What Does Collision Repair Cover?

When your car is involved in an accident, you might wonder what does collision repair cover and what your insurance actually pays for. Collision repair is more than just fixing dents or replacing panels. It’s about restoring your vehicle’s structure, safety systems, and appearance after a covered accident. At Re-Lux Collision, we believe every repair should bring your car back to its pre-accident condition with precision, care, and attention to detail. This guide explains everything vehicle owners need to know about collision repair, collision insurance, and how collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle.

What Is Collision Repair?

Collision repair is the process of restoring a vehicle after an accident or impact with another vehicle or object. It includes repairing structural damage, body panels, paintwork, safety systems, and sometimes mechanical components that were affected by the collision. The goal is to repair or replace damaged parts so your car is safe and looks new again.

At Re-Lux Collision, we follow manufacturer (OEM) repair procedures to ensure every repair meets original safety standards. This includes diagnostics, calibrations, and quality checks that many body shops skip. Our technicians understand how advanced vehicles work, from unibody frames to ADAS sensors, so we restore not just the look of your car but its built-in protection too.

What Does Collision Repair Cover?

Understanding what does collision repair cover helps drivers know what to expect after an accident. Collision repair typically includes:

Damage Assessment and Blueprinting

Before repairing begins, technicians perform a detailed inspection and digital blueprinting. This step identifies hidden issues like misaligned frames or electrical faults. Diagnostic scans help uncover damage caused by impact that you can’t see on the surface.

Structural and Frame Repairs

The structure is the foundation of your vehicle. During a collision, even minor impacts can bend or twist the frame. Collision repair covers straightening or sectioning the frame back to factory specifications using computerized measuring systems. This ensures your car drives safely and aligns correctly.

Body and Exterior Repairs

This part of collision repair includes replacing or repairing bumpers, doors, panels, lighting, and trim. Every panel must fit properly, not just for appearance but for safety in future accidents. Skilled technicians repair or replace components with precision so the finished result looks seamless.

Paint and Refinishing

After repairs, refinishing brings the vehicle back to its original color and shine. Using high-quality paint systems and computerized color matching, technicians apply base coats and clear coats to restore the factory finish. Paint blending ensures a perfect color transition from repaired areas to original panels.

Mechanical and Safety Systems

Sometimes a collision affects mechanical parts like suspension, steering, or cooling systems. When these issues are related to the accident, they’re covered under collision repair. A post-repair inspection confirms these systems function correctly before the vehicle is returned to you.

Advanced Diagnostics and ADAS Calibration

Modern vehicles have complex safety systems such as lane assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. After an accident, these systems often require calibration. Collision repair includes scanning and recalibrating these sensors to restore accuracy. Without calibration, your vehicle’s safety features may not perform correctly.

Final Detailing and Quality Checks

Before delivering your car, we perform a post-repair scan, test drive, and visual inspection. We document each step so you can see exactly what was repaired and verified. Quality checks confirm that the vehicle’s actual cash value is protected and the repair meets manufacturer standards.

What Collision Repair Does Not Cover

Collision repair only covers damage from an accident with another vehicle or object. It doesn’t include normal wear and tear, maintenance, or issues unrelated to the accident. Events like theft, vandalism, hail, or hitting a tree fall under comprehensive coverage, not collision coverage. Knowing the difference between collision insurance and comprehensive insurance can help you understand how your auto insurance coverage applies.

How Collision Insurance Works

Collision insurance coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement when your car is damaged in an accident. It applies whether you hit another vehicle or object or if the damage was your fault. Collision insurance coverage usually requires you to pay a deductible amount before your insurance company covers the rest of the repair cost.

For example, if your repair costs $3,000 and you have a $500 collision deductible, you pay $500, and the insurance company pays $2,500. A higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums, while a lower deductible usually means paying a higher premium. Most lenders require collision coverage if you have a car loan or lease because it protects the value of your vehicle.

What Does Collision Insurance Cover vs. Comprehensive Coverage?

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle from hitting another car, a guardrail, or an object. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, helps pay for damage caused by events like theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. If a tree falls on your car or someone steals it, that’s covered by comprehensive coverage, not collision. Both types of coverage protect your own vehicle, while liability coverage pays for property damage or medical expenses to others if you are responsible for an accident.

When purchasing collision coverage, think about your vehicle’s age, value, and whether it’s financed. Older vehicles with low value might not need full collision insurance coverage, while newer vehicles or those under a car loan should stay covered.

How Re-Lux Helps With the Collision Insurance Process

After an accident, filing a claim can feel stressful. Our team helps streamline the process by communicating directly with your insurance company. We create accurate estimates, document all covered losses, and make sure your insurance applies correctly to each repair. We also verify that your deductible amount and coverage details are clear before any work begins. This transparency helps you understand what you pay and what your insurance covers.

We often help customers navigate covered claims involving collision coverage and comprehensive coverage so that everything from the initial inspection to final billing is handled correctly. Our goal is to make your repair experience simple and stress-free.

