Can I inspect my vehicle before and after repairs are completed

The Critical Importance of Inspecting Your Vehicle Before and After Repairs

When your vehicle has been involved in an accident or requires significant repairs, the period surrounding its service can be stressful. Beyond the immediate concern for safety and getting your car back on the road, it’s absolutely crucial to engage in a thorough inspection process both before and after the repair work is completed. This isn’t just about ensuring you get what you pay for; it’s about verifying the safety, integrity, and long-term value of your vehicle. A proactive approach to inspection empowers you as a vehicle owner and helps guarantee a high-quality repair.

Inspecting Your Vehicle BEFORE Repairs Begin

Before any tools touch your car, a preliminary inspection by you, the owner, is a vital step. This initial assessment serves several key purposes, protecting your interests and ensuring clear communication with the repair facility.

Here’s why and what to look for:

• Document Existing Damage: Take detailed photos and videos of all existing damage related to the accident, as well as any pre-existing dings, scratches, or wear and tear that are *not* part of the current repair scope. This creates an undeniable record of the vehicle’s condition at drop-off, preventing disputes over new damage that might appear during the repair process.

• Review the Repair Estimate Thoroughly: Before authorizing any work, carefully go over the repair estimate provided by the shop. Ensure it accurately reflects all the damage you’ve identified and the work you expect to be done. Ask questions about specific line items, parts (OEM, aftermarket, recycled), labor rates, and the estimated timeline.

• Clarify Parts Usage: Understand which types of parts will be used for your repairs. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are made by the car’s manufacturer, while aftermarket parts are produced by other companies. Recycled (used) parts are also an option. Each has implications for cost, quality, and your vehicle’s warranty. Ensure your preference is noted and adhered to.

• Check Interior and Functionality: Even if the damage is external, briefly check the interior for cleanliness, functionality of power windows, radio, air conditioning, and dashboard warning lights. Note the current mileage and fuel level. This helps confirm your vehicle is returned in the same condition it was received, aside from the agreed-upon repairs.

Inspecting Your Vehicle AFTER Repairs Are Completed

Picking up your repaired vehicle should not be a quick grab-and-go. This is perhaps the most critical inspection phase. A meticulous post-repair inspection ensures the work meets industry standards, matches the repair estimate, and, most importantly, restores your vehicle to a safe and reliable condition. Do not sign off on the repairs or drive away until you are completely satisfied.

Here’s a comprehensive checklist for your post-repair inspection:

• Exterior Body Panels and Paint:

  • Panel Alignment: Check gaps between panels (doors, hood, trunk, fenders) to ensure they are uniform and consistent. Misaligned panels are a sign of poor repair.
  • Paint Match: Inspect the new paint under various lighting conditions (natural sunlight is best) to confirm it perfectly matches the original color and texture of adjacent panels.
  • Paint Quality: Look for imperfections such as overspray on trim or other parts, dust nibs, runs, drips, or an inconsistent finish (e.g., “orange peel” texture).
  • Surface Condition: Ensure there are no new scratches, dents, or dings on parts of the vehicle that were not involved in the original damage.
  • Trims and Moldings: Verify all exterior trim pieces, emblems, and moldings are securely fastened and properly aligned.

• Lighting and Electrical Systems:

  • Functionality: Test all headlights (high and low beam), taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and fog lights to ensure they work correctly.
  • Wiring: If any electrical work was done, check for secure connections and proper routing of wires.

• Interior Inspection:

  • Cleanliness: The interior should be as clean or cleaner than when you dropped it off. Look for grease marks, dirt, or debris on seats, carpets, steering wheel, and door panels.
  • Functionality: Test all power windows, door locks, mirrors, radio, navigation system, air conditioning, and heating.
  • Dashboard Lights: Ensure no new warning lights (check engine, airbag, ABS, TPMS) are illuminated on the dashboard.
  • Seat Belts: Confirm all seat belts retract and latch properly.

• Under the Hood and Under the Vehicle:

  • Fluid Levels: Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid levels.
  • Loose Components: Look for any loose hoses, wires, or parts under the hood or under the vehicle.
  • Leaks: Check for any signs of fluid leaks on the ground or on components.
  • Undercarriage: If suspension or frame work was done, inspect for proper component installation and alignment.

• Test Drive:

  • Steering: Drive the vehicle to ensure the steering is straight and true, with no pulling to one side.
  • Braking: Test the brakes for proper function, ensuring no unusual noises or vibrations.
  • Sounds and Vibrations: Listen for any new or unusual noises, rattles, or vibrations at various speeds.
  • Transmission: Ensure the transmission shifts smoothly through all gears.
  • Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): If your vehicle has features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or blind-spot monitoring, and they were affected by the accident or repair, ensure they are recalibrated and functioning correctly.

• Documentation:

  • Final Invoice: Compare the final repair invoice with the original estimate to ensure all agreed-upon work was completed and that there are no unexpected charges.
  • Warranty: Obtain documentation for the repair warranty, understanding what it covers and for how long.
  • Parts Confirmation: Confirm that the types of parts agreed upon (OEM, aftermarket, recycled) were indeed used.

If you discover any issues during your post-repair inspection, immediately bring them to the attention of the repair shop manager. Do not hesitate to ask for clarification or for the issue to be rectified before you accept the vehicle and drive away. Your satisfaction and safety are paramount.

Taking the time to perform these detailed inspections, both before and after repairs, is an investment in your peace of mind, your vehicle’s safety, and its longevity. It ensures that the repair work meets your expectations and that your vehicle is returned to you in its best possible condition.

No one is at their best, following an accident.
Keep this checklist in your glove compartment
to make sure you do all the right things at the exactly the right time!
Visit idcollision.com to download your free GLOVE COMPARTMENT EMERGENCY CHECKLIST

Insurance Direct Collision Centres LTD
755 Burnett St, Kingston, ON K7M 5W2
Phone: (613) 389-9888