Collision repair in Brentwood, CA
Accident damage repaired, from a small dent to major collision work, with your insurance claim sent for you.
Talk to us about it
Call us or stop by 44 Sycamore Ave, Suite A, Brentwood, CA 94513.
Call (925) 516-1930What we repair after an accident
We repair accident damage, from a small dent to a full collision repair, including frame work. That covers the parts you can see, like bumpers, fenders, doors, hoods and quarter panels, and the structure underneath that holds the car together.
Not sure how bad it is? Call us or stop by and we will take a look. Free estimates.
Signs the damage is bigger than it looks
A scraped bumper can hide a bent structure behind it. Have a car looked at soon if after an accident you notice any of these:
- A door, hood or trunk that no longer closes the way it did.
- Gaps between panels that are uneven, or that were not there before.
- The car pulling to one side, or the steering wheel sitting off center.
- A warning light that came on after the accident.
- New noises, vibration, or uneven tire wear.
None of these means the car is unsafe on its own. They are reasons to have someone measure and look before you put more miles on it.
How a collision repair usually goes
Every repair is different, but most follow the same stages:
- Estimate. The visible damage is looked at and priced.
- Teardown. Damaged parts come off, and damage that was hidden behind them shows up.
- Parts. What cannot be repaired is ordered, which is often the longest wait.
- Structure. If the frame or body structure moved, it is measured and pulled back into specification.
- Bodywork. Panels are repaired or replaced and made smooth.
- Paint. Primer, color and clear coat, blended so the color matches the panels next to it.
- Reassembly and checks. Lights, trim, sensors and doors are put back and tested, and the car is cleaned.
Why a repair can grow once it starts
Damage hides. Once panels come off, a shop can find a bent bracket or a cracked mount that nobody could see at the estimate. When that happens the shop and your insurance company agree on the added work, which is often called a supplement.
Cameras and sensors on newer cars
Many newer cars have cameras and radar in the bumpers, mirrors and windshield for features like lane warning and automatic braking. After some repairs these systems need to be checked or calibrated so they point where they should. It is a fair question to ask any shop how it handles this.
We work for you, not your insurance company
We are not contracted with any insurance company, on purpose. We work with every insurer and send your claim to yours for you, and the choice of shop stays yours.
Already have an estimate from another shop? Bring it in. We will tell you honestly how ours compares.
Your car, your schedule
If your car is drivable, you keep driving it until the parts arrive. Then you bring it back and we do the repair.
Questions to ask any shop, including us
Before you leave your car anywhere, ask:
- Will you use original-manufacturer parts, aftermarket parts, or used parts, and can I choose?
- Will you follow the car maker's repair procedures?
- How will you tell me if you find more damage, and who calls my insurance company?
- How long will it take, and how will you keep me updated?
- What does your warranty cover, and for how long?
- How do you handle the cameras and sensors on my car?
Our work
From our own shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring in an estimate from another shop?
Yes. Bring us a written estimate and we'll tell you honestly how ours compares.
Do you give free estimates?
Yes. Free estimates.
Can I keep driving my car while I wait for parts?
If your car is drivable, yes. You keep driving it until the parts arrive, then bring it back and we do the repair.
Should I get an estimate before I call my insurance company?
You can do either first. An estimate tells you what the damage looks like on paper, and your insurance company then tells you what it will cover. You do not need your insurer's permission to get an estimate from us, and the choice of shop is yours.
What is a supplement?
Sometimes damage is hidden behind a panel and only shows up once the car is taken apart. The shop and your insurance company then agree on the added work, which is called a supplement.
Will my car be the same as before the accident?
The goal of a good repair is that the car drives, looks and closes like it did before. Ask any shop how it checks that when the work is done, and what its warranty covers.
Is it worth repairing, or is my car a total loss?
Your insurance company decides that by comparing the cost of the repair with what the car is worth. A shop can tell you what the repair would cost, which is useful when you talk to your insurer.
What if the other driver caused the accident?
You can still choose your shop. Who pays is between the insurance companies. Bring us the claim number and we will tell you what we need.
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