Our Process

We understand that getting a vehicle repaired is a major inconvenience. We help relieve some of the stress by keeping you informed throughout the process and letting you know what to expect from us up-front. We always set out to finish all repairs within the estimated time of completion, and to do everything we can to minimize any unforeseen delays. Doing the job is important, but doing it right takes time and care, so we vow to never sacrifice the quality of our work for speed.

NOLA COLLISION CENTER is a direct repair facility for most major insurance companies.

Insurance companies select only the best repair facilities to handle their claims repairs. When working with a direct repair facility, it means:

  • Faster service and a smoother claims process.

  • Higher quality repairs – direct repair facilities have state of the art equipment & training.

  • In most cases, your insurance company will warranty repairs.

  • You will always receive fair prices and only work with reputable, certified technicians.

THE ESTIMATE
After your vehicle arrives at NOLA Collision Center, a certified Auto Body Specialist will inspect the vehicle and record all the relevant data in our advanced estimating software. We generate a preliminary estimate based on the software’s recommendation and, of course, our decades of auto body experience. Keep in mind, every collision is unique, so there is often hidden damage that cannot be seen until after the vehicle is disassembled.

INSURANCE APPROVAL
After we issue the estimate, it is reviewed by your insurance company. At which time, we negotiate an agreeable price to repair the damaged area. If your insurance company determines the vehicle can be repaired, we begin repairing your vehicle upon your approval.

DISASSEMBLY
The first step in repairing your vehicle is disassembling it to determine exactly which parts are damaged and need replacing. During this stage, hidden damage and the need for inner structural repairs are often uncovered. In such cases, a re-inspection by your insurance company may be required.

ORDER PARTS
Once we have a clear understanding of the scope of the repairs, we place the order for the necessary parts. Most parts can be obtained locally and arrive quickly, however to avoid complications, we do not begin the repair process until we receive all of the parts. This includes all special orders. Don’t worry, you will be kept in the loop and notified of any changes to the status of your parts order.

STRUCTURAL REPAIRS
The frame of a vehicle can be compared to that of a skeleton; it is the supporting structure, which all other components are attached to. Not only does the frame support the vehicle; but also, in certain cases, ensures occupant safety. In the instance that an accident is severe enough that structural repairs are needed, NOLA Collision Center is equipped with the knowledge and technology to repair your vehicle properly.

We use world-wide leading names in tools, equipment, and technology, specifically Car-O-Liner® — engineered to analyze and monitor each step of the repair with extreme accuracy. Our technicians are certified and continuously educated on the latest industry standards. This combination allows us to restore your vehicle’s structural and aesthetic integrity with the utmost precision, while using the most up-to-date manufacturer (OEM) guidelines and repair procedures.

BODY REPAIR
After the structural repairs are completed, we move on to replacing and repairing the exterior panels of the vehicle. This is the part where the “artistry” of body repair comes into play.

PAINT
The body panels are fit snugly into place, they are then primed and prepped for paint. We use Sherwin-Williams Automotive Paints and Finishes to restore your vehicle to near show-room quality, and utilize the Sherwin-Williams color-match system to “clone” the manufacture’s original paint color. After we lay down the color, we apply a resistant clear-coat to protect your vehicle’s new finish.

REASSEMBLY
It’s now time to put it everything back together. During this stage we install all of the painted panels as well as moldings and additional detail pieces such as emblems and badges. All other mechanical repairs are done at this time as well. If necessary, we also perform a suspension alignment on the vehicle.

DETAILING
Auto body repair can be dirty work, so before we hand over your vehicle for inspection, we clean it up and make it nice and shiny!

QUALITY ASSURANCE
Before you drive your vehicle home, one of our helpful Advisors will review all the completed work, explain the repair bill, and finalize any necessary paperwork. This is a great time to allow us to address any questions or concerns you may have.