SUMMARY
- Collision repair documentation creates a record of what was damaged, what repairs were planned, what additional damage was discovered, what parts were used, and what procedures were completed.
- Important documents can include the initial estimate, repair plan, photographs, supplements, parts invoices, OEM repair information, diagnostic scan reports, alignment records, calibration reports, final invoice, and warranty.
- The first insurance estimate is not always the final repair plan. Hidden damage may be discovered after damaged parts are removed.
- A supplement documents additional accident-related repairs or costs identified after the original estimate and can be submitted to the insurer for review.
- Missouri’s Department of Commerce and Insurance advises drivers to keep track of claim dates and conversations and ask which documents are needed to support the claim.
- Documentation can help explain why a repair operation is necessary when the insurer’s estimate differs from the repair facility’s assessment.
- Diagnostic and ADAS records have become increasingly important because many collision-related problems cannot be identified from exterior damage alone.
- I-CAR identifies pre-repair scanning as part of the damage-analysis and blueprinting process and post-repair scanning as part of quality control.
- Keeping repair records can also be valuable later if there is a warranty question, another accident, a repair concern, or a future vehicle sale.
- Mr. Dent Collision Repair provides professional collision and auto body repair at 2116 N 20th St, Ozark, MO 65721, United States.
Why Does Collision Repair Documentation Matter?
After an accident, it is easy to think of an insurance claim as a simple process:
- The vehicle is damaged.
- Someone writes an estimate.
- The insurance company approves it.
- The body shop repairs the vehicle.
Modern collision repair is often more complicated.
The first estimate may be written before the vehicle has been completely disassembled.
A bumper that appears scratched from the outside may hide damage to:
- Reinforcement
- Absorber
- Brackets
- Wiring
- Sensors
A front-end collision might also affect:
- Cooling components
- Headlamp mounting points
- Suspension
- Driver-assistance technology
As additional damage is identified, the repair plan can change.
That is why documentation matters.
A well-documented collision repair creates a record connecting the accident damage to the procedures, parts, and costs necessary to repair the vehicle.
For insurance claims, that record can help everyone understand why the repair changed and what work was actually completed.
What Documents Are Important During a Collision Repair Claim?
Depending on the vehicle and damage, the repair file may contain:
- Initial insurance estimate
- Repair facility estimate
- Damage photographs
- Disassembly photographs
- Repair plan or blueprint
- Supplemental estimates
- Parts invoices
- OEM repair procedures
- Diagnostic scan reports
- Structural measurements
- Wheel alignment records
- ADAS calibration reports
- Sublet invoices
- Final repair invoice
- Warranty information
Not every repair requires every document.
A minor cosmetic repair may have a relatively simple file.
A significant collision involving structure, electronics, and ADAS may require considerably more documentation.
Why Should You Keep the Original Estimate?
The original estimate establishes an early record of the visible damage and anticipated repair.
It may list:
- Damaged components
- Repair labor
- Replacement parts
- Refinishing operations
- Initial repair cost
But it is important to understand what an estimate represents.
It is an estimate based on the information available at that point in the process.
It is not necessarily the final description of everything the vehicle will need.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends obtaining a written estimate that identifies the condition to be repaired, required parts, and anticipated labor charges.
The FTC also recommends keeping repair documentation and records.
Those records can become particularly important when an insurance claim changes during the repair.
Why Can the Insurance Estimate and Body Shop Estimate Be Different?
Two estimates can differ without automatically meaning one party is acting improperly.
Differences can result from:
- Damage visible at different stages
- Labor operations
- Parts selection
- OEM procedures
- Diagnostic requirements
- Refinishing procedures
- Calibration requirements
- Additional damage discovered after disassembly
An insurance adjuster may initially inspect the vehicle while it is still assembled.
The collision repair facility may later obtain more information after removing:
- Bumper
- Trim
- Headlamp
- Damaged body panel
That can reveal damage that could not reasonably be seen during the original inspection.
Does Missouri Allow an Insurance Company to Revise a Repair Estimate?
Yes, but the repair facility can communicate with the insurer when there is a disagreement about what is required.
The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance explains that an insurer may revise an estimate as long as the revised estimate properly repairs the vehicle.
