How to Determine the Repair Plan for an Accident Vehicle?
4 Answers
Only the losses from the current insurance accident should be considered, distinguishing between the losses from the current accident and those from non-current accidents, as well as normal maintenance losses versus insurance accident losses. If the damage neither affects the performance nor the appearance quality and can be restored with simple processes, repair should be prioritized. If the damage is mainly bending deformation (elastic deformation), it should be repaired; if the damage is mainly folding deformation (plastic deformation), it should be replaced.
Determining the repair plan for an accident-damaged vehicle requires several steps. When my car was rear-ended, the repair shop first placed the frame on a detection line for a 3D scan to ensure the chassis wasn’t deformed. Then, they disassembled the damaged area to inspect hidden issues—like the time they found a crack inside the rear crash bar that needed replacement. Next, they formulated a plan based on the vehicle’s age and repair manual; older cars might benefit from used parts for cost-efficiency, while newer models prioritize OEM parts. Safety considerations are crucial too—for example, if airbags deployed, the entire system must be replaced. The entire assessment took about two days, and the shop also had to photograph the damage for insurance approval. Remember to keep all repair records as proof of restoration when selling the car later.
Last time I dealt with accident vehicle repairs, I found there are three key points to consider. First is the depth of damage - surface dents can be repaired without filler, but structural component deformation requires replacement. Second is evaluating labor costs - for example, a slightly deformed radiator support might seem repairable, but the repair time could cost more than replacement. Third is checking technical bulletins - different models have special repair requirements, like aluminum bodies needing specialized tools and certified technicians. I prefer getting assessments at authorized dealerships as they have the manufacturer's latest repair manuals and will check if millimeter wave radars and camera calibrations are affected. After repairs, don't forget wheel alignment - that's money well spent.
The repair plan for accident-damaged vehicles is determined based on four levels of damage. Level 1 involves cosmetic parts like bumper metal repairs, Level 2 addresses functional components such as headlight bracket replacements, Level 3 concerns safety structural parts like frame rail straightening, and Level 4 deals with electronic system resets. When handling such cases, I first retrieve the airbag deployment data from the accident to assess impact severity. Then I inspect 56 key body measurement points - deviations exceeding 3mm require major repairs. Finally, I consider vehicle depreciation rates, prioritizing genuine parts for vehicles under five years to preserve residual value. Throughout the repair process, anti-corrosion treatment is essential, particularly applying three-layer coatings to welded areas.
