WELCOME TO TANNER COLLISION CENTER
Scott Tanner, Owner

Step 1

The process begins with a proper and full estimate of the repairs to be done. In some cases we may be working with an insurance estimate. We assure you that the insurance estimate is only a "preliminary estimate", and if additional damage is found we will contact the insurance company for a "supplement of damages". Regardless, this must be completed prior to beginning actual repairs so both you and I know what we are going to do here.

Step 2

Before we can begin the actual repairs, you will be asked to sign a repair order giving us authorization to do the work. It is not uncommon for us to ask for a second signature to cover any additional work found once the repairs are started. This does not mean that we simply proceed without your knowledge. We contact you before spending your money, and make sure you understand what this additional money is needed for so there are no surprises upon completion.

Step 3

If we are to begin working from our estimate, but an insurance company is involved, we must also get authorization from them. If they have already written their own estimate, all we need is that copy so we can proceed. This also applies in the event of supplemental damage. The insurance company and/or you the owner, must also authorize any additional costs that are to be incurred prior to us continuing with repairs.

Step 4

Once we have the authorization to repair from all parties, we begin the process of locating and ordering parts. By this time we have also disassembled as needed for repairs and gone over the estimate to make sure that all damages and costs are properly covered.

Step 5

As soon as we have the parts to proceed, we will begin the actual repair work needed. If we are waiting on parts such as trim, moldings, factory stripes, etc., that will not interfere with repairs then we will proceed with that part of the work. Having the parts needed to do the repairs allows us to perform a fluid and fast moving repair from start to finish.

Step 6

You must understand that until estimates are written, repair areas are disassembled to check for hidden damages (if any), supplements confirmed, parts ordered and the receipt date confirmed, we can not give a proper estimate of completion. Due to some unknown factors like damaged parts received and requiring reorder, delays in getting supplements confirmed or reinspection, this estimated completion time may change. We will contact you with this estimated time of completion.

Step 7

In the event that your repairs are nominal and you are still driving the vehicle, we will schedule you for repairs. If the damages are such that a supplement is a strong probability, or your vehicle is too severely damaged to be drivable, we will already have it at our location and will be able to proceed with repairs. We will notify you that we are proceeding, or contact you to schedule a time for you to bring your vehicle in. If your vehicle is drivable, but a supplement is likely, we will need to get you into the shop prior to contacting the insurance company for a supplement. Most companies WILL NOT issue supplements to damages unless the vehicle is in a shop, and under repair, where they can inspect it.

Step 8

At this step in the process, we have reviewed the estimate, ordered parts with delivery dates, written any supplemental damage reports and notified the appropriate parties for review. Knowing where everything is at, coming from, or what is still needed, we can now proceed with the repair process and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Step 9

If a supplement is needed, and an insurance company is involved, 9 out of 10 times they will require re-inspection PRIOR to proceeding with repairs. In some cases we can get the authorization by phone simply by sending them a copy of the supplement and confirmation photos of additional damages. We can do this by Fax or E-mail. In other cases, regardless of what is needed, they will insist on a physical review by one of their representatives. This may delay us at this point, this depends on their response time. If you are paying for the work, you may also wish to come by and see what we have found after disassembly, prior to authorizing us to proceed.

Step 10

Once any potential supplements are authorized, this may require the ordering of additional parts for the repairs, or revision of previous parts order. This may change the estimated time for completion and delivery.

Step 11

In this step, we will confirm with you an updated estimation of time for the completion and delivery of your vehicle.

Step 12

If needed, it is at this point that we start with frame, or structural Unishell repairs. Your vehicle will be put on the frame/Unishell repair rack using specially designed equipment. To assure proper fit of all body parts, measurements will be taken and compared to published factory dimensions to assure body structure and/or frame are square and within factory tolerances. It is also during this time that any structural components that require replacement will be removed and replaced to assure proper factory dimensions are kept.

Step 13

Not all structural damage distorts factory dimensions, and may be more cosmetic or result in poor fit and alignment of exterior panels and parts. This may also include mechanical items, such as suspension. Once your vehicle has been brought to this stage, this structural damage will be repaired before proceeding with exterior panel replacement and/or repair.

Step 14

With the completion of repairs to structure and/or hidden areas, we will proceed with the installation of exterior panels. Most all repairs will require some level of cosmetic repair, or panel replacement of factory panels. It is here that these repairs are done to assure proper fit and alignment.

Step 15

Next step includes the replacement of factory corrosion protection to repaired panels and inner structures. Because it is a chemical application, it is applied prior to beginning refinish operations so chemical damage does not result later in the repair process. Also, it is at this stage of the repairs that access to many inner areas can be achieved for proper coverage prior to installation of parts and closure of panels that may deny access to these areas.

Step 16

During this step, we complete the metal and finish work on repaired areas. We also pay a greater level of inspection for quality control, assuring proper fit of panels, all damage has been repaired, and proper functioning of moveable parts, safety systems are operational, including passive restraints and air bags.

Step 17

As we complete Step 16, we will contact you and inform you of where we are in the repairs. We will also revise, or confirm, when we approximate completion time and delivery to you.

Step 18

With the completion of the body and metal repairs, as well as the initial quality control inspections of work done, we will be moving into the refinishing operations. It is here that the repair areas are prepped, primed, and blocked for the finish application. Zinc primers are applied, primer surfacers are used, and areas are block sanded to assure any surface imperfections are found and corrected.

Step 19

Final preparations are made for the actual application of paint finish. Old tape and masking material that has been contaminated with sanding dust and other chemicals are removed. The vehicle, and repair areas are re-masked and taped off.

Step 20

The vehicle is moved into the spray booth to prevent contamination from dust, dirt, and other chemicals in the shop that can cause flaws in the finish and color. The vehicle is chemical cleaned to remove contaminates such as body oils from touching surfaces, wax and polish prior to repairs, etc. Final tacking operations are done to remove any surface dust and contaminates that may also cause problems.

Step 21

We begin the actual refinishing of your vehicle. Depending on the year, make, and model, you may have a single stage, two stage, or three stage paint. Regardless of size of repairs or refinish operation to be performed, this will require several applications of material(s) to complete. In the case of small repairs, it might be as short as 30 to 45 minutes. In larger applications, such as three stage paints, this can be several hours of work to accomplish. No matter what the repair, we use only refinish products that meet, or exceed the factory standards.

Step 22

With the completion of the refinish operation, and proper allowances made for cure time to assure paint surfaces are "touchable", we proceed with the reassembly of your vehicle. This includes moldings and trim, striping, glass installation, mechanical and alignment, A/C recharge if applicable, and test drive. It is also during this period that Quality Control is a major concern. Once the vehicle reassembly is complete, the vehicle test driven, and cleaned up, a final Quality Control inspection is performed. The completed repair ticket is reviewed to make sure that all items are covered, parts are priced out, and the final repair cost is determined. This includes making sure that all insurance checks have been issued and delivered to the shop, or the owner, as the situation may warrant.

Step 23

Once all of the steps have been covered, and everything determined to be in line as agreed and completed to our satisfaction, we will contact you to arrange delivery at the earliest time that is convenient for you.