Accurate Auto Repair Estimating The First Time
Mission Viejo Auto Collision (MVAC) has been in the family owned auto body repair business for over 26 years and continues to find ways to improve our processes in order to remain the auto body shop of choice in Orange County. Our clients come to us from Irvine, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, Coto de Caza, Rancho Santa Margarita and throughout the OC.
In this article, we focus on how accurate auto body repair estimating the first time has helped keep our clients happy and work schedules flowing. We offer this efficient type of estimating to clients, because we get quality repairs done much faster and clients know the exact repair cost prior to any repairs being done. Accurate estimating before repairs even begin has saved time and money for both our client and us.
Traditional Auto Body Repair Estimating
Traditional auto body repair estimators would visually inspect vehicles for obvious external repairs without removing fenders and or panels in the area of damage, unless there were apparent serious damages on those cars. Unfortunately hidden damages like a bent body frame could affect the functionality of the car. Auto body estimators will typically provide quotes for noticeable repairs and inform clients that any necessary repairs beyond what has been quoted will be added onto the bill.
If additional repairs are required, then the client either has to leave the car at the shop or bring it back later when replacement parts arrive to complete the work. If there are needed mechanical repairs as well, then more time has to be scheduled for it. This is an inconvenience for the client and a disruption in workflow for MVAC. It will also cost more to repair, because estimating work was done at the initial assessment for the car and after they began repairs and uncovered additional damages.
How Accurate Car Body Repair Estimating Works
To implement accurate car collision repair estimating during the initial assessment, our experienced estimators and technicians not only analyze the visible physical damages, but also inspect the interior for any damages to the frame, parts under the hood, the electronics of the car, and behind fenders and panels. This way the auto body repair estimating process is more thorough, we know exactly what needs to be repaired or replaced, and how much it will cost the client before any work begins. Once the work has been approved by the client or insurance company, we start ordering parts and begin repair on the exterior while replacements parts are being delivered. This process promotes efficient workflow in our shop, clients know exactly what repair is being done and its cost, it is more economical, and clients do not have to waste time bringing the car back and forth to the shop.
Of course not all dents and damages warrant accurate estimating. There are always different situations and types of accidents that can occur. Our technicians have lists of questions to ask about the incident. It can range from how fast the vehicles were traveling, how many people were in the car, if the airbags were activated, etc. We are experienced enough to recognize minor work based on countless repairs done in our shop, so we can recommend whatever fixes needed and get it done within 24 hours or less.
Trust your family’s car to the expert team at Mission Viejo Auto Collision. Call us at (949) 951-7503 when you encounter your next dent, fender bender or if you just need car detailing in Orange County. We aim to please in customer service and quality workmanship!
