Collision to Completion: What to check when picking up your vehicle at the body shop

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Make sure to read Part One: Your first steps after a crash

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Collision repairs are usually a straightforward process. After all the shock and dismay from the scene has faded, it’s much easier to deal with restorations as run-of-the-mill vehicle repairs. But just like a new vehicle delivery, getting your ride back from the body shop is often a rushed transaction with a lot of unanswered (and mostly unasked) questions. Here’s what you should ask, what you should receive, and how to check the repairs to make sure everything was done to spec — and your satisfaction.

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The majority of reputable collision shops will have a delivery process that involves their consultant explaining and pointing out the repairs that were completed, including which panels were repainted and where any blending occurred between newly finished parts and the untouched factory originals next to them. This is a good time to ask about any special care or treatment you need to be aware of. For example, most freshly painted panels can’t be washed or waxed for a period of time. The painting and booth curing process will bring paint up to about 85% of its final hardness, meaning waiting a week to wash it advisable. But waxing should only be done on fully cured and hardened paint, which usually means about 30 days before that chore can be done. If you paid for any paint treatment when you purchased your vehicle new, make sure that has been reapplied, or you at least have an appointment to get that done before leaving.

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Paperwork is key. You need to receive a complete detailed listing of what was done, including what parts were used and where they were sourced. If you’re dealing with a collision center that’s connected to the factory retailer you can usually use their paperwork as proof of purchase for parts in order to be able to take advantage of any warranties on them. That same document from an independent shop might not provide enough proof to make a claim in the future, however.

While few independents may be willing to provide copies of their original parts purchase receipts (they might be shy about revealing their mark-ups), without them, you may run into problems if a defect pops up later on. Their reassurance that everything that was done is guaranteed for life doesn’t mean much without details and written terms, and will mean nothing at all if they close the doors in the future, or if you move to a different location.

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Examining their paint work for colour match is best done under white light (meaning indoors in a well lit area). Check the panels from different points of view to get a better idea. Lightly run your hand over any newly painted panels and compare the feel to any unpainted ones. Any roughness in their work might be a sign of overspray (something you won’t be able to buff out at home). Check gaps between panels and not just at the point of collision damage, but from one end to the other. Open and close all doors, and the hood and lift-gate or trunk lid. On the drive home, turn off the audio system and listen for any new or unusual noises, or vibrations. When you do wash your ride for the first time, check for any water leaks. Make note of any concerns and notify the shop as soon as possible with an email confirmation.

Your insurance company may have paid for the repairs, but the end product is your property, so take a few steps to make sure it was repaired properly and that you have all the benefits of any and all warranties on the job.