Post-Collision Repair Checklist: Tips from a Baton Rouge Body Shop

No matter which collision center you choose to handle your repair, it is always wise to inspect the finished work and thoroughly review the bill before leaving the body shop. At Medines Collision Center, we make every effort to ensure that your repair is exceptional. We want to ensure that your car looks, feels, and drives as you expect. However, we also firmly believe that consumers should be fully prepared no matter which collision center they choose. For that reason, we’ve compiled a helpful checklist of steps to take when receiving your newly repaired vehicle, whether from Medines or any other collision center. Following these steps will help ensure that you not only understand your car’s repairs, but that they have also been done well.



Inspect your auto repair bill for accuracy and completion 

Always inspect the repair bill at the time of pick up. It should reflect all structural repairs made, frame and alignment spec sheets, and parts used in the repair process. Additionally, the bill should include an itemized list of parts and types of parts installed (used, aftermarket, rebuilt, or factory). 

Inspect Your Newly Repaired Vehicle 

Always inspect the physical condition of the vehicle. The key area of focus will obviously be the areas of the car that were repaired. Make sure the doors, hood, and truck open and close smoothly, and compare the panels on either side of the vehicle. Take note of how they fit against the body and if there are any sizeable gaps.

Inspect Auto Body Paint 

Always inspect the painted panels. Make sure the paint matches with the rest of the body and there are no obvious differences. Check for dust and imperfections by inspecting the paint at an angle. The paint should be smooth and perfect. A great suggestion is to park the vehicle in different lighting, such as sunlight, where visibility may be heightened.

Additionally, it is wise to check non-painted areas for any spots that may have been "over-painted.” Check the windows, body side moldings, rims, chromed panels, and any other areas that should not have been painted. If the paint job was done properly, these items would have been masked or removed before painting.

Inspect the Vehicle’s Electrical Parts 

Always check the electrical parts of a newly repaired vehicle. It is a good idea to ensure that the taillights, side markers, turn signals, and other electrical components are working properly. Sometimes, as items are removed and replaced in the repair process, wiring can be disconnected or severed. If it worked before you brought it in, then you want to make sure it still is, especially if a panel has been removed. If a battery has been removed in the repair process, your radio may be turned off and you may need a security code to get it working again. Try and spot any electrical hassles before leaving the collision center.

If you find a problem after you’ve taken your car home, be sure to get it back to the shop immediately. The longer you wait, the less likely that body shop will take your concern seriously. 

When it comes to collision repair in Baton Rouge, there are many different options. At Medines Collision Center, we frequently inspect the work of other shops on behalf of customers and sometimes repair the mistakes made by others. Our only concern is that your repairs were done safely and properly. If you have concerns regarding the workmanship on your vehicle, please call or stop by for a full inspection.