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An accident is never on your schedule. One minute your car is fine, the next there is a crunched panel, a leaking light, or a door that will not close. Most people have no idea what happens next, and that is the part that creates the most stress.
We have repaired vehicles since 2006, so the steps below are not theory. This is the same process we use on a brand new truck and on a 20 year old commuter car. Our goal is the same every time: get your car back to pre accident condition, often better than it was before, and keep the whole thing painless for you.
What counts as collision repair
Collision repair is any work that puts a vehicle back together after an impact. That covers a lot more than a dented bumper. A single accident can involve crushed sheet metal, bent structural parts under the body, broken suspension components, cracked lights and sensors, and paint damage. A good shop looks at all of it, not just the part you can see from the curb.
We sort damage into three buckets so customers can picture it: cosmetic damage on the surface, structural damage to the frame or unibody, and mechanical damage to parts like suspension or steering. You can read more in our guide on cosmetic versus structural collision damage.
The step by step repair process
Here is how a repair moves through our shop. We call it The Painless Collision Process because each step is built to take work off your plate.
- Free estimate. You bring the car in, we look it over, and we tell you in plain language what we see. No charge, no pressure. If the damage is worse than it looks, we say so up front.
- We open and manage the insurance claim. If you are filing a claim, we work directly with your insurance company. We document the damage with photos and notes, and we handle the back and forth on parts and supplements. You can learn how that side works in our article on how the auto insurance claim process works.
- Parts and planning. We order the right parts and write the repair plan before any work begins. Everything is in writing so there are no surprises.
- Structure first, then body, then paint. We fix what holds the car together before we touch the cosmetics. Then panels go on, gaps get aligned, and the paint is matched to your factory finish so the repair disappears.
- Updates the whole way. We call or text you at each stage. You should never have to wonder where your car is.
- Final check and handoff. We inspect the finished work under good light, wash the car, and walk through it with you before you drive away.
Do you have to use the shop your insurance suggests
This is the question we hear most, so we wrote a full answer: in California you generally have the right to choose the shop that repairs your car. Your insurer can suggest a shop, but the decision is yours. We cover this in detail in do I have to use the body shop my insurance recommends. When you are unsure, confirm your rights with your insurer or the California Department of Insurance.
How long will it take and what will it cost
Timing depends on the damage, the parts, and the insurance approval. A small bumper job can be quick, while structural work takes longer because it cannot be rushed. We give you a realistic window up front and update it if parts change. See how long auto body repair takes for the full picture.
On cost, a free estimate is the only honest answer, because no two impacts are the same. One of our customers came in after another shop quoted a scary number, and we did the same repair with fabulous workmanship at a fair price. You can read what customers say on our testimonials page.
Why the shop you pick matters
Most large franchised shops treat customers as numbers in a queue. We are family owned and operated, so we build a relationship and listen to your individual concerns and requests. The same family that answers your first call hands you your keys at the end. That is the difference behind our promise of unmatched quality and unrivaled service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a police report to get my car repaired?
No. You do not need a police report to start a repair with us. If you are filing an insurance claim, a report can help your claim, but you can always bring the car in for a free estimate first and we will guide you from there.
Can you work with my insurance company?
Yes. We work with every insurance company. We document the damage, open the claim if you want us to, and handle the back and forth on parts and supplements so you do not have to.
Will my car look the same as before the accident?
That is the goal every time. We match the repair and the paint to your factory finish so the work disappears. Our standard is pre accident condition, often better than it was before the incident.
How much does a collision repair estimate cost?
The estimate is free. Bring the car to our Brentwood shop and we will look it over and tell you honestly what the repair involves, with no charge and no pressure.
Do you repair cars from outside Brentwood?
Yes.
Next step
If your car was just damaged, the fastest way to get answers is to talk to us directly.
Call (925) 516-1930 or stop by 44 Sycamore Ave, Suite A in Brentwood. Estimates are free. Read about our collision repair, how we work, or get directions and hours. We serve Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Discovery Bay and Byron.