The following program is designed for fleet accounts that have a desire to minimize the amount of time that it takes to repair one of their collision damaged vehicles. With this program repairs that would ordinarily take as long as a week and a half can be performed in two or three days. This is accomplished by eliminating the time wasting processes and procedures body shops perform during the course of an ordinary repair. (Note: Some or all of this process can be applied to individuals wishing to minimize the amount of time it takes to repair their vehicles.)
There are essentially three phases to this program, two of which require the actual presence of the vehicle at Express Autobody.
Comprehensive Damage Reports The first phase is the Comprehensive Damage Report. Express Autobody will need the vehicle for a half day to remove any damaged parts that may be hiding additional damage, assess the damage, document the costs, photograph the areas needing repairs, measure the frame or unibody if there’s any possibility of structural damage, and then reinstall the damaged parts so the vehicle can be used while repair preparations are made. Ordinarily the cost for this phase would be $150. Agents or fleet managers working with Express Autobody can get this cost waived.
Parts acquisition, pre-painting of parts, and repair preparation Once the vehicle is returned to the fleet the cost of the repairs can be discussed, insurance claims or supplements can be performed, and an agreed upon price can be reached. With a deposit the parts necessary to perform the repairs will be purchased and painted to match the damaged vehicle. Photo documentation will ensure that the correct parts are in hand before the vehicle is ingested for repair. (Please note: this can only be done with OEM replacement sheet-metal. Aftermarket replacement sheet-metal often requires adjustments and massaging that will damage the new paint.) The pre-painting of replacement sheet-metal is not limited to bolt-on panels only. Weld on pick-up bed sides, valances, and non-structural parts can be pre-painted and installed using adhesives. With the use of adhesives the replacement part will not receive any paint damage as a result of welding.
The actual repair of the vehicle Once all of the parts are painted and ready to be installed the vehicle will be brought in for the actual repairs. A tight schedule will be set, so it’s imperative that the customer bring the vehicle in exactly when the repairs are scheduled. A repair bay will be open, and a technician will be waiting for the damaged vehicle. Upon the arrival of the vehicle the repairs will begin immediately. If necessary, repairs will be performed “overtime” to meet our tight delivery schedule. Minor repairs, (bumper, grille, hood, fender, tailgate) will be completed within 24 hours or less of receiving the vehicle, average repairs, (front end assemblies, bedside replacement, door replacement) will be completed within 48 hours of receiving the vehicle. Repairs with structural damage may take longer, but the time parameters will be set in advance, and they will be met.
The effectiveness of this procedure can be negated by an insurance claims representative who is unwilling to work outside of the normal collision repair paradigm. A discussion with the claims department would be prudent before setting one’s expectations. Supplemental adjustments will either need to be done in advance with the photo documentation performed during the comprehensive damage report, or a tight reinspection appointment schedule will need to be adhered to. If the claims representative is unwilling to pay for OEM replacement parts, the extra cost will need to be paid for by the customer.
Express Autobody is very receptive to discussions with Insurance Companies in order to set up a direct repair relationship, or to implement additional steps in this process to accommodate various claims guidelines.
Any questions or concerns about this program can easily be addressed by e-mailing Dave Hamby @
or by calling Express Autobody at 512-930-5900.
Georgetown Express Autobody is a premier auto body specialist focusing on quality collision repair with late model foreign and domestic vehicles. We specialize in high end and newer vehicle repairs and our autobody shop serves local markets including: Georgetown, Round Rock, Hutto, Jarrell, Leander, Cedar Park, Liberty Hill, Wallburg, Bartlett, Pflugerville and Northwest Austin. Give us a call at 512-930-5900 to find out how we can help you get back on the road!
