Our collision estimate and repair process

The six steps

1. Photo ballpark price (free). Text photos, plus your vehicle's year, make and model, to (313) 444-0236, or upload up to three photos on our quick price page. You get one ballpark starting price, not an itemized estimate.
2. In-person inspection and estimate. Bring the car to 3843 E McNichols Rd. We inspect it and write a preliminary estimate. On insurance jobs we send it, with photos, to your adjuster.
3. Approval. Work starts once the estimate is approved, by your insurer on a claim or by you if you're paying yourself.
4. Teardown and hidden damage. We take the damaged area apart. If hidden damage turns up, we photograph it, send a supplement to your insurer, and contact you before doing extra work.
5. Repair. Body work, unibody/frame straightening on our Chief frame machine where needed (we're state-certified for unibody/frame and collision-related mechanical repair), and refinishing with the Sherwin-Williams paint system. Then we reassemble the car and check the repair.
6. Pickup. On insurance jobs you pay only your deductible, if one applies. We accept cash, credit/debit cards and Zelle. The work we perform comes with a lifetime warranty.

Why the first estimate can change

Any estimate written before the car is taken apart is based on what can be seen. Collisions often damage parts behind the bumper, fender or door, such as brackets, absorbers, sensors or structural parts. That's normal and it's why insurers allow supplements. It's also why an insurer's first estimate can differ from the final repair plan. What matters is that the extra damage is documented and approved before it's repaired.

What changes the price and the time

• How much damage there is, and whether parts are repaired or replaced
• Hidden damage found after teardown
• Whether structural or frame work is needed
• How much paint and blending is needed to match the color
• Parts availability and insurer approval of the estimate and any supplements

Because of these, we don't promise a fixed price or turnaround before we've seen the car. Your final price comes after an in-person look.

Related: collision repair · bumper repair · frame & unibody repair · insurance claims · what to do after an accident