It also advises that if the repair facility believes the vehicle cannot be properly repaired based on that estimate, the facility should contact the insurance adjuster.
This is where documentation becomes particularly useful.
Instead of simply saying:
“We need more money.”
the repair facility can explain:
- What additional damage was found
- What repair procedure applies
- What part is required
- What diagnostic operation is necessary
The discussion becomes about the repair itself.
What Is a Collision Repair Supplement?
A supplement is additional documentation submitted after the original estimate when new repair needs or costs are identified.
Supplements are common in collision repair because not all accident damage can be identified while the vehicle remains assembled.
For example, the initial estimate may include:
Replace rear bumper cover.
After removing the bumper, technicians might discover:
- Damaged reinforcement
- Broken mounting bracket
- Damaged sensor mount
Those additional items can be documented in a supplement.
Does a Supplement Mean the Original Estimate Was Wrong?
Not necessarily.
Sometimes additional damage simply was not visible.
Imagine a vehicle with front-end damage.
From outside, the estimator can see:
- Damaged bumper
- Broken grille
- Cracked headlamp
After disassembly, technicians discover:
- Bent mounting bracket
- Damaged reinforcement
- Broken wiring connector
Those components were concealed by the exterior damage.
The supplement updates the repair plan based on information that became available later.
Why Are Photos Important for Insurance Claims?
Photographs create a visual record.
They can show:
- Accident damage
- Hidden damage
- Broken components
- Structural damage
- Damaged mounting points
- Parts removed during disassembly
Photos can be especially useful when the damage is difficult to describe in an estimate alone.
For example:
An estimate may say:
“Replace bumper reinforcement.”
A photograph can show:
why the reinforcement requires replacement.
That visual context can help support communication between:
- Repair facility
- Vehicle owner
- Insurance adjuster
Should Photos Be Taken During Disassembly?
They can be extremely useful.
Once a vehicle is disassembled, technicians may expose damage that was previously hidden.
Documenting that condition before repairs begin helps preserve evidence of:
- What was damaged
- Where it was damaged
- How the components were positioned
This becomes especially valuable if questions arise later in the claim.
What Is Collision Repair Blueprinting?
Blueprinting is a more detailed approach to damage analysis.
Rather than beginning repairs based only on the initial visible estimate, the vehicle is systematically evaluated to develop a more complete repair plan.
That may involve:
- Disassembly
- Damage identification
- Parts research
- OEM procedure research
- Diagnostic scanning
- Repair planning
I-CAR describes blueprinting as a process designed to discover damage and establish the necessary repair information before repairs move forward.
Better planning can reduce the chances of discovering important repair requirements late in the process.
Why Are OEM Repair Procedures Part of the Documentation?
Modern vehicles are built using different:
- Steels
- Aluminum
- Adhesives
- Welds
- Rivets
- Structural designs
Vehicle manufacturers publish procedures explaining how specific components should be repaired or replaced.
Those procedures can address questions such as:
- Can this component be straightened?
- Does it require replacement?
- Where can it be sectioned?
- Which welding method is required?
- Is adhesive required?
- Does corrosion protection need to be restored?
- Is calibration necessary?
I-CAR emphasizes that vehicle-maker repair procedures should be followed and that OEM procedures and manufacturer-specific requirements take precedence over general collision repair practices.
When an insurance estimate and repair plan differ, manufacturer information can help explain why a particular operation is included.
Does Every Repair Need Pages of OEM Documentation?
Not necessarily.
The amount of documentation should match the repair.
A simple repair may require relatively little supporting material.
A complicated repair involving:
- Structural sectioning
- Advanced materials
- ADAS
- Electric vehicle systems
may require considerably more manufacturer research.
The purpose is not to create paperwork simply for the sake of paperwork.
The purpose is to document the procedures relevant to that specific vehicle and repair.
Why Does Parts Documentation Matter?
Parts can represent a significant portion of a collision repair claim.
Repair documentation may identify whether a replacement component is:
- OEM
- Aftermarket
- Recycled
- Reconditioned
depending on the repair and insurance estimate.
Missouri’s Department of Commerce and Insurance explains that insurers may use aftermarket or used parts when estimating repairs and that those parts should be identified on the estimate.
