What happens when additional damage is found during collision repair? | Body Shop Federal Way, WA

Hey folks! This is Mike and Tom from Pacific One Collision and Restoration.

Welcome to another Q&A session where I answer questions from you all on the internet.

Today's question is:

"What happens when additional damage is found during collision repair? | Body Shop Federal Way, WA"

Answer:

When an insurance company writes an initial estimate, they are only accounting for damage that can be seen visually. Once the vehicle is brought into the shop, we begin the teardown process, which often reveals hidden damage behind bumpers, fenders, or internal structural areas. Things like crushed aprons or damaged components aren’t always visible until parts are removed.

When we find additional damage, we document it and submit what’s called a supplement to the insurance company. Sometimes there can be more than one supplement if additional damage is discovered later in the process. We always try to identify as much damage as possible early on, but in some cases two or three supplements are necessary. Generally, insurance companies approve these supplements because the damage was clearly caused by the accident and wasn’t present beforehand.

Summary:

Hidden damage discovered during teardown is documented and submitted to insurance as supplements. These additional repairs are usually approved because they are accident-related.