What to look over before you drive your repaired car home

A collision repair quality inspector's pickup checklist

For survivors and families3 min read

Vehicle repair and total lossVehicle inspectionAirbagsSeat beltsRepair shop

When you pick up the car, the shop should explain what it fixed and how it checked the work. Before you take the keys, request the final invoice plus any supplements. Compare them with the plan you approved. A clean outside is just one piece of a full repair. [1, 2]

Walk around the car in daylight

Check the gaps between panels, the paint, the glass, the lights, the trim and the area that took the hit. Open and close each repaired door, plus the hood and trunk. Check for loose trim, leaks or a seal sitting out of place. Mention any concern before you drive off. Then the shop can view it under the same conditions. [1]

Confirm the safety checks were done

Confirm that the shop finished any required checks. These may include diagnostic scans, structural checks, wheel alignment and calibration of cameras or sensors. Get copies of the reports that go with your repair. Some problems don’t turn on a warning light on the dashboard. An air bag or seat belt may have been involved. If so, find out what the maker required and which parts were replaced. [2]

Give the car a careful test

Before you pull into traffic, test the seat belts, mirrors, windows, locks and lights. Look for any warning messages, too. Then take a short drive somewhere safe. Notice any odd pulling, shaking, noise or braking. Watch, too, for a driver assistance feature that acts differently. [1, 2]

If the steering or brakes feel unsafe, stop and call the shop. Report less urgent problems in writing right away. Describe when each one happens. [1, 2]

Questions when you get the keys

  1. What’s different now from the original estimate?
  2. Which final checks and reports can you give me?
  3. Who do I call if a problem shows up tomorrow?

Block out time for the handover

Set aside time for a walk around in daylight and a short talk with the shop at pickup. [1]

Sources and further reading

  1. 1Federal Trade Commission, final repair order
  2. 2I-CAR, repair scans and quality checks

These checks are general education from the collision repair quality field. A quick check by the owner can’t replace professional inspection, scans or calibration. Don’t drive a vehicle that looks unsafe.

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