Learn more about the rigorous repair process every vehicle that rolls through our doors goes through in order to make our customers the most satisfied in Iowa!
Our 9-step systematic approach not only allows us to consistently provide complete and accurate repairs, but also facilitates an outstanding customer experience. Our customers are updated via phone call, text message or email on their car’s repair progress so they are always in the loop on what’s going on during the process.
McGrath 9-Step Repair Process
1) Write an Estimate and Schedule Repair
The first step is to take a look at your vehicle and note what damage has occurred. One of our experienced estimators will enter their findings as well as any relevant data related to your car into our estimate computer system. This process leaves us with a compiled estimate and the cost of repairs. One thing to keep in mind is we sometimes can find more damage during repairs that is hidden underneath the surface which could affect the original estimate. We then take this information to notify your insurance company, schedule a repair, and help set you up with a rental car.
2) Wash and Pre-Repair Scan
Next we wash your car to make sure we document any damage we might have missed and update your estimate accordingly. This is also when we run detailed scans of your vehicle to test for frame damage, any diagnostic error codes, or any damage to safety equipment such as the seat belt system. This step ensures that we reveal any inconspicuous issues and can move forward with a good understanding of the state of your vehicle.
3) Disassembly & Insurance Authorization
At this step we start the repair process by disassembling the damaged parts of the vehicle as well as any important adjacent areas to find the true extent of the internal damage. We now bring in a team consisting of a second estimator, a technician, a parts expeditor, and our production coordinator, Bob Thomson, to develop a detailed repair plan. After the car has been disassembled and our experienced team has their repair plan in place, the insurance company reviews the estimate and all collected information to determine if the vehicle is repairable. Once the insurance company gives us the okay to move forward, we start the repair process and get to work on your car!
4) Order Repair Parts
Our parts expeditor now checks all availability on the needed parts and places special orders on any parts that may not be available. In most cases there won’t be any delay in receiving the parts but if there is a delay in getting structural parts we cannot move on until we receive them.
5) Body
At this point your vehicle begins its journey to looking like new as our highly trained technicians repair any structural damage and replace the necessary paneling. With years of experience and rigorous factory training, our technicians repair your vehicle with the utmost care and craftsmanship to meet manufacturer standards.
6) Paint
The painting process is critical in getting your car back to looking like new. Our paint preparation is an intensive step-by-step process to ensure we reach a quality factory finish and blend into the old paint seamlessly. We first clean the surface to remove all dust and debris to prepare for the primer and sealer application. This ensures a clean service and good adhesion for the color coat as well as the final clear coat. All newly painted vehicles go through a multi-step buffing process to end with the highest quality finish and a paint job that will shine!
7) Reassembly
This is the fun part. In this step we begin to put the car back together, piece by piece, slowly returning it to its former glory! All final moldings are put into place and finishing touches are made, closely following the repair plan to make sure the full checklist is completed.
8) Post-Repair Scan, Detail, and Quality Check
In this step, we re-run a diagnostic check to make sure all error codes are taken care of, as well as tire alignment and vehicle performance. We strive to get your vehicle as close to its original factory condition as possible, so our detailing team runs a full detail to remove all dust and bring your vehicle to a pristine shape. Our detail team is the best in the business and goes to every extent to get every car shining like it’s fresh off the lot. We then carefully inspect the repairs for any needed fixes and test drive the vehicle to ensure a safe, smooth ride. All these checks are done to make sure every vehicle is returned to its pre-accident condition or better.
9) Delivery
At this last step we will work closely with you to make the delivery of the vehicle as easy as possible. Our friendly shuttle drivers can come pick you up and in some cases we can even deliver the vehicle to you. We will also walk you through your bill and go through all the repairs that were made, leaving you confident in your vehicle moving forward. All that is left to do now is to hand over your keys and have you drive off in your fully repaired vehicle, fully satisfied!