Collision Repair 101 for Laredo Drivers – From Tow To Keys Back In Your Hand

Collision Repair 101 for Laredo Drivers

If you have just been in a wreck in Laredo, it can feel like your whole day, week, and budget are spinning. On top of the stress, you now have decisions to make about towing, insurance, and where to take the vehicle.

This guide walks you through what collision repair looks like at A1 Collision Super Center, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect from the moment of impact to the moment you pick up your keys.

A1 is an I-CAR Gold Class facility, which places the shop in the top slice of collision centers nationwide for training and repair standards. Only a small percentage of body shops carry that level of certification.

With two locations on E. Saunders and Amistad at McPherson, onsite rentals, towing at insurance rates, and a repair process built around integrity and safety, the goal is simple: get you back in the driver’s seat with confidence

What to do right after a collision in Laredo

Before you even think about repair, there are a few important steps to take at the scene:

  • Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Safety comes first, always.

  • Move vehicles to a safe spot if they are driveable and it is safe to do so.

  • Exchange information with the other driver and take photos of all vehicles, the road, and any visible damage.

  • Notify your insurance company and write down your claim number if one is assigned.

  • Decide where the vehicle will go for repairs. In Texas, you have the right to choose your own repair shop, even if your insurance suggests a different location.

At this point you can contact A1 Collision Super Center and the team will help you coordinate towing or advise you on whether the vehicle is safe to drive in.

Step 1 – Getting your vehicle safely to A1 Collision Super Center

You can start the process one of three ways:

If the vehicle cannot be driven, the team can help coordinate towing at insurance rates so the car or truck comes straight to one of the A1 facilities instead of being dropped at a random storage lot.

When you arrive or when the vehicle is delivered:

  • A collision advisor checks you in.

  • You share your insurance information and claim number if you have already called your carrier.

  • You can ask about onsite rentals, ride options, and expected timelines.

Step 2 – Your estimate and damage inspection

Next comes the estimate. This is more than just walking around the car and guessing.

At A1 Collision Super Center the team:

  • Performs a visual inspection of all visible damage.

  • Takes detailed photos for your file and the insurance carrier.

  • Notes safety items that may require a deeper structural or mechanical check, especially on modern vehicles where a lot of damage hides behind plastic bumpers.

Once the visible damage is documented, a written estimate is prepared. In many cases the initial estimate is based on what can be seen before panels are removed. It is common for additional damage to be found later in the process. That is where “supplements” come in, which we will get to shortly.

You will review the estimate with your advisor so you understand:

  • What is being repaired or replaced

  • Which parts are being used

  • Rough timing based on parts availability and insurance approval

You can sign authorizations in person or digitally online, which helps move things forward quickly if your schedule is tight.

Step 3 – Insurance claim and repair approvals

If you have already opened a claim, A1 works directly with your insurance company to:

  • Submit the estimate and photos

  • Answer questions from the adjuster

  • Arrange any needed inspections at the shop

A1 has Direct Repair and Preferred Shop status with many major insurance companies, which means the carriers trust the shop’s process and documentation. That typically leads to smoother communication and quicker authorizations for you.

If additional hidden damage is found once panels are removed, A1 writes a supplement and sends it to the carrier for approval. This is normal. Modern vehicles are designed to absorb impact and hide a lot of the energy away from the cabin, so what you see on the outside is often only part of the story

You remain in control throughout this step. It is always your choice which shop repairs your vehicle, no matter which names are suggested by the insurer.

Step 4 – Parts ordering and repair planning

Once repair work is approved and you have given the green light, the parts team orders what is needed. That can include:

  • OEM or approved replacement body panels

  • Headlights, bumpers, grilles, and trim pieces

  • Structural components and brackets

  • Any needed mechanical or suspension parts

Because A1 uses advanced factory approved welding and repair systems, including a Pro Spot welding system approved by major automakers like GM, Ford, Toyota, BMW, and Volvo, the team can plan repairs that restore both appearance and safety.

At this stage your vehicle is assigned to a technician or team, and the repair plan is laid out in clear steps so the work flows smoothly once parts arrive.

Step 5 – Structural, mechanical, and safety system repairs

Now the real transformation begins.

Depending on the kind of damage, this stage can include:

  • Structural and frame repairs using computerized measuring systems and manufacturer procedures

  • Suspension and alignment work so the vehicle tracks straight and tires wear correctly

  • Mechanical repairs if the engine bay, cooling system, or drivetrain were affected in the impact

  • Safety system checks such as sensors, airbags, and camera calibration, which are critical on newer vehicles

Being an I-CAR Gold Class facility means technicians are trained on the latest repair methods and vehicle technologies, so the work is not just about making the car look right but helping it perform the way the manufacturer intended.

Step 6 – Paint, refinishing, and reassembly

Once the structure and mechanical items are addressed, the vehicle moves into the body and paint stages.

This usually includes:

  • Straightening and shaping body panels

  • Applying fillers only where appropriate so surfaces are smooth

  • Priming, sealing, and applying base coat and clear coat

  • Blending adjacent panels when needed so the color match is seamless

After paint cures, technicians reassemble trim, lights, glass, and interior components that were removed earlier in the process. Care here matters. Clean reassembly and wiring connections help avoid rattles, leaks, and electrical issues down the road.

Step 7 – Quality checks, detailing, and delivery

Before you get the keys, the team runs through a quality checklist that may include:

  • Road tests to confirm handling and alignment

  • Visual checks for panel gaps and paint finish

  • Verification that safety systems and warning lights operate correctly

  • Interior and exterior cleanup so the vehicle is returned in a presentable condition

Only after these checks are complete does your advisor contact you to schedule delivery.

When you arrive:

  • You walk around the vehicle together to review the work.

  • Any questions about the repair are answered on the spot.

  • Warranty coverage is explained so you understand how A1 stands behind the job.

The leadership at A1, including president Nephtali Garibay, is closely involved in the repair process and emphasizes respect, kindness, integrity, and safety in every job. Read more about A-1 in our About Us.

Common questions from Laredo drivers

How long will my collision repair take?

Timing depends on parts availability, the level of damage, and how quickly the insurance company approves the estimate and any supplements. Light cosmetic repairs can be completed relatively quickly. Heavier structural work and special order parts will extend the timeline. Your advisor will give you regular updates as the vehicle moves through each stage.

Can I choose which collision center repairs my car?

Yes. In Texas you have the right to choose your repair shop, even if your insurance company suggests a preferred location. Many insurers partner with A1 because of the shop’s track record, but the decision is always yours.

Will my paint match the rest of the vehicle?

Color matching and proper blending are key parts of the process. A1 uses advanced refinishing systems and blends adjacent panels as needed so repaired sections match the rest of your vehicle under Laredo sunlight.

What kind of warranty do I receive?

A1 Collision Super Center provides warranty coverage on its collision repairs. Your advisor will explain exactly what is covered for paint, parts, and labor when you pick up your vehicle so you know how the shop stands behind the work.

Do you offer rentals or help with transportation?

Yes. A1 is a full collision and automotive service company with access to onsite rentals and towing services at insurance rates, which helps keep you mobile while your car is in the shop.

Ready to start your repair in Laredo?

If you have recently been in an accident on Saunders, McPherson, I-35, or anywhere in South Texas, you do not have to figure out the process on your own. Collision repair is what A1 Collision Super Center does every day, and the team is ready to guide you from the first phone call until you turn the key.

You can:

Drop off. Relax. Pick up. A1 Collision Super Center will take it from here.

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