Certified Collision Center

Step 1 – Estimate

Your vehicle will be inspected as thoroughly as possible at the time of the initial estimate. Data is then entered into our computerized estimating system that helps us produce the most accurate estimate possible. At this point, we will order your parts so that we can start repairing your vehicle as soon as possible. If your vehicle cannot be driven, we can help arrange a rental car for you.

Step 2 – Insurance Approval

The insurance company will review the estimate. Often, there is some negotiation between us and the insurance company about the price and procedure used to repair the vehicle as well as the parts to be used. This is also when the insurance company determines whether the car is repairable or a total loss. Once this process is completed, we can begin repairing the vehicle.

Step 3 – Disassembly

When a vehicle is disassembled, sometimes hidden damage is found and inner structure repairs can be assessed. Sometimes, this will require scheduling insurance re-inspection and ordering additional parts.

Step 4 – Gather Parts

We order parts as soon in the process as possible. We have a full-time parts employee who specializes in making sure that the right parts arrive as soon as possible. The repair process cannot begin until we have received all of the structural parts.

Step 5 – Structure Repair

In the Structure Repair area, the unibody is returned to factory specifications. A sophisticated measuring system is used to monitor all phases of this process. A computer-based measurement system is used to analyze the frame of your vehicle. This system ensures an accurate repair.

Step 6 – Body Repair

At this step, we replace exterior panels and do all metal finishing that may be required. The vehicle begins to come back to life as sheet metal is installed and aligned.

Step 7 – Paint

The key to a good paint job is preparation. The panels to be painted will be prepped, primed and sealed to ensure good paint adhesion. The paint is mixed in our computerized mixing machine, and then the color and clear coat is applied in our special down-draft paint booth. These state-of-the-art paint booths make sure that the paint is applied in an environment free of dust and baked at the optimal temperature.

Step 8 – Reassembly

Final moldings and detail pieces are put back on the vehicle in the reassembly area. All of the vehicle’s systems are checked during this process.

Step 9 – Clean Up For Delivery

We employ full-time professionals to clean your vehicle and prepare it for deliver. Your vehicle is then road-tested and inspected to make sure that the repairs meet or exceed industry standards.

Q: Does it matter where I have my vehicle repaired?

Yes. Anyone who appraises cars for a living can tell you that the quality of collision repair varies dramatically, and the quality of repair makes a big difference in the value of your car. The quality of repair depends on several things: (1) the skill and attention of the body tech and painter; (2) the quality of the equipment and tools; (3) the materials, paint and parts used; and (4) the overall management of the process and quality control. We have made a substantial investment all areas of quality to ensure that the repair of your vehicle is the very best possible. Remember, if your car is damaged, you have the right to choose where it is repaired. Since your car is probably your second biggest investment, choose a collision center with the very highest quality repairs.

Q: Do you repair vehicles other than Toyotas?

Yes. We repair all makes and models of vehicles.

Q: My insurance company recommended another shop, can I still have my vehicle repaired by you?

Yes. Some insurance companies own collision repair shops or have an incentive to refer work to a specific shop. Your vehicle is a large investment and you have a legal right to decide where it will be repaired after an accident.

Q: What is a PRO Shop or a “Direct Repair Facility”?

Insurance companies will often establish a “direct repair” relationship with willing body shops. Unfortunately, this makes the insurance company the shops’ best customer, not you, the vehicle owner. You have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice.

Direct Repair relationships benefit the insurance companies (cheaper repair rates) and the body shops (steady stream of repair work), but rarely benefit the customer. A direct repair shop is not going to fight the insurance company for you when a repair is suggested that does not meet the manufacturer’s recommendations. We will!

Q: Do you guarantee your work?

Yes. We offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all of our repairs for as long as you own the vehicle.

Q: How long will it take to repair my vehicle?

We pride ourselves on getting the job done on time or ahead of schedule. However, the exact time of repair on your vehicle depends on some things outside of our control. Parts availability and the responsiveness of your insurance company can affect the time it takes to complete a repair. When we prepare your estimate, we will let you know based upon our years of experience how long it will take to repair your vehicle, and then we will keep in touch with you if there is a change in our original time estimate.

Q: Do you work on vehicles that have not been in an accident?

Absolutely. If your car has been dinged up or scratched, we can repair it. Some minor cosmetic work and clean up can make you feel like you have a brand-new vehicle.

Q: Do you use factory parts?

Yes. We prefer to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for all repairs, and we do everything within our power to maximize the use of OEM parts. You insurance company might only pay for aftermarket, rebuilt, recycled, or reconditioned parts. If you have questions, do not hesitate to discuss it with our estimator.

Q: Do you have rental cars available?

Yes. Earl Stewart Rent-a-Car is on-site and features Toyota rental cars. Whether your insurance will pay for a rental car depends upon your coverage. Check your policy or with your agent. Even if you have “full coverage,” it does not necessarily mean that you have rental car coverage.