of our professional estimators to assess the visible damages to your vehicle. Please keep in mind that with today’s vehicles, there is the possibility of additional damages behind the main damaged panels. If the repairs are processed with an insurance company, we are direct repair center for several insurance companies and will be able to handle the entire process after you have made a claim and obtain the claim number. If we are not a direct repair with an insurance company, this is not a problem. We work with any insurance company. The first estimate usually will be provided by the insurance company, which we will need a copy of, and our estimators will work directly with that insurance company on any additional repairs necessary to get your vehicle repaired correctly.

DO I NEED TO HAVE REPAIRS PERFORMED BY A SHOP SELECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY?

No. You are entitled to have the vehicle repaired by the repair shop of your choice.

WILL THE PARTS BE ORDERED BEFORE I DROP OFF MY VEHICLE FOR REPAIR?

Absolutely. We prefer to have the parts prior to starting repairs in order to provide a quicker turnaround time. If the vehicle is unsafe to drive, we would recommend leaving the vehicle at that time and we will move forward with the process.

IF MY VEHICLE'S FRAME IS DAMAGED IS IT A TOTAL LOSS?

No. A vehicle is considered a Total Loss when the repair costs exceed the insurance company's determined value of the vehicle. Today’s vehicles are built in UNIBODY (frame/body as one) fashion. Our highly skilled and trained technicians, with the aid of our state-of-the-art computer measuring and fixture systems can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If a frame or structure section is damaged beyond repair, that part(s) can simply be replaced.

CAN YOU MATCH THE PAINT COLOR?

Today's modern factory finishes incorporate multiple layers of highly specialized paint. We have made a major investment in the finest paint systems available and constantly upgrade with newer technology and equipment to ensure that each vehicle’s paint matches according to factory specifications. We take special pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the major step in the restoration process.

ARE YOU GUYS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER SHOPS?

No. The Collision Industry as a region is somewhat regulated by what is called “Prevailing Rates”. Our Rates for body and paint repairs are the same as our neighbors in the St. Louis region, whether it is a smaller shop or a large shop. Please keep in mind that some of our specialized repairs require a very different approach to the repair process and are very manufacturer driven which require specialized training, certifications, and equipment to even be able to work on the vehicle.

CAN I HAVE OTHER SERVICE WORK DONE ON MY CAR WHILE IT IS IN THE BODY SHOP?

Yes. Just let your advisor know what other work you would like done so he or she can help with the necessary arrangements.

HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIRS ON MY VEHICLE TAKE?

Your advisor can give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete the repairs to your vehicle. Please be sure to check with your advisor for the specifics on your vehicle. There are many factors that can affect the completion time.

CAN I GET A RIDE HOME WHEN I DROP OFF MY VEHICLE?

Yes. We would be happy to provide this service to you. Please make sure to have arrangements set up with your advisor. We want each customer’s visit to be a positive experience and we will work diligently towards that goal.

HOW CAN I GET A RENTAL VEHICLE?

If you need a rental vehicle, we have a rental agency office that is conveniently located on-site and we can help you make the necessary arrangements. Insurance companies will only pay for a rental vehicle if you have the option on your policy or if you are the claimant. Check your policy and/or contact your insurance company to find out if your policy has rental coverage and what the specific limitations are.

IS THERE A WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE?

Yes. We guarantee all repairs with a Written Lifetime Warranty.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY VEHICLE IS COMPLETE?

You will be contacted when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. You may also check our website and view your online status or feel free to call or email your advisor during the repair process if you have any questions or concerns.

DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEDUCTIBLE?

Deductibles may apply when repairs are processed with your own insurance company. There are times that your insurance company may waive your deductible, such as, if later you are not found at fault or if you have a specialized policy. Insurance companies determine fault by your account of the accident when you make the claim and by reviewing the accident report filed with the police department as well as the account of the accident by the other person(s) involved. If you aren’t sure about your deductible, you can contact your insurance company to verify.

WHO DO I PAY MY DEDUCTIBLE TO?

Deductibles are your responsibility and are collected at the time of pick up.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

If you received any payments from the insurance company, this is the easiest form. All you would need to do is have the parties it is made out to sign the check. We do accept all major credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex, and of course cash and checks (with current, valid ID).

WHAT ARE BETTERMENT CHARGES?

Parts that wear out and need replacement with time and use (i.e. tires, batteries, brakes, suspension, convertible and canvas tops, etc.) are commonly subject to betterment charges when replaced during the repair process. These betterment charges are determined by the insurance company and are pro-rated based on actual mileage of your vehicle and wear condition of the components.

CAN I WASH MY CAR?

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS
DO · Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge. Always use clean fresh water and wash the vehicle in the shade if possible.
DON'T · Do not use a commercial brush-type car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges can mar the finish and damage the surface. Do not “dry wipe” the paint surfaces. Avoid gravel roads if possible due to the possibility of chipping the finish being easiest in the first 30 days. Avoid parking under trees and utility lines to avoid the possibility of bird droppings and/or tree sap droppings. These both have a high acidic content and will damage a freshly painted surface as well as the existing factory finish. Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish as well as the existing factory finish. Avoid scraping ice or snow from the newly painted surface(s) to avoid damage in the first 90 days. Do not apply any wax or sealant to the newly painted surface(s) within the first 90 days.
After painting and applying a clear coat, your paint is baked to give durability and a high gloss that will last for the lifetime of your vehicle. Your vehicle’s paint is then inspected and buffed to meet our quality standards.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS
DON'T · Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.