Accident Repair & Insurance Claim Help in Tacoma
We guide you through insurance, repairs, and next steps—start to finish.
Where are you in the process?
What happens in the next hour
Safety & Documentation
Ensure safety and take photos.
Towing Decision
You choose where your car goes.
Insurance Call
Report the claim, state facts only.
Shop Choice
Select an independent shop.
Intake & Plan
We take over from here.
What To Do After a Car Accident
Stay calm and follow these steps. We are here to help you through the process.
1. Ensure Safety
Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible. Turn on hazard lights and check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
2. Document the Scene
Take photos of all vehicle damage (yours and others), license plates, driver's licenses, insurance cards, and the overall accident scene. Rain or traffic in Tacoma can make this difficult, but do what you can safely.
3. Understand Towing Rights
You have the right to choose where your car is towed. Instruct the tow company to take your vehicle to Precision Auto Body, not a random yard or an insurer's preferred shop.
4. Contact Your Insurer
Report the accident. State the facts clearly, but do not admit fault. Simply say, 'I've chosen Precision Auto Body for my repairs.' and provide our contact information.
5. Get to a Qualified Shop
Bring your vehicle to us. We act as your advocate, perform a complete inspection, and handle the rest of the claim process to ensure a safe and proper repair.
Understanding Insurance After an Accident
After an accident, your first instinct is to call your insurer. While you must report the claim, remember: their recommended shops often prioritize cost-savings. We work for YOU, not the insurer.
- You Have the Right to Choose: Washington State law protects your right to select your own repair shop. You do not have to use your insurer's "recommended" or "DRP" shop.
- Incomplete Initial Estimates: Photo-based estimates from an app are often intentionally low and miss hidden damage.
- Supplements are Normal: We perform a full teardown to find all hidden damage and submit a "supplement" to the insurer to cover the full, proper repair based on OEM procedures.
What Insurers Don’t Explain
An initial photo estimate is incomplete and not a final offer.
A physical teardown is required to find all hidden damage.
Supplemental claims for hidden damage are normal and necessary.
The final repair timeline is only confirmed after teardown.
If Your Car Isn’t Drivable
If your car requires a tow, remember you have the right to direct the tow truck driver to the repair shop of your choice. Tell them to take it to Precision Auto Body. If it's already at a tow yard, call us and we can help coordinate getting it to our secure facility.
What to bring: If possible, have your insurance claim number, photos, and contact information ready when you call.
Our Accident Repair Process
We follow a rigorous, OEM-aware process to ensure your vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition in safety, appearance, and function.
Intake & Initial Inspection
We conduct a thorough visual inspection, document the damage, and gather all necessary information from you and your insurance provider.
What to Expect: 1-2 Business Days
Full Teardown & Hidden Damage Discovery
We carefully disassemble the damaged areas to uncover any hidden structural or electronic damage that initial photo estimates always miss.
What to Expect: 2-5 Business Days
Documentation & Insurer Coordination
We submit a complete and accurate repair plan, including all necessary supplements, to your insurer with detailed documentation and OEM procedures.
What to Expect: 3-10+ Business Days
OEM-Aware Repairs & Required Procedures
Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians perform structural, body, and systems repairs using manufacturer-specified equipment and procedures.
What to Expect: 1 Business Day
Refinish & Materials Controls
We use computerized color-matching for a flawless finish. The vehicle then undergoes a multi-point quality control check to verify fit, finish, and function.
What to Expect: Ready for Pickup
Quality Control & Final Delivery
We conduct a final road test and inspection with you, explain the repairs, and hand you the keys with a lifetime workmanship warranty.
What to Expect: Ready for Pickup
Is Precision a Fit for Your Repair?
We Are a Great Fit For
Accident & insurance repairs
Safety-critical repairs
Customers who want a guided process
We Are Not a Fit For
Cosmetic-only bargain shopping
"Cheapest quote" intent
Quick touch-up-only requests
Serving Tacoma Drivers After Accidents
Our shop on South Tacoma Way is the go-to accident repair center for commuters on I-5 and Highway 16, and for residents across Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, Spanaway, Fircrest, and University Place. We understand local conditions and are here to serve our community.
Accident Repair FAQs
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We’ll walk you through the process.