The repair process begins when a detailed estimate is prepared, indicating all of the repairs needed to restore your vehicle to proper function and appearance. In some cases, this damage assessment requires removing damaged body panels or other parts. This results in the most accurate initial estimate possible. The parts listed on the estimate are then ordered. Alpine staff and your insurance company will explain whether the replacement parts are new parts ordered from the manufacturer of your vehicle, used parts ordered through an automotive recycler, or new parts manufactured by a company other than the manufacturer of your vehicle. Alpine and the insurer can explain the pros and cons of using each of these types of parts.
If you vehicle was hit hard in the collision, Alpine will use a measuring system that checks specific points of your vehicle structure against dimensions provided by the vehicle equipment manufacturer. Alpine will also need to measure your vehicle several times during the repair process to make sure it is within the recommended tolerances. In most cases, this tolerance is as strict as three millimeters - the thickness of three dimes. Some vehicles today require a tolerance no greater than one millimeter.
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