The repair facility can review the proposed parts and determine how they relate to the repair plan.
Does Insurance Always Have to Pay for OEM Parts?
Not necessarily.
Coverage can depend on:
- Insurance policy
- Vehicle
- Part
- Applicable state requirements
- Repair circumstances
Missouri’s Department of Commerce and Insurance states that insurers may estimate repairs using aftermarket or salvage parts rather than automatically requiring new OEM parts.
That does not mean every replacement component is interchangeable for every repair.
The repair facility may need to research:
- Fit
- Function
- OEM requirements
- Calibration considerations
for the particular component.
Why Should Replacement Parts Be Identified Clearly?
Clear parts documentation helps the vehicle owner understand what was installed.
It can also be important later for:
- Warranty questions
- Future repairs
- Another accident
If a headlamp assembly was replaced, for example, knowing:
- Which component was installed
- Where it came from
- Whether additional procedures were performed
can provide useful context later.
Why Do Diagnostic Scan Reports Matter?
Modern vehicles contain dozens of electronic control modules.
An accident can affect systems involving:
- Airbags
- Brakes
- Steering
- Stability control
- Parking assistance
- Cameras
- Radar
- Lighting
- Driver assistance
Some electronic faults may not be visible during an exterior inspection.
I-CAR defines a pre-repair scan as part of the damage-analysis and blueprinting process used to identify diagnostic trouble codes and other faults.
It defines a post-repair scan as a quality-control process used to identify and address collision-related or repair-related diagnostic trouble codes.
A scan report can therefore provide documentation of electronic conditions identified during the repair process.
Does Every Vehicle Require the Same Diagnostic Scanning?
No.
Requirements vary by:
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Model year
- Damage
- Repair operation
Some vehicle manufacturers publish specific scanning requirements.
Others have different conditions under which scans are required.
That is why technicians should check the OEM information for the particular vehicle rather than apply one universal rule.
Can a Vehicle Have Diagnostic Trouble Codes Without a Warning Light?
Yes.
Not every stored diagnostic trouble code produces an obvious dashboard warning.
This is one reason visual inspection alone may not provide enough information about a modern collision-damaged vehicle.
A driver may see:
No warning lights.
A diagnostic scan may still identify information that technicians need to evaluate.
Why Are Pre-Repair Scan Records Helpful for an Insurance Claim?
A pre-repair scan can establish an electronic baseline.
It may identify:
- Existing DTCs
- Collision-related DTCs
- Module communication problems
That information can help technicians plan the repair.
It can also help distinguish between:
- Conditions identified before repair
- Conditions created or discovered later
Documentation makes that distinction easier to explain.
Why Are Post-Repair Scan Records Important?
A post-repair scan is part of verifying electronic systems after relevant repairs.
I-CAR describes post-repair scanning as a quality-control process used to ensure collision-related and repair-related DTCs have been identified and addressed.
The report can become part of the final repair documentation.
However, a post-repair scan does not replace other forms of verification.
It cannot by itself confirm:
- Structural measurements
- Wheel alignment
- Paint quality
- Panel fit
Different repair operations require different forms of documentation.
Why Does ADAS Documentation Matter?
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems can include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Parking assistance
These systems may depend on:
- Cameras
- Radar
- Other sensors
A collision or repair can affect:
- Sensor
- Mounting bracket
- Sensor position
- Component in front of the sensor
Depending on the manufacturer and repair, calibration may be required.
I-CAR’s collision diagnostics process calls for identifying ADAS systems, documenting potential damage, and researching the vehicle maker’s calibration requirements.
What Is an ADAS Calibration Report?
When calibration is required, documentation can record information about the procedure performed.
Depending on the vehicle and equipment, records may identify:
- Vehicle
- System calibrated
- Procedure
- Completion status
The exact documentation varies.
Keeping the calibration report with the repair file helps establish that the required procedure was completed.
Does Every Collision Require ADAS Calibration?
No.
Calibration requirements depend on:
- Vehicle
- Installed technology
- Damage
- Parts removed
- Parts replaced
- Sensor movement
- Alignment
- OEM procedures
A minor repair far from any ADAS component may not require calibration.
