The car inspection after a car accident repair is a vital inspection that helps ensure guidelines were followed. It also benefits you as the car owner. Let’s examine why a car inspection after accident repair is important and how it benefits you in the long run!
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What is a Post-Repair Inspection?
A post-repair inspection is simply an assessment or an evaluation that is performed by a qualified and certified third-party. He or she will look at the quality of the repairs, to make sure that each repair was performed to the highest standard, after the car accident. This third-party inspector will also check the repairs against the manufacturer guidelines. He or she will ensure that all guidelines and rules were followed – and all repairs were performed as intended. The car must be restored to pre-accident safety measures or standards.
What About Post-Repair Inspections & Diminished Value Claims?
Many car owners will receive a post-repair inspection so that they can have a complete and thorough appraisal of the Diminished Value that they should be given. This makes getting a car inspection after an accident repair a good thing. The evaluation after car repairs, should be completed to assess if there is
financial compensation owed for any loss in the resale value of the vehicle. But even if Diminished Value is not the driving force behind the post-repair inspection, it’s still helpful to have one because it will ensure that your car a safe one to drive.
That Post-Repair Inspection and Shops That “Cut Corners”
In the auto repair industry, techs certainly feel pressures from car insurance companies, car owners and even car auto body shop owners. Due to all of the pressures, lots of auto body shops may feel that they have to “churn out” repaired cars, even if it means “cutting corners” when it comes to quality repairs. Sometimes, those fixes on cars are done with cheap parts. Those shops who cut corners will continue to “churn out” cars that are “repaired” to produce a high volume of repaired cars. With a post-repair inspection, vehicles are closely examined, so that unsafe vehicles are not put back on the road. As you drive, you want a safe car that will provide security for you and all passengers.
When Do Agents Recommend a Post-Repair Inspection?
Check out instances in which a post-repair inspection is recommended.
- You see signs that the vehicle isn’t operating properly or the vehicle looks like a different vehicle from when you dropped it off for repairs.
- You need expert confirmation that the car was repaired correctly and properly, and that the vehicle is safe to drive.
- You have a few questions or issues about the quality of the repair work or the parts that were used to fix your car.
- Your auto body shop or your repair shop isn’t willing to disassemble the vehicle so that they can correctly and properly assess the accident damage.
- The appraisal is needed so that the car owner can receive the correct amount of Diminished Value.
What Does A Post-Repair Inspection Involve?
Check out what a post-repair inspection consists of.
- First, it’s important to get a copy of the vehicle insurance estimate as well as the auto repair estimate from the auto body shop. During the post-repair inspection, both will be compared ensuring that the repairs were completed.
- Next, the auto body tech or specialist will take the time to assess the quality of the repairs and any replacement parts that were used.
- Thirdly, the specialist will conduct a panel-by-panel evaluation, ensuring that the auto body parts are correctly lined up.
- Moving on, the auto specialist will then take a paint thickness meter, and check if the paint job was performed correctly and the paint finish is even and balanced. If no paint job was a part of the repair, then this step will be skipped.
- After an evaluation of the paint, the auto body tech will then remove the panels as well as the vehicle’s interior carpets. That tech is doing this to see if there is any repair work that may be hidden from plain view. The tech will be looking at any welding work. There will also be an inspection of the vehicle’s rust protection and all alignment.
- Should there be anything that raises a red flag in the eyes of the post-repair inspection specialist, he or she will notify the appropriate parties to fix issues.
- After the car passes the post-repair car inspection, you will be notified.
What Should I Look For After my Car has Been Repaired After an Accident?
You want to take the time to evaluate your vehicle, and look for any issues, blemishes or irregularities. Check out what you want to put a keen eye on, after a collision repair.
- Check to see if your vehicle is clean. Did the techs leave soda cans and garbage in your car? If they did, ask to have your vehicle’s interior cleaned.
- Examine the paint match and over-spray. Anything look weird or bad? Talk to your tech about it.
- Take a test drive of your vehicle. Is it pulling to one side? How does it feel?
- Look at your vehicle closely, then from a distance. If anything looks different, talk to your tech.
- For any repairs that you are not satisfied with, you want to discuss them with your tech and snap a photo of it, for your records.
Your Ultimate Post-Repair Inspection Checklist – Look For Irregularities!
Here is your ultimate post-repair inspection checklist. Remember: you have the right to speak about anything that looks weird, unbalanced or poorly repaired.
- Check to see if the openings between the body panels are balanced and consistent.
- Look at the distance from fender to the tire. Now check to see if it is the same on each side.
- Make sure that your headlights and brake lights are aligned and working.
- Do your doors and hood open and close smoothly?
- Are all of your electronic accessories working correctly?
- Check to see if you have any warning lights illuminated on the dash.
- Do those newly painted areas match color in a variety of lighting environments?
When you drive your car out of the shop, you want to check to see if…
- You hear any weird or unusual noises.
- Your vehicle’s brakes are working properly.
- Feel the handling and see if it is correct and comfortable.
- The alignment of your car is balanced, correct and the steering wheel feels comfortable.