The Importance of OEM Parts and Certified Repairs

During a covered claim, your insurance policy may include options for OEM, aftermarket, or recycled parts. Re-Lux Collision uses OEM parts whenever possible to maintain the value of your vehicle and ensure correct fit and performance. Certified parts also help preserve your warranty and ensure safety systems operate correctly after repair.

If your policy includes CAPA-certified parts, we explain what’s covered and make sure every part meets strict safety and quality standards. Using certified parts also helps maintain your car’s actual cash value over time.

How Much Does Collision Repair Cost in 2025?

Repair costs vary widely based on the type of damage, parts used, and your vehicle’s make and model. According to industry data, the average total repair cost in 2025 exceeds $4,700. This increase reflects the growing need for ADAS calibration and OEM-specific repairs.

Collision coverage helps pay for these expenses, reducing your out-of-pocket cost after you meet your deductible. Factors like your driving record, location, and the value of your vehicle influence your premiums. If you have a higher deductible, you may save money on premiums, but you’ll pay more upfront after a covered accident.

In contrast, choosing a lower deductible means paying more each month but less at the time of a claim. Every insurance policy is different, so it’s important to understand what your insurance coverage includes before you buy collision coverage.

Repair or Replace: How Insurers Decide

After an accident, your insurance company determines whether to repair or replace your vehicle based on its actual cash value. If the repair costs approach or exceed the value of your car, it may be considered a total loss. For example, if the value of your vehicle is $6,000 and repair costs reach $5,800, your insurer may choose to replace your vehicle instead of repairing it.

When that happens, you receive payment equal to the vehicle’s actual cash value minus your collision deductible. Understanding this process helps you make informed decisions about whether to repair or replace after an accident.

Additional Coverage and Considerations for Vehicle Owners

Beyond collision and comprehensive coverage, most states require liability coverage to pay for property damage and medical costs for others if you are found at fault. Depending on your insurance policy, you might also have personal injury protection or medical payments coverage to help pay for your own medical expenses.

If you have a car loan, your lender may require full auto insurance coverage including both comprehensive and collision. Some insurers offer discounts for vehicles with safety features or an anti theft device, helping lower your premiums.

When to Buy Collision Coverage

Buying collision coverage is often smart if your car is new, financed, or has significant value. Most lenders require it, but even if your car is paid off, collision insurance helps pay for damage to your own vehicle after an accident. If you drive an older car, weigh the cost of premiums against the potential payout based on the car’s actual cash value.

For example, if your older vehicle is worth $2,500 and your annual premium and deductible total nearly that amount, it might not be worth carrying collision coverage. But if your vehicle is newer or has a high value, collision insurance coverage can protect you from costly repairs or total losses.

Choosing the Right Collision Repair Shop

Selecting the right repair facility makes a major difference in safety and satisfaction. Look for a body shop with certified technicians, advanced equipment, and transparent repair processes. Re-Lux Collision meets these standards with OEM certifications, I-CAR Gold Class status, and factory-approved tools.

We understand every accident is stressful, and we’re here to help you navigate both the repair and insurance sides of the process. Whether it’s restoring an older car or repairing a newer vehicle with complex technology, we provide expert service backed by a lifetime workmanship guarantee.

The Re-Lux Collision Difference

Our approach combines craftsmanship, technology, and customer care. We handle everything from digital estimates and insurance coordination to structural repair and ADAS calibration. We treat every vehicle like our own, ensuring safety and satisfaction from start to finish.

Collision repair is about more than looks, it’s about protecting your investment, your safety, and your peace of mind. Our team takes pride in restoring vehicles to their original strength and performance, so you can get back on the road confidently.

FAQs About Collision Repair

Is collision repair covered by insurance?

Yes. Collision insurance cover applies when your car is damaged by another vehicle or object in a covered accident.

How does collision coverage help pay for repairs?

Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle after you pay your collision deductible. The insurance company covers the remaining repair cost based on your policy limits.

Can I choose my own body shop?

Yes. You can choose any certified body shop to repair or replace damaged parts after an accident.

What if my car is totaled?

If the repair cost is too high compared to the vehicle’s actual cash value, your insurer may declare a total loss and pay the actual cash value minus your deductible amount.

Does comprehensive coverage pay for the same things?

No. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for non-collision events like theft, hail, or hitting a tree, while collision covers impact damage.

What factors affect my premium?

Your driving record, deductible amount, coverage limits, and whether your car has an anti theft device all affect your premiums.

Conclusion

So, what does collision repair cover? It covers all the repair or replace work needed to restore your vehicle after a collision with another vehicle or object. From structural repairs and refinishing to calibration and insurance claim support, collision repair ensures your car is safe, reliable, and ready to drive. Collision insurance coverage helps pay for these repairs, reducing your out-of-pocket cost when accidents happen.

At Re-Lux Collision, we bring advanced technology, certified expertise, and genuine care to every repair. Whether you’re buying collision coverage for a new car or repairing an older vehicle after an accident, we’re here to make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free. Get your free estimate today and trust our team to restore your vehicle’s safety, performance, and value with precision.