Another seemingly small repair involving:
- Windshield
- Mirror
- Bumper
- Sensor bracket
might.
The correct answer comes from manufacturer repair information.
Why Can ADAS Documentation Help With an Insurance Claim?
Calibration can add:
- Labor
- Equipment
- Sublet cost
to the repair.
If calibration is required by the vehicle manufacturer, supporting documentation can help explain why that operation appears on the repair plan.
Instead of simply listing:
“ADAS calibration”
the repair file can establish:
- Which system is involved
- What repair triggered the requirement
- Which manufacturer procedure applies
That creates a clearer basis for the claim.
Why Are Structural Measurements Important Documentation?
Collision damage can move structural points even when the exterior damage does not look severe.
Structural measurements can compare vehicle reference points with specifications.
Records may help document:
- Initial condition
- Areas requiring correction
- Post-repair measurements
This can be useful for both:
- Repair planning
- Quality verification
The exact measurement process depends on the vehicle and damage.
Why Is Wheel Alignment Documentation Useful?
A collision involving:
- Wheel
- Tire
- Suspension
- Steering
may affect alignment.
An alignment report can provide objective measurements rather than relying only on whether the vehicle appears to drive straight.
Records may include values such as:
- Camber
- Caster
- Toe
depending on the vehicle and alignment system.
Alignment records can also matter when an ADAS calibration procedure requires correct vehicle geometry first.
What Are Sublet Invoices?
Not every procedure is necessarily completed inside the collision facility.
A shop may use a qualified outside provider for certain operations.
These are often called sublet services.
Examples can include:
- Alignment
- Calibration
- Mechanical repair
- Specialized diagnostics
The sublet invoice documents:
- What was performed
- Who performed it
- Cost
That information can become part of the insurance claim and final repair file.
Why Do Parts Invoices Matter?
Parts invoices help document:
- Components ordered
- Components received
- Supplier
- Cost
They may also help with future:
- Parts warranty
- Repair questions
The customer does not necessarily need every internal shop purchasing document.
But the repair facility should maintain enough documentation to support the work included in the repair plan.
What Does the Insurance Adjuster Need From the Repair Shop?
Requirements vary by insurer and claim.
An adjuster may request:
- Photos
- Estimate
- Supplement
- Parts information
- OEM procedures
- Scan reports
- Calibration documentation
- Invoices
The goal is to provide enough information for the insurer to evaluate the claimed repair cost under the applicable policy.
Why Should You Keep Your Claim Number?
Your claim number connects communications and documents to the correct loss.
Keep it somewhere accessible.
You may need it when communicating with:
- Insurance adjuster
- Repair facility
- Rental provider
Missouri’s consumer auto-insurance guidance recommends obtaining the adjuster’s information and claim number and keeping track of dates and conversations during the claim.
Should You Keep Notes About Conversations With Insurance?
Yes.
Record:
- Date
- Person
- Company
- Main topic
- Next step
You do not need a complicated system.
A simple note might say:
September 14: Spoke with adjuster. Supplement received. Additional photos requested.
That can help if you later need to remember:
- What was discussed
- What was requested
- When something was submitted
Missouri’s insurance guidance specifically advises consumers to keep track of claim dates and conversations.
Should You Save Emails and Text Messages?
Yes.
Keep relevant communication involving:
- Claim approvals
- Supplement requests
- Repair updates
- Parts discussions
- Coverage decisions
Written communication can reduce confusion later.
Create a dedicated:
Insurance Claim
folder in your email if necessary.
Why Is the Final Repair Invoice Different From the Estimate?
An estimate predicts the repair.
The final invoice documents what was ultimately completed.
Those may differ because of:
- Supplements
- Parts changes
- Additional damage
- Revised repair procedures
The final invoice is therefore one of the most important documents to keep after the repair.
What Should You Review on the Final Invoice?
Look for the major repair operations.
Depending on the accident, that may include:
- Panels repaired
- Panels replaced
- Parts installed
- Refinishing
- Structural work
- Alignment
- Scanning
- Calibration
Ask questions if something on the invoice is unclear.
You do not need to understand every labor code.
But you should understand the overall repair performed on your vehicle.
Should You Keep Your Collision Repair Records After the Insurance Claim Closes?
