The Repair Process
Repairing a vehicle that has been in a collision
is a complex process. The repair process begins with an initial
preliminary estimate to assess visual damage. The number of steps
necessary to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition depends
on the extent of the damage. The steps listed below are the necessary
steps for an” average” auto
body repair.
INITIAL ESTIMATES/ADMINISTRATIVE
After an accident if your vehicle is SAFE TO DRIVE, please give Lovetts a
call to schedule an estimate. You may drop by without an appointment but
an appointment will allow us to schedule our time and give you faster
service. If your vehicle is NON-DRIVABLE, please give Lovetts a
call and we will arrange to have your vehicle towed to our facility. When
you call we will ask all the necessary information to process your claim.
Lovetts has agreements with several insurance companies
to write the estimate and proceed with the repairs thus expediting the process.
If your repairs are being paid for by an insurance company that we do not have
an agreement with they will assign their appraiser to write an estimate. Lovetts will
work from their estimate.
It is not necessary for Lovetts to write an additional
initial estimate. Each insurance company has specific documentation and
a specific process that must be implemented prior to starting repairs
and during the repair process. Lovett’s will implement the specified
procedures and policies of each insurance company.
The initial estimate is a preliminary estimate covering visual damage.
It is not the final cost of repair. Once the estimate is written and the
insurance company approval is obtained the owner signs a Repair Order
Authorization allowing Lovetts to begin repairs.
PARTS
If your vehicle is drivable parts included on the initial estimate
will be pre-ordered prior to the vehicle being dropped off for
repair. This facilitates a faster repair and also reduces the cost of
a rental vehicle. If your vehicle is non- drivable the vehicle will be
disassembled before parts will be ordered.
Each insurance company has their own policy relating to the replacement
parts used in the repair of your vehicle.
DISASSEMBLY
The initial estimate for your vehicle is assigned to a technician.
The technician will disassemble the vehicle, remove all damaged parts
and write a detailed list of all the additional or supplemental damage
they find. This list is given to the Estimator/Customer Service Representative.
REVISED ESTIMATE
The Estimator/Customer Service Representative adds the additional
or supplemental damage found by the technician to the initial estimate
and forwards this information to the insurance company. The vehicle owner
is called and updated regarding the additional damage.
ADDITIONAL PARTS
Additional parts are ordered based on the detailed list of supplemental
damage found by the technician during disassembly.
STRUCTURAL REPAIRS
If the severity and location of the collision damage indicates there
is inner structural damage, damage to the unibody or “frame”of
the vehicle, the vehicle will be mounted to a dedicated bench, or a universal
frame rack. A computerized electronic measuring system will be utilized
and the damage to your vehicle will be repaired returning specific measuring
points back to the dimensions dictated by the vehicle manufacturer.
COSMETIC REPAIRS
After structural repairs are complete the vehicle is removed from
the bench or rack and the sheet metal repair and or replacement operations
are performed.
REFINISH or PAINT PREPARATION
All panels that need to be painted go through a series of steps
to prepare them for the application of paint. They are finely sanded.
Primer and corrosion protection products are applied. Areas that won’t
be painted are covered and “masked off”.
REFINISHING or PAINTING
 Lovetts uses a computerized paint mixing system
to mix the paint that will match your vehicle’s color and
finish. The paint code on your vehicle provides the starting point
for the formula, but painting is a science and an art. The paint
code is the color your vehicle was when it left the factory. If
it is relatively new the paint has minimal oxidation. If your vehicle
is several years old the paint has significantly more oxidation.
At Lovetts our painters are able to blend art
and science to match the paint on your vehicle.
Your vehicle will be spray painted and “baked ‘in a downdraft
paint booth providing you with a factory finish. We proudly use
BASF, R-M Diamont paint products for all of our refinish operations.
REASSEMBLY
Once the vehicle is painted and the finish is baked dry the vehicle
returns to the technician for reassembly of all the external trim pieces
such as moldings, door handles, stripes, new glass etc. The interior
repairs are also completed at this time. If necessary, repair of the
interior damage may be sublet to a company that specializes in vehicle
interiors.
MECHANICAL REPAIRS
Vehicles that are involved in collisions often sustain mechanical
damage as well as structural damage. After reassembly the mechanical
repairs are addressed. The most common areas of repair involve suspension
and steering, alignment, air conditioning, cooling systems, the exhaust
system, computer sensors and electrical diagnosis. Lovetts repairs
much of this damage at our facility. However, if we feel a specialist
is needed to correctly diagnose and repair the damage we will sublet
the repair to the proper facility.
CLEANING
After completion of the repairs, Lovetts will thoroughly
clean the interior and exterior of your vehicle.
QUALITY CONTROL
Each area that was repaired is checked to ensure that the repairs
were done properly. If any defects are found or any part is not operating
properly or additional damage related to or not related to the collision
is found. The customer is notified and the problem is solved.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INDEX-CSI
Each customer is given a comment card to fill out when you pick
up your vehicle and you will receive a follow up call approximately one
week after you pick up your vehicle to ensure your complete satisfaction.
We warranty our
workmanship for as long as you own your vehicle.
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