Modern vehicles are technological wonders, with the majority of vehicles designed for maximum safety and fuel efficiency. But, the advanced technology has made today's vehicles a repair challenge as well, usually requiring complex procedures, sophisticated equipment and craftsmen who know how to bring damaged vehicles back to factory specifications.
Although each vehicle repair is unique, there are common steps in the process. Following is an overview of what you and your vehicle will experience at Cavallino.
Initial Estimate of Damage
When your vehicle arrives, we'll inspect it for visual damage and create an estimate. This estimate is for planning purposes only since there may be hidden damage, below the surface, that will require supplemental repair and parts. At Cavallino, we won't overlook any damages related to your loss. In addition, we'll guarantee to return your vehicle to pre-accident condition.
Regardless of who is paying for the repairs, California consumer law and the Bureau of Automotive Repair will require you, the legal owner of the vehicle, to authorize the repair. Once the vehicle is disassembled and reinspected, "hidden" damage may be discovered, requiring your authorization again to proceed with the repair.
Once upon a time, insurance companies sent out auto claims adjusters to inspect damaged vehicles before repairs were done. Today, most insurance companies have a "Direct Repair" program (DRP) in which authorized collision repair shops act as the eyes and ears of the insurance companies, replacing the auto claims adjusters.
The idea behind such programs is to enhance the efficiency of the repair process and save money. With DRP, we at Cavallino will communicate directly with your insurance company, taking photos and making notes at each step in the repair process and electronically uploading the information to the insurance company's claims department for review and approval.
If your insurance company doesn't have a direct repair program with Cavallino, we'll work with the company's auto claims adjuster for the inspection and approval of estimates. Either way, the final product from Cavallino will be of the highest quality.
Replacement Parts Order
Following the initial visual inspection and estimate approval, we will, when possible, preorder your parts based on the inspection so that they'll arrive on or before the scheduled repair start date. The order is usually faxed directly from our computerized estimating system. If required, subsequent orders will be placed once the damaged area has been dissembled and inspected.
Vehicle Disassembly
At this point, our ICAR-trained and ASE-certified technicians will take apart the damaged area and inspect it for any "hidden" damage that will affect the repair time and cost.
After the vehicle has been disassembled, we'll be able to generate and document all damaged items on your vehicle, excluding a few systems that can't be tested until a vehicle is reassembled. A revised estimate will be transmitted to your insurance company along with photo documentation for approval. If additional parts are required, we'll expedite the order.
Supplemental Approval
You'll be notified of any additional damage discovered and the cost for repair about the same time your insurance company will be approving the supplemental repair costs from the revised estimate. Under BAR regulations, we must have your approval for any revisions to a repair order.
Supplemental Parts Received
Once all the parts have been received, we should be able to provide you with a target completion date for repair. Usually at this point there are still a few uncertainties that prevent us from providing a firm delivery date. What kind of uncertainties? One example is the result of a road test after the vehicle is reassembled.
Your vehicle's construction must be restored to its original dimensional integrity. Our auto body technicians will utilize advanced straightening equipment and computerized measuring systems to ensure factory tolerances and safety features are reinstated.
All collision-related repairs require some degree of cosmetic work and often require replacement of factory panels. Our auto body technicians will make the necessary cosmetic repairs by hand, straightening the damaged area and replacing any parts that are beyond repair.
Corrosion Protection
The repaired area will receive factory-required sealers, rust proofing and undercoating to reinstate your vehicle's factory warranty for rust and corrosion.
Painting
After all repaired areas have been primed, your vehicle will be cleaned of contaminants and placed in our environmentally controlled paint spray booth. Our paint technicians will apply several base (color) coats to your vehicle's surface, followed by the application of the clear (shiny) coats. The waterborne, ecologically friendly paints used at Cavallino meet or exceed the original vehicle manufacturer's specifications and are guaranteed for as long as you own your vehicle.
In the last step of the painting process, we use ultra-fine sandpapers and finishing compounds to eliminate any minor imperfections from the painted area. This action produces a superior color and texture match.
Final Assembly
After your vehicle has undergone the refinishing process, our auto body technicians will reattach the outer body trim pieces, glass, interior and mechanical components. As they reassemble your vehicle, they'll make all necessary adjustments for fit and test your vehicle's systems for proper operation. They'll make sure all factory specifications are met.
Detail & Final Inspection
We'll test and retest each and every system, including conducting road tests, which will be followed by a thorough cleaning and detailing of your vehicle, making it ready for delivery.
In the end, you'll have a repair designed to exceed your expectations, backed by our commitment, training and skill for producing work of premier quality. And we'll guarantee the work in writing for as long as you own your vehicle!
