What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Collision

The first day sets up the rest of your claim. Prioritize safety, documentation, and quick notifications so nothing slows the process later.

1. Ensure safety and document the scene. Photograph all vehicle angles, close?ups of damage, any road conditions, and other vehicles involved. Capture the VIN plate and license plates for clarity.
2. Exchange information and file a police report if required. Many insurers ask for a case number even for minor collisions; check your policy’s requirements.
3. Notify your insurer promptly. Provide a concise description of what happened, and ask for your claim number—you’ll need it for the shop and rental provider.
4. Decide on towing and storage. If the car isn’t drivable, request towing directly to your preferred body shop to avoid added storage fees at a random yard.

How the Insurance Claim Process Works with a Body Shop

Understanding the flow helps you anticipate what’s next and reduce delays.

The body shop–insurance workflow from claim to delivery.

1) Initial estimate and photos

You’ll schedule an estimate or virtual photo write?up. Light damage can be estimated visually; for heavier hits, expect a preliminary estimate that may change after teardown.

2) Insurer review and authorization

The estimate and photos go to the adjuster. They may request clarifications, part-price adjustments, or additional images. Authorization is what green?lights parts ordering and repair.

3) Teardown and “supplements”

Once panels come off, hidden damage often appears. The shop submits a supplement—additional labor/parts needed—to the insurer. Supplements are common and a key reason timelines vary.

4) Parts procurement

Shops source OEM, aftermarket, or recycled parts based on insurer guidelines, your policy, and safety considerations. Availability affects schedule; critical structural components may have longer lead times.

5) Structural, mechanical, and cosmetic repair

Repairs follow OEM procedures: measuring, pulling, welding, mechanical calibration, and refinishing in a controlled paint environment. Quality shops document these steps for your records.

6) Quality control and delivery

Alignment checks, scan reports, and final road tests confirm that ADAS features and drivability are restored. You’ll sign final paperwork and receive warranty information where applicable.

Direct Repair Program (DRP) vs. Independent Shops

DRP shops have agreements with insurers that can streamline photo sharing, approvals, and payments. Independent shops operate outside those networks but can still work with any insurer. The right choice depends on expertise with your vehicle, equipment, and reputation—not just network status.

Documents and Information You’ll Need

Gathering the right documents early speeds up approvals and parts ordering.

• Policy and claim numbers plus your adjuster’s name and contact details.
• Driver, vehicle, and incident details: VIN, current mileage, date/time/location, and a short description of what happened.
• Photos and video of all angles, including interior airbags, close?ups of damage, and any frame or suspension concerns.
• Police report or incident/case number if one was filed or required by your insurer.
• Prior repair records and any aftermarket equipment that could affect repairs or calibrations.
• Rental preferences and coverage limits if you plan to use a rental car during repairs.

Share this packet with your body shop on day one. It reduces back?and?forth with the adjuster and accelerates authorization.

Timeline: From Claim to Keys Back

Realistic ranges help you plan your rental and budget.

Every repair is unique, but these ranges help set expectations:

• Intake and estimate: 1–3 business days, faster with thorough photos and documents.
• Insurer authorization: 1–5 days depending on adjuster volume and whether reinspection is needed.
• Teardown and supplements: 1–4 days, more for complex impacts with hidden structural damage.
• Parts sourcing: 2–10+ days; backorders for specific sensors, bumper covers, or ADAS components can extend timelines.
• Repair and refinish: 3–10+ days based on severity, paint curing windows, and sublet calibrations.
• Calibration, QC, and delivery: 1–2 days for scans, test drives, and detailing.

Pro move: Ask your shop to communicate status at key milestones—authorization, parts arrival, supplement approval, paint, and reassembly—so you can manage rental coverage effectively.

Costs, Deductibles, and Coverage Basics

Three coverage categories commonly apply:

• Liability: Pays the other party’s damages when you’re at fault. Your own repairs are not covered under liability alone.
• Collision: Covers your vehicle’s crash damage, minus your deductible.
• Comprehensive: Covers non?collision losses (theft, hail, vandalism, animal strikes), minus your deductible.

Deductible handling: You typically pay the deductible to the shop at delivery; the insurer pays the rest directly to the shop. If another party is found liable and their insurer accepts responsibility, your deductible may be waived or later reimbursed.

Parts choices: Policies and state rules influence whether OEM, aftermarket, or recycled parts are used. Safety?critical components and modern driver?assistance systems often require OEM procedures and calibrations. Don’t hesitate to ask your shop how part type affects fit, finish, safety, and warranty.

Your Right to Choose a Repair Shop

In many regions, you can choose any qualified body shop to repair your vehicle, even if your insurer recommends a network facility. Recommendations can be helpful, but the decision should center on verified training, equipment, warranties, and transparency.

Ask how the shop documents OEM repair procedures, performs pre? and post?scans, and manages ADAS calibrations. The best shops welcome these questions because they already have the systems in place.

How to Choose the Right Shop and Start Your Claim

The right partner makes the entire claim feel straightforward. Look for a clean facility, modern equipment (frame measuring, dedicated aluminum tools, OEM scan tools or calibrated third?party), and a track record with your make and model.

When you’re ready to begin, contact a reputable local repairer. If you’re in Orange County or nearby, you can start your claim with Brea Auto Body—a trusted resource that can coordinate directly with your insurer, outline the steps, and help you arrange towing or rentals as needed.

What to ask before you file

• Availability: When is the soonest intake date, and do they offer quick photo estimates?
• Communication: How often will you receive updates, and via what channel (text, email, app)?
• Documentation: Will they provide scan reports, calibration records, and a final invoice that maps to insurer line items?
• Warranty: What’s covered and for how long (paint, parts, labor)?
• Rental coordination: Can they help you align repair timelines with your rental coverage limits?

FAQ: Filing an Insurance Claim with a Body Shop in 2026

Is it better to call my insurer or a body shop first?

Do both, in either order. The insurer opens your claim and issues a claim number; the body shop guides estimates and supplements. If the vehicle is undrivable, have it towed directly to your chosen shop to avoid extra storage charges.

Can I get multiple estimates?

You can, but it’s not mandatory. Insurers primarily need a clear, well?documented estimate and photos, whether from one shop or several. A thorough estimate at the right shop is more valuable than three rushed ones.

What if new damage is found after authorization?

The shop submits a supplement to your insurer with photos and updated line items. This is standard and helps ensure safe, complete repairs.

How do rental cars work?

Rental coverage depends on your policy. Confirm daily and total limits up front, then align intake dates and repair milestones to make the most of that coverage.