RestartCOLLISION

Explore services.

Collision & body repair.

Damage can involve the outer panel, its fittings and the parts behind it. Photos help start the discussion; an inspection may be needed to confirm the work.

Start an online estimate

Photo review is preliminary. An inspection may be needed for a final repair price.

Illustrative concept of a silver outer panel beside a graphite support, illustrating surface and underlying parts
Conceptual illustration — not a customer repair.

Separate the visible and hidden work.

Collision repair brings together the work your vehicle actually needs. The scope depends on the impact, the affected parts and what the assessment finds.

Body and panel damage

Dents, torn bumper covers and panels that no longer line up need different repair decisions. Start by identifying the affected areas, then discuss whether repair or replacement is appropriate.

Illustrative gray vehicle side showing a rear-door dent below an intact handle
Impact context study. Illustrative, not customer work.

What sits behind the panel

A photo cannot show every mounting point or component behind the surface. Damage that becomes visible during inspection or disassembly can change the proposed work.

Conceptual close view of adjoining silver panel edges and their dark seam
Panel relationship study. Not a diagnostic image.

Paint and refinishing

Repairing the shape is only part of the job. Ask which surfaces need preparation, refinishing or blending, and how that work appears in the estimate.

Conceptual red automotive finish with a long reflected highlight
Finish study. Illustrative, not completed customer work.

Photos start the conversation.

Our online form accepts your vehicle details and original damage photos for a private team review. It starts a conversation about scope; it does not book a visit, authorize work, prove the vehicle is safe to drive or set a final price.

Photos can show

  • The visible affected panels and surrounding areas
  • Changes in shape and finish at the surface
  • Gaps or changes you have noticed since the impact
  • Where each close-up sits on the vehicle

Inspection may resolve

  • Damage hidden behind exterior panels
  • How affected components fit and function
  • Vehicle-specific repair requirements
  • The final scope, parts and repair price

Give the damage context.

Only take photos where it is safe. Use clear light, show the affected side, then move closer to each damaged area.

Start an online estimate
Wide illustrative view showing the rear-door dent and its surrounding panels

Show the area.

Include surrounding panels so the affected area is easy to locate.

Matching closer crop of the same illustrative rear-door dent with its intact handle

Show the detail.

Add close views of visible damage and changes in fit.

Include your vehicle’s year, make and model, changes you have noticed since the impact, and an existing estimate or claim number if available.

Illustrative framing examples from the same image, not customer work.

Send original files for private manual review. Photo privacy

From assessment to handoff.

  1. Share what happened

    Tell us about the impact, the damage you can see and any concerns. Submit photos online or prepare your questions for an inspection confirmed by the team.

  2. Discuss the assessment

    Review the proposed work and anything that needs further inspection. Ask about parts, expected timing and how newly discovered damage will be communicated.

  3. Review before authorizing

    Understand the repair scope before approving it. If a claim is involved, confirm coverage and your deductible with your insurer; an estimate is not a coverage decision.

  4. Go through the handoff

    Ask what work was completed and whether any follow-up is needed. Keep the final repair documents with your vehicle records.

Before you decide.

Are auto body repair and collision repair different services?

The terms overlap. Auto body repair describes work on the vehicle’s body, while collision repair can include several kinds of damage from one impact. We assess the affected areas together rather than asking you to diagnose which service to book.

Why might the estimate change after disassembly?

Exterior photos and an initial inspection can leave some damage out of view. Once affected parts are removed, additional damage may become visible. Ask what changed, why the added work is needed and how any revised scope will be approved.

What affects how long collision repair takes?

The extent of damage, parts availability, shop scheduling and any required claim review can affect timing. Ask for the expected schedule after assessment and how you will hear about changes. We do not promise a fixed turnaround from photos alone.

What should I check when collecting my vehicle?

Go through the repair documents with the team, review the repaired areas together and ask about care instructions or follow-up. Raise any concerns about the completed work before leaving.

Check the request before you send it.

The area view locates the affected panels; the closer view shows the visible detail. Here, those same two illustrative photos are included in an example request. The online review step lets you check your details and chosen photos before sending.

Illustrative area view of a rear-door dent with adjoining panels in view.
Area view
Matching closer crop of the same illustrative rear-door damage.
Closer detail
Example review for rear-door damage with two selected photos—the area view and matching closer detail—and edit controls.
The same area and detail illustrations shown above, selected in Restart Collision’s online review step. Example vehicle details, not a customer repair. This is a static screenshot; no request was sent.

Add 1–8 original damage photos. Keep people and personal documents out of the frame. Original files can contain camera metadata, including location.

Firebase records and photos are scheduled to leave active use after 90 days, with a further seven days for recovery. Cleanup timing varies. Copies sent to the private Telegram channel and downloaded files follow separate deletion arrangements.

Read the full photo privacy notice
Start an estimate

This starts a preliminary inquiry. It does not confirm repair scope, final price, vehicle acceptance or an appointment.

North Hollywood, CA is our provisional area context. No visit destination is published. Contact and inspection details are confirmed during manual review; an online request does not reserve an appointment.

Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific · Saturday & Sunday closed