Our Collision Repair Process: 7 Steps From Estimate to Pickup

Collision repair can feel like a black box. You drop off a damaged car and hope it comes back right. At Firkins Collision Center in Bradenton, we follow a published seven-step process so you know what's happening, why it's happening, and what you'll receive at each stage. Here's how a typical repair moves from first look to final road test.

Every repair is different. A light bumper scuff may move through some of these steps in an afternoon, while a structural repair can take weeks. The order stays the same either way.

At a Glance

Step	What happens	What you receive
1. Free estimate	We inspect visible damage and talk through your options	A written estimate and next steps
2. Disassembly & inspection	We remove damaged parts to find hidden damage	A comprehensive repair plan; supplement if needed
3. Parts ordering	We order parts, OEM whenever possible	An updated timeline based on parts availability
4. Structural repair	Frame/unibody restored to factory specs	Progress update
5. Body repair	Dents removed; panels repaired or replaced	Progress update
6. Paint, detailing & reassembly	Color-matched refinish, reassembly, cleanup	Notice as we near completion
7. Final inspection & pickup	Quality check and road test	Your vehicle, final paperwork and warranty details

Step 1: Free Upfront Repair Estimate

Everything starts with a free estimate. You can stop by our facility at 2700 1st St, Bradenton, or reach out to set a time. An estimator will walk around the vehicle with you, look closely at the damage, and ask how the collision happened. The direction and speed of an impact help us predict where hidden damage may be.

We'll also talk about your situation: whether you're filing an insurance claim, whose insurer is involved, whether your car is drivable, and whether you'll need a loaner or help arranging a rental.

What you'll receive: - A written estimate based on the visible damage - An explanation of what we expect to find once we look deeper - Guidance on the insurance side, if a claim is involved - Information about loaners, rentals, shuttle service, and pickup and delivery

If your car can't be driven, our 24-hour towing line at (941) 749-1450 can arrange transport to our shop. See 24-hour towing.

Not sure how to read an estimate? Our article on collision repair estimates explained breaks down the line items.

Step 2: Disassembly, Inspection and Repair Planning

Once you authorize the repair, we carefully disassemble the damaged area. Bumper covers, lights, trim and panels come off so our technicians can see what the impact actually did. This is where the true scope of the repair becomes clear.

Common hidden damage includes:

• Crushed energy absorbers and bent reinforcement bars behind bumper covers
• Broken mounting tabs and brackets
• Damaged radiator supports, condensers or cooling components
• Sensors, cameras and wiring in or behind the bumper
• Structural deformation in rails or aprons

We document what we find and build a comprehensive repair plan. If insurance is paying, we send the documentation to your insurer as a supplement. Our article on why repair estimates change explains why this is a normal, expected part of collision repair.

Florida's Motor Vehicle Repair Act also protects you here: if additional work will push the cost beyond your written estimate by more than a small allowance, the shop must notify you so you can authorize, modify or cancel it.

What you'll receive: - A complete repair plan - An update if the scope or estimate changes - Confirmation once your insurer has reviewed any supplement

A note on safety systems

Many vehicles have cameras, radar and other driver-assistance sensors near the damaged area. After a collision, these systems may need to be checked or recalibrated. Ask your estimator how your vehicle's systems will be verified. Learn more in ADAS sensors after a collision.

Step 3: Ordering Parts

With the repair plan set, we order parts. We use OEM parts whenever possible, because they're designed by the manufacturer to fit and perform like what came on your vehicle. Our on-site Mopar parts department is a real advantage for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram owners, and we source parts for all the other makes we repair.

Parts availability is often the biggest factor in how long a repair takes. Some parts arrive quickly; others may be back-ordered.

What you'll receive: - An updated timeline based on parts availability - Notice if a part is delayed

Read OEM vs aftermarket parts to understand the difference.

Step 4: Structural and Frame Repairs

If the collision affected your vehicle's structure, this step comes first in the hands-on work. Our technicians use frame machines and computer-assisted measuring systems to compare your vehicle's structure against factory specifications and bring it back into alignment.

Structural accuracy matters. It affects how panels fit, how the vehicle drives, how tires wear, and how the vehicle protects you in a future collision. Learn the warning signs in signs of frame damage and more on our frame straightening page.

What you'll receive: - A progress update when structural work is complete

Not every repair needs this step. Light cosmetic damage moves straight to body repair.

Step 5: Body Repair, Dent Removal and Panel Work

Next, our technicians repair or replace damaged panels. Depending on the damage, this can include:

• Paintless dent repair for dents where the paint is intact
• Traditional dent repair with filler and refinishing
• Panel replacement and alignment
• Bumper repair or replacement

The goal is straight panels, consistent gaps and a surface ready for paint.

What you'll receive: - A progress update as the vehicle moves to the paint department

Step 6: Painting, Detailing and Reassembly

Refinishing happens in our dedicated paint booth using an environmentally friendly waterborne paint system. Our painters color-match to your vehicle's finish so the repaired area blends with the rest of the car.

After paint, the vehicle is reassembled: lights, trim, moldings, sensors and other components go back on. Then it's detailed so it comes back clean.

What you'll receive: - A heads-up that your vehicle is nearing completion - A pickup time

See more on our auto painting page.

Step 7: Final Inspection, Road Test and Pickup

Before we call you, the vehicle goes through a final inspection. We check panel fit, paint finish, lights and electrical functions, and then road test the vehicle to confirm it drives the way it should.

When you arrive, we walk through the repair with you.

What you'll receive: - Your repaired vehicle - Final paperwork - Information about our lifetime warranty on parts and labor - Aftercare tips for your new paint

Caring for new paint

For the first 30 days, avoid washing (especially high-pressure washes), don't wax or polish the new paint, park away from trees and bushes, and promptly remove bird droppings, tree sap, love bugs and other contaminants. See protecting new paint in the Florida sun.

Updates All the Way Through

You shouldn't have to chase us for information. We provide progress updates throughout the repair, and you can always call (941) 229-6451 to check in. Hablamos español: (941) 357-5162.

How Long Will It Take?

Minor repairs often take a few days. Significant damage may take several weeks depending on the extent of the damage and parts availability. Read more in how long does collision repair take?

Start With Step One

Schedule your free estimate or call (941) 229-6451. We're open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday 8:00 AM to noon. Have questions about insurance? Visit our insurance page.