After a Collision: Can Your Car Truly Be Restored?

Following a collision—especially a major one—it's quite common for vehicle owners to wonder whether their car will ever return to its original state. Just like businesses in any field, the collision repair industry spans a wide range of quality standards. If your vehicle sustains collision damage, the first step is finding a reliable auto body repair shop with a solid reputation. Collaborating with experienced professionals who prioritize quality will significantly enhance the likelihood of your car being restored to its pre-accident condition.

Finding the Right Collision Repair Center

• Do your research and check reviews across multiple platforms such as Google, Yelp, Car Wise, and even third-party review sites.
• Check for certifications—most importantly, the I-Car Gold Class certification. This is the highest level of recognition in the collision repair industry, and achieving it requires annual recertification, ensuring technicians stay updated on the latest repair techniques for modern vehicles.
• Look for warranties—a reputable collision repair shop should offer a limited lifetime warranty on workmanship for as long as the customer owns the vehicle. Parts and paint finishes are typically subject to the manufacturer's warranty.
• Consider how long the shop has been in business and their track record. Some shops may have been around for decades, but have they kept pace with advancements in technology and equipment required for repairing newer models?
• What is the shop known for—quality or speed? Think of it like comparing a fast-food chain to a fine-dining restaurant.

Will My Car Be the Same?

• A quality auto body shop will perform a comprehensive repair, addressing all aspects of collision damage—not only the body but also the mechanical and electrical systems. Today’s vehicles are vastly different from those 15 years ago. Technicians aren’t simply “hammering out dents.” Modern cars are packed with onboard computers, sensors, and complex wiring that require careful attention after an accident.

Key Collision Repair Steps You Should Expect

• Preliminary diagnostic scans—these provide technicians and estimators with a full understanding of non-functioning components like onboard computers, sensors, wiring, and safety features.
• Complete disassembly of the affected areas—exterior panels are removed to inspect underlying components for additional damage.
• A detailed repair plan is developed—this goes far beyond a basic estimate.
• Research by the repair planner ensures technicians follow industry or manufacturer-approved repair procedures based on the vehicle’s make, model, and year.
• Post-repair diagnostic scans ensure all systems are functioning correctly after the repair process.
• Calibrations may be necessary depending on the vehicle’s electronic systems.
• Quality control checks and a thorough test drive are performed before the vehicle is returned to the owner.

A reputable collision repair center focuses on the entire restoration process, including aesthetics, mechanics, and electronics. Adhering to these steps takes time and involves costs. Quick and inexpensive repairs often lead to subpar results and can create more stress for the vehicle owner in the long term.

Parts Used

At Airpark Collision Center, we prefer using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, which are identical to those originally installed on your vehicle when it was new. Unfortunately, many insurance companies opt for aftermarket or salvaged parts instead. This topic deserves further discussion—click here to learn more.

Even when insurance companies choose non-OEM parts, selecting a quality-focused collision repair shop still makes a difference. Although we cannot force insurers to cover OEM parts, there are ways to manage the situation effectively.

• Salvaged parts are OEM but used or recycled. They can be a good option if the repair shop thoroughly inspects them for quality. Often, these parts are in excellent condition, and if they don’t meet standards, a reputable shop will reject them.
• Aftermarket parts are manufactured by third parties, not the original equipment manufacturer. Not all aftermarket parts are problematic, but careful inspection remains crucial. If a part doesn’t fit correctly, we can provide photographic evidence to the insurer and argue for an OEM replacement. While this process takes time, insurers often have specific language in policies dictating which types of parts they’ll cover.

Is It Safe to Buy a Vehicle That Was in an Accident?

When considering purchasing a previously damaged vehicle, evaluate the following:

• What was the extent of the damage?
• Does the vehicle have a salvage title? Salvage titles can complicate insurance coverage.
• Who performed the repairs? Reputable shops will leave a clear mark on the vehicle’s history.
• Can you hire an independent collision damage inspector for an assessment?

Can a Total Loss Be Repaired?

A total loss designation doesn’t always mean a vehicle is irreparable. Several factors can lead to this determination:

• Repair costs exceed the vehicle’s market value.
• Replacement parts are unavailable or on extended backorder.
• Damage is too severe for practical repair.

Diminished Value

Even after high-quality repairs, your vehicle might appear and function flawlessly, but concerns about diminished value could arise from a CarFax report. While Airpark Collision Center does not report to CarFax, other entities such as the police department, city authorities, or even towing companies might. Questions about diminished value should be addressed to legal counsel or your insurance provider. Beyond providing a detailed invoice detailing parts and labor, the collision repair facility generally plays no role in determining diminished value.

Airpark Collision Center opened in 2006 with a commitment to quality repairs and honest, friendly service. Over the years, we’ve witnessed significant changes in vehicle construction and the collision repair industry. Every year, we invest in training and acquiring the latest tools and equipment for our North Scottsdale location. Stop by or request a free estimate online.