You can never be too sure about the quality of repairs. Insurance companies breathe down the necks of mechanics to rush automobile repairs after a collision. Such repairs usually involve things like fixing the body, the safety systems, computerized pieces, and even the paint. As you can imagine, when such repairs are done swiftly, there may be some things that are overlooked.
That is precisely why you need to ask for a post-repair inspection. Elmer’s Auto Body ensures that a post-repair inspection is part of the collision repair for a few reasons. Today, we’re going to explain why.
What Is A Post-Repair Inspection?
A post-repair inspection is performed by a third-party after repairs are completed. Such a service is meant to examine the quality of the collision repairs that had been performed on your vehicle. The inspector ensures that the mechanic followed manufacturer guidelines during repairs so that the vehicle meets safety standards.
Why Should I Get A Post-Repair Inspection?
Post-repair inspections are fundamental to your safety. Consider it a second layer of certainty that your vehicle is ready to return to the road. You should also have a post-repair inspection if:
- You want to confirm that the automobile was properly repaired and can be safely driven
- You are unsure about the quality of work
- You notice the vehicle is not operating as it once had before the collision or repairs, or the appearance is different
- You are required to request an appraisal for the diminished value
In other words, a post-repair inspection is meant to protect you from any improper repairs that may have compromised the vehicle’s structural integrity or reduced resale value. Some industry studies estimate that nearly 60% of all “repaired” vehicles currently on the road actually have structural vulnerabilities and other safety concerns.
If you recently had collision repairs done, don’t wait a second longer to book a post-repair inspection with a trusted auto body shop.
Diminished Value Claims
Most people will have a post-repair inspection done when they want to get an appraisal for Diminished Value. After collision repairs, the fact that you had an accident may affect the value of the vehicle. Sometimes, the value will drop if aftermarket parts were utilized or if the repairs were not completed according to the manufacturer’s standards.
You never have to worry about this at Elmer’s Auto Body. We use OEM parts exclusively, and all of our technicians are highly skilled.
Influence of Direct Repair Program (DRP)
Some repair shops are partnered with insurance companies, which is otherwise known as a DRP, or Direct Repair Program. This means that the insurance agency has a preferred auto body shop where claimants are sent to have repairs done at a lower cost. Yet, the lower cost comes as the result of non-OEM parts or lower-quality workmanship. DRP usually results in Diminished Value.
Getting a post-repair inspection can help you determine whether the right kind of parts was used.
What Happens During A Post-Repair Inspection?
When you bring your vehicle to an auto body shop to be inspected, there are several steps the technician doing the inspection will follow to verify the quality of repairs.
Here are the steps involved in a post-repair inspection:
- The auto body shop that is doing your post-repair inspection will need a copy of the estimate provided by your car insurance agency. They will also need the collision repair estimate from the other auto body shop. During the inspection, the information is compared to the vehicle in front of them.
- The auto body specialist then assesses the quality of the replacement parts and repairs.
- Afterward, the inspector looks at the vehicle panel-by-panel to see if all the auto body parts are lining up.
- They grab a paint thickness meter to see if the paint was properly applied. The finish is checked for evenness, as well.
- Heading inside the vehicle, the specialist removes panels and interior carpeting to see any repair that may have been hidden. There are specific things they are looking for, such as rust protection, alignment, and welding work.
- If there are any problems that are found during the post-repair inspection, the technician will provide you with recommendations. Should nothing be found, the auto body shop will inform you that your vehicle is good to go.
You should also know that there is no reason to hold out on a post-repair inspection for fear of additional costs. If the inspector finds that the repairs on your vehicle are substandard, the cost of remedying those issues is not your responsibility. The auto body shop that carried out your post-repair inspection will contact your car insurance provider, who is required to pay for the costs of any corrective repairs that are needed.
Bottom Line
Insurance companies are asking repair shops to do their work faster than ever before, leading to mistakes and substandard quality. Cutting corners and using aftermarket parts won’t return your car to its pre-accident condition. Don’t take a chance. Get your car a post-repair inspection today and get peace of mind.
You can trust Elmer’s Auto Body to do the repairs correctly the first time around and to guarantee our work. We don’t balk under the pressure of insurance companies, and our technicians can verify repairs done by other body shops. At Elmer’s Auto Body, our standards are high, which is why we are the trusted auto body shop in the region.
Request an estimate today. Or, give us a call or fill out the contact form with any questions you have. We’ll be in touch.