Contact Us
TSAWWASSEN COLLISION
17-1835 56th Street
Tsawwassen, BC, V4L 2L8
HOURS OF OPERATIONS
Monday to Friday
8:00am to 5:30pm
Collision Repair Questions? We Have Answers
Have questions about collision repair? Explore our FAQs to learn more about auto body repairs, insurance claims, vehicle safety, and what to expect during the repair process at Tsawwassen Collision.
After An Accident FAQ’s
1. I have had an accident and my car is not drivable. What should I do?
If your vehicle is not safe to drive, arrange for it to be towed to a reputable collision repair facility. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and document the damage with photos if you can do so safely.
2. Is the car safe to drive before it has been repaired after an accident?
That depends on the severity and location of the damage. Even if the vehicle appears drivable, hidden structural, suspension, steering, or sensor damage could make it unsafe. A professional inspection is recommended.
Insurance and Choosing A Repair Facility FAQ’s
1. Can I choose my own collision repair shop in British Columbia?
In most situations, yes. Vehicle owners generally have the right to select the repair facility they trust.
2. Does ICBC require me to use a specific body shop?
ICBC may provide recommendations, but vehicle owners generally have the ability to choose where their repairs are completed.
3. What questions should I ask before authorizing collision repairs?
Ask about repair procedures, parts options, expected timelines, calibration requirements, warranty coverage, and communication throughout the repair process.
Parts and Repair Costs FAQ’s
1. Should I be concerned about used parts being used in the repair of my vehicle?
Not necessarily. The suitability of a used part depends on the type of component and its condition. A clean bolt on part from a comparable vehicle may be appropriate in some circumstances, while weld on components or certain electrical parts may require different considerations.
2. What are aftermarket parts?
Aftermarket parts are replacement parts manufactured by a company other than the original vehicle manufacturer. Their quality can vary. Some may be suitable for collision repairs, while others may not be appropriate for every repair situation.
3. How can I save money if I am paying for the repair myself?
Discuss repair options with the collision repair facility before work begins. Depending on the vehicle and damage, recycled or aftermarket parts may be appropriate in some situations and can potentially help reduce repair costs.
4. Why do replacement parts sometimes take longer to arrive?
Manufacturer availability, transportation delays, supply chain issues, and vehicle age can all affect parts delivery times.
Buying and Owning A Repaired Vehicle FAQ’s
1. Should I buy a car that has been in an accident?
A vehicle that has been properly repaired can still be a good purchase. Review the vehicle history, inspect the quality of the repairs, and consider having the vehicle evaluated by a trusted professional before making a decision.
2. Can collision damage affect resale value?
A collision history may affect resale value, although professional repairs performed to manufacturer standards can help preserve vehicle condition and marketability.
Electric Vehicle Collision Repair FAQ’s
1. Are electric vehicles more complex to repair after a collision?
Electric vehicles can require different repair considerations because they contain high voltage battery systems, specialized electrical components, and advanced safety features. Appropriate training, equipment, and safety procedures are important when repairing these vehicles.
2. Can a collision damage an EV battery?
Yes. Even when the battery appears undamaged externally, a collision can affect battery components, mounting structures, cooling systems, or internal cells that require inspection.
3. Is it safe to drive an electric vehicle after an accident?
Not always. Damage to the battery system may not be immediately visible, so a qualified inspection is recommended before continuing to operate the vehicle.
4. How are electric vehicle batteries inspected after a collision?
Manufacturer procedures may include visual inspections, diagnostic testing, battery health evaluations, and structural assessments of battery mounting systems.
General FAQ’s
(Click on questions for the answers)
Do you work with other insurance companies?
We work well with all insurance companies. Their rate and terms are very similar to ICBC and we work to these with no challenges. We provide the same full warranties on all our work.
Do you provide loaner cars or pickup service?
We do. We have 12 of our own cars and also work with Enterprise rentals when needed. In most cases these cars are provided at no cost but your insurance coverage does play a role. Under current Covid conditions we cannot offer rides home or customer pickup, but we do have protocols that allow us to pick up or deliver your vehicle.
What if you find additional damage during the repair process?
If it is an insurance claim and the damage is consistent with the impact or claim we work with the insurance company under well understood guidelines and the additional damage is covered. If it is a private repair we will make every effort to anticipate ahead of time what is needed, but hidden damage can add to the cost of the claim. We will explain the potential for additional damage carefully before you commit to the repair.
What are the first steps to providing an accurate and safe repair?
The first step is background research on the specific vehicle we will be repairing. With the complexity of the structure and of the electronics on today’s vehicles we cannot write a repair plan or start a repair without knowing the very specific details of that individual car.
How do I know if my vehicle has been safely repaired and is ready for its next accident?
Unfortunately there is no easy way for you to know this. An incorrect repair will in many cases look exactly the same on the surface as a proper repair. You have to go with your initial impressions of the repair facility and ask a few questions ahead of time.
How are aluminum repairs different from steel repairs?
Different is the correct word. Aluminum repairs are not more difficult than steel but the techniques used are different. See our Certified Aluminum Repairs page for more details.
In Canada are there government standards for collision repair?
It comes as a surprise to most people that there are no standards or licensing enforced at the federal level. There is a limited amount of regulation in some provinces but in BC there is none.
How has the complexity of even the most basic car changed in the past 5 years?
In a word, enormously. What was seen in $100,000 cars five years ago is now common in $25,000 mass market cars. Repair methods from 10 years ago, and many from even 5 years ago are hopelessly outdated now.