Our Collision Repair Process

Our Repair Process
We make collision repair simple, seamless, and stress-free.

After an accident, you need a team that can guide you through every stage with clarity and confidence. At Craig’s Collision Center, our collision repair process is built to remove uncertainty, keep you informed, and restore your vehicle with precision. From the first inspection to the final handoff, our car accident repair process is designed to protect your time, your safety, and your peace of mind.

We make collision repair simple, seamless, and stress-free.
Restoring your vehicle’s safety, performance, and aesthetics since 1979.

About Craig’s Collision Center

How Our Repair Process Works

For more than four decades, Craig’s Collision Center has helped Philadelphia drivers move forward after everything from minor body damage to major collision repairs. We combine advanced repair technology, certified expertise, and clear communication so you always know what is happening with your vehicle and what comes next.

As a family-run body shop serving Philadelphia since 1979, we believe repair should feel straightforward, not overwhelming. That means helping with towing, working directly with insurance carriers, assisting with rental needs, and making sure every repair is completed with precision and care.

Our goal is simple: restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition while making the experience easier on you. When you bring your vehicle to Craig’s Collision Center, you get a team that treats your safety, time, and peace of mind like priorities from day one.

I-CAR Gold Class Certified Repair

As an I-CAR Gold Class collision repair shop, we meet a widely recognized benchmark for ongoing training, repair knowledge, and commitment to proper repair procedures. That means your vehicle is repaired by a team that stays current with evolving vehicle technology, structural repair methods, and best practices designed to support safe, complete, and factory-correct results.

For you, that translates to more confidence throughout the collision repair process. From damage analysis and structural repairs to refinishing and final quality control, our training helps ensure every step of the car accident repair process is handled with precision and care.

Our Car Accident Repair Process

A step-by-step guide to your vehicle’s repair journey

At Craig’s Collision Center, our auto body repair process is designed with your convenience in mind. From the moment you check your vehicle in to delivery day, we prioritize communication, transparency, and efficiency. Here’s how we restore your vehicle to perfection.

1. Check-In

Your repair journey starts with a simple, friendly check-in. We take time to discuss what happened, review the visible damage, gather the information we need, and answer your questions so you feel informed from day one. We also walk you through the next steps, including what to expect with scheduling, approvals, and communication. Bringing your insurance information with you can help us move the process along even faster.

Technician handing keys to smiling customer in front of red sedan - our repair process - craigs collision

Craig’s Collision Center Check In

Getting started is easy. You’ll check in with our friendly Craig’s Collision Center team to discuss your vehicle’s repair needs. We’ll record the details, answer any questions, and provide an overview of the next steps in the auto body repair.

Keep up-to-date information about your insurance provider on hand—it will help us streamline the claims process even further.

Technician handing keys to smiling customer in front of red sedan - our repair process - craigs collision
Technician inspecting damage on silver sedan after being dropped off - our repair process - craigs collision

2. Vehicle Damage Inspection

Once your vehicle is checked in, we perform a detailed damage inspection. This includes documenting visible damage and identifying hidden issues that may not be obvious at first glance. Our technicians assess the condition of the body, structure, and related systems so we can build a thorough repair plan. This step helps ensure your repair is complete, accurate, and based on the full extent of the damage.

Technician inspecting damage on silver sedan after being dropped off - our repair process - craigs collision

Vehicle Damage Inspection

Next, we’ll assess the extent of damage to your vehicle. Our technicians will document all issues, including those you might not immediately see.

Through advanced diagnostics, we’ll deliver a repair plan tailored to your vehicle’s needs.

3. Pre-Scanning

Modern vehicles rely on complex electronics and safety technology, so we begin with a full pre-scan using advanced diagnostic equipment. This helps us detect faults that may impact systems like ADAS, sensors, and onboard electronics. Pre-scanning gives us a more complete picture of your vehicle’s condition before physical repairs begin. It also allows us to plan repairs with greater precision and protect the safety features you rely on every day.

Technician conducting pre-scan on vehicle before repair - our repair process - craigs collision

Pre-Scanning

Before repairs begin, we pre-scan your vehicle using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. This ensures we understand any underlying issues that may affect advanced systems like ADAS.

Pre-scanning allows us to plan effectively and address all required repairs thoroughly.

Technician conducting pre-scan on vehicle before repair - our repair process - craigs collision
Technician waiting on approval for repair in front of grey camaro - our repair process - craigs collision

 4. Insurance Approvals

We work directly with insurance carriers to help move approvals forward as efficiently as possible. Because we handle insurance auto body repair every day, we know how to communicate the necessary details clearly and professionally. That experience helps reduce delays and makes the car accident repair process easier on you. Throughout this stage, we keep you updated so you always know where things stand.

Technician waiting on approval for repair in front of grey camaro - our repair process - craigs collision

Waiting on Approvals

We work with your insurance company to get repair approvals quickly. Our experience dealing with insurers means less waiting time for you.

During this stage, we remain in contact with you to keep the process transparent and stress-free.

5. Parts Ordering and Scheduling

Once the repair plan is approved, we source the parts needed for your vehicle. We use quality components that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications so the repair supports long-term safety, performance, and appearance. While parts are on the way, we coordinate the workflow to keep the job moving efficiently. Our strong supplier relationships also help us secure parts as quickly as possible when timing matters.

technician on table waiting on parts - our repair process - craigs collision

Waiting on Parts

We source genuine parts that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications. While waiting for parts to arrive, our team ensures all necessary prep work is completed so the repair process remains efficient.

For urgent repairs, we leverage partnerships that expedite part delivery to keep your vehicle on schedule.

technician on table waiting on parts - our repair process - craigs collision
Technician performing welding repairs on vehicle - our repair process - craigs collision

6. Collision Repairs

This is where the core repair work begins. Our certified technicians repair structural damage, body damage, and alignment issues using proven methods and advanced equipment. Every repair is completed with safety, precision, and factory-correct standards in mind. We never rush through the critical stages because your vehicle needs to be repaired the right way, not just the fast way.

Technician performing welding repairs on vehicle - our repair process - craigs collision

Collision Repairs

Our ASE- and I-CAR-certified technicians bring advanced skills and techniques to every repair. From structural damage to subtle alignments, each step prioritizes safety, quality, and precision.

We don’t cut corners—your vehicle’s performance and structural integrity are restored to factory standards.

7. Auto Paint Repairs

After body repairs are complete, we move into refinishing. Our paint team uses advanced color-matching technology to recreate your vehicle’s original finish with seamless accuracy. Whether the repair involves a smaller area or full-panel refinishing, we focus on durability, consistency, and a clean final appearance. The result is a finish that looks right, lasts well, and protects your vehicle for the road ahead.

Technician in paint booth painting blue sedan - our repair process - craigs collision

Auto Paint Repairs

Our paint technicians specialize in perfect color matching using advanced technology. Whether it’s touch-ups, paint correction, or full refinishing, we ensure flawless results.

Our process retains your vehicle’s original appearance while adding a durable, protective finish.

Technician in paint booth painting blue sedan - our repair process - craigs collision
Technician inspecting lexus suv after reassembly - our repair process - craigs collision

8. Vehicle Reassembly

With structural and cosmetic repairs complete, we carefully reassemble your vehicle. This includes reinstalling components properly, reconnecting systems, and ensuring every part is returned to factory configuration. Reassembly is a detail-driven stage that demands accuracy and patience. We treat it with the same level of care as every other part of the process because proper fit, finish, and functionality matter.

Technician inspecting lexus suv after reassembly - our repair process - craigs collision

Vehicle Reassembly

With repairs complete, we carefully reassemble your vehicle to its factory configuration. This includes reintegrating advanced systems like ADAS for optimal functionality.

Attention to detail is key during reassembly to ensure your vehicle meets manufacturer specifications.

9. Post-Scanning & ADAS Calibration

After reassembly, we perform a complete post-scan to confirm that all systems are functioning correctly. If your vehicle includes advanced driver-assistance systems, we complete the necessary ADAS calibration so those safety features operate as intended. This step is essential for vehicles equipped with features like lane departure warnings, collision alerts, and other sensor-based technologies. It helps ensure your vehicle leaves our shop safe, reliable, and road-ready.

Technicians-performing-post-scan-on-cadillac-sedan-our-repair-Craigs-Collision

Post-Scanning & ADAS Calibration

Following repairs, we perform a full system scan and recalibrate any advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This guarantees your vehicle operates safely and reliably.

Post-scanning ensures all electrical and mechanical systems are restored to their correct settings.

Technicians-performing-post-scan-on-cadillac-sedan-our-repair-Craigs-Collision
auto detailing services - craigs collision

10. Detailing

Before we return your vehicle, we give it the finishing attention it deserves. Our team cleans, polishes, and details the repaired areas so your vehicle looks as good as it drives. This stage helps bring out the quality of the repair and leaves a strong final impression. We believe a professional repair should feel complete in every way, right down to the last detail.

auto detailing services - craigs collision

Detailing

Your vehicle undergoes cleaning and detailing to look as good as it drives. We polish, buff, and clean all surfaces to restore its showroom quality.

We believe every repair deserves a finishing touch that reflects our high standards.

11. Final Quality Checks

Before delivery, we perform a final round of quality control checks. We inspect the repairs, verify system performance, review fit and finish, and confirm that the work meets our standards. Nothing is overlooked because even small details can make a big difference in the final result. This is one more way we protect the consistency and quality of our collision repair process.

final quality check of vehicle after repair - our repair process - cragis collision

Final Quality Checks

Before returning your vehicle, we perform final quality checks to ensure perfection. From safety systems to visual inspections, no detail is overlooked.

You’ll receive your vehicle in pristine condition, backed by our satisfaction guarantee.

final quality check of vehicle after repair - our repair process - cragis collision
delivery of repaired vehicle with technician and customer standing in front of vehicle - our repair process - craigs collision

12. Delivery

When your repairs are complete, your vehicle is ready for pickup or delivery. We review the work performed, answer any remaining questions, and make sure you feel confident before you leave. You will never be handed the keys without a clear explanation of the repairs and what was done to restore your vehicle. Our goal is simple: to send you back on the road with confidence and peace of mind.

delivery of repaired vehicle with technician and customer standing in front of vehicle - our repair process - craigs collision

Delivery

Once repairs are complete, your vehicle is ready for pick-up or delivery. We explain all repairs performed and ensure you’re 100% confident in the results.

Drive away with peace of mind and enjoy the warranty that comes with all our repairs.

Backed By a Lifetime Warranty

A repair should not only look great when you pick up your vehicle. It should hold up over time. That is why we stand behind our workmanship with a lifetime warranty for as long as you own the vehicle, giving you added confidence in the quality of the repair and the care that went into it.

When you choose Craig’s Collision Center, you are choosing a body shop that believes in doing the job right the first time. Our lifetime warranty reflects our commitment to lasting results, dependable workmanship, and customer peace of mind long after the repair is complete.

Family Owned & Operated, Certified Repairs Serving Philadelphia Since 1979

Why Choose Craig’s Collision Center?

From certified technicians to cutting-edge technology, our shop combines decades of experience with a customer-first approach. We simplify repairs while restoring your vehicle to pre-accident condition.

With a reputation rooted in trust and craftsmanship, choosing Craig’s Collision Center means high-quality repairs every time.

Philadelphia’s Best Rated Body Shop Since 1979

For generations, we’ve provided expert repairs for Philadelphia’s drivers. Family-owned and operated, we built our reputation on customer satisfaction and reliable service.

Our values—quality, trust, and professionalism—drive our commitment to excellence.

Before and After Collision Repair

Great collision repair is about more than fixing damage. It is about restoring confidence in your vehicle. Our before and after repair examples show the level of care, detail, and craftsmanship that goes into every job, from smaller cosmetic damage to major collision restoration.

Range Rover BeforeRange Rover After
Lexus Repair BeforeLexus After
Honda BeforeHonda After
Chevrolet BeforeChevrolet After

Contact Us Today For a Free Repair Estimate

After an accident, you deserve a repair experience that feels clear, supportive, and professional from beginning to end. At Craig’s Collision Center, we make the collision repair process easier with certified repairs, factory-correct methods, and customer care that keeps you informed every step of the way. Contact Craig’s Collision Center today for a free repair estimate and let us help you get back on the road with confidence.

Craigs Collision Center Philadelphia
CRAIG’S COLLISION CENTER

4925 Van Kirk Street
Philadelphia, PA 19135

(215)-289-0455

Mon – Fri 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat – Sun Closed 

Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sat-Sun: Closed

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    From Our Customers

    My car hydro planned on the highway and from the tow truck guy, ladies in the office, and the gentleman that worked on my car they did a great job. They gave genuine advice and updates on my car status. They also addressed the minor problems the next day after testing it out for a day. My car looks brand new and drives great like the accident never happened. I definitely will be back and recommend to family/friends. They also did a great detail job and had the interior smelling like a new car.

    Ariana P
    Craig’s is the best of the best. Their customer service is unmatched.They handle every aspect of the repair/claim process. Additionally, they provide a detailed description of the work performed. The quality of their work is superior to other body shops I have used . My car had serious body damage, when I got it back, it was like the accident didn’t happen. I’ll always use Craig’s!
    Matt E
    Craig’s Collision provided excellent service after I was in an accident. Dan in particular was incredibly knowledgeable and understanding, making the whole process smooth and stress free. I felt confident my car was in good hands and it was.
    Eamon D
    Great communication each step of the way during the repair process. Friendly customer service. Quality work. Honest and reliable
    Meredith M
    It all started with the tow truck driver, Brendan helped me get in right away. The collision center was great, they did all the repairs the first time right. It was done like it was new. The office staff was there for any questions or problems I ran into. I will bring any of my vehicles here for now on.
    Joseph W