From Estimate to Delivery: What Really Happens During Collision Repair

For many drivers, a collision repair shop feels like a black box: you drop off your car after an accident and pick it up days or weeks later, hopefully looking as good as new. But what actually happens in between? At Heck’s Collision Center, we believe in transparency. Every step of the process — from your first estimate to the moment you drive away — is designed with safety, quality, and customer care in mind. Here’s an inside look at what really happens during collision repair in our Lakeside, Arizona facility.

Step 1: The Estimate and Initial Inspection

It all begins with an accurate estimate. Our technicians carefully inspect visible damage and document everything. But we don’t stop there — because what you see on the outside is rarely the full story. We use diagnostic scans and experience to anticipate hidden issues that may reveal themselves once the repair begins.

Providing a clear estimate helps you understand the scope of work and gives your insurance company the details they need to approve the claim. Our insurance claim help service streamlines this process so you don’t have to handle it alone.

Step 2: Blueprinting the Repair

Blueprinting is like creating a roadmap for the entire repair process. Our team fully disassembles the damaged area of the vehicle to uncover hidden damage, verify part needs, and ensure accuracy. This step prevents costly surprises later on and ensures we order the right parts the first time.

During blueprinting, we also document the vehicle’s condition with photos and notes. This creates a record that supports the repair plan and protects you if questions arise during insurance processing.

Step 3: Parts Ordering and Mirror Matching

Once the blueprint is complete, we order replacement parts. But not all parts are equal — that’s why Heck’s prioritizes OEM-approved components whenever possible to maintain your vehicle’s original safety standards.

When parts arrive, we don’t just assume they fit. We use a process called mirror matching, where new parts are compared side by side with the originals to confirm accuracy. This prevents delays and ensures a perfect fit before installation begins.

Step 4: Structural and Frame Repairs

If your vehicle has sustained structural damage, this is one of the most critical steps. Using computerized measuring systems, our technicians restore the frame to factory specifications. Even small misalignments can affect handling, suspension, and crash safety, especially on Arizona’s mountain roads.

Our frame straightening services ensure your vehicle’s foundation is strong, stable, and safe before moving forward.

Step 5: Body Repairs and Preparation

Once the structure is sound, we move on to repairing or replacing body panels. Technicians weld, reshape, and fit panels with precision, making sure gaps are even and alignment is perfect. This meticulous preparation sets the stage for refinishing — because flawless paintwork depends on flawless prep.

Throughout this step, we maintain a focus on consistency. Our reputation in Lakeside and the White Mountains is built on getting the details right, not cutting corners.

Step 6: Paint and Refinishing

Now it’s time for your car’s appearance to be restored. In our paint & refinishing booth, we use PPG Envirobase products for superior color matching and durability. The Ultra XS Finishing Booth keeps the environment temperature-controlled year-round, eliminating weather-related inconsistencies.

After application, we bake the finish to harden the paint for maximum durability. This step ensures your car doesn’t just look good the day you pick it up, but continues to look great for years to come — resisting chips, fading, and peeling.

Step 7: Reassembly and Safety System Checks

Once painting is complete, your vehicle is carefully reassembled. Every clip, bolt, and fastener is checked to ensure nothing is overlooked. But beyond the physical parts, we also test and recalibrate safety systems.

Airbags, ADAS sensors, cameras, and seatbelt pre-tensioners are inspected and restored to factory standards. At Heck’s, we believe safety is just as important as appearance — if not more so.

Step 8: Detailing and Final Inspection

The last step before delivery is detailing and inspection. We wash and polish your vehicle inside and out so it feels like new. Our managers perform a final quality control check, ensuring every detail meets our standards and your expectations.

This step is where our pride in craftsmanship shines through. We want you to drive away confident not only in how your vehicle looks but in how it performs.

Step 9: Delivery Back to You

When your car is ready, we’ll review the repairs with you in detail. We’ll explain the work completed, answer any questions, and provide documentation for your records. Our goal is transparency, so you feel confident that the job was done right.

For us, handing you the keys isn’t the end of the process — it’s the result of a commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction that began the moment you walked through our doors.

FAQs About the Collision Repair Process

• How long does the repair process take? It depends on the extent of the damage and part availability. Simple repairs may take days, while major restorations can take weeks.
• Will my insurance cover all steps? Most insurance companies cover necessary repairs, but our team helps handle documentation and communication to ensure everything is processed smoothly.
• Do you provide warranties? Yes. At Heck’s, we stand behind our work with quality guarantees.
• Can I see progress during repairs? Absolutely — we’re always happy to update you on where your vehicle is in the process.

Trust Heck’s Collision Center From Start to Finish

Collision repair is more than just fixing dents — it’s a process that restores your vehicle’s safety, performance, and appearance. At Heck’s Collision Center, we take pride in guiding our customers from estimate to delivery with honesty and professionalism. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender bender or major collision damage, you can trust us to handle every step with care.

Schedule your estimate today or call 1-928-368-2288 to experience the Heck’s difference. Serving Lakeside, Show Low, and all of Northeastern Arizona, we’re here to make the collision repair process as smooth as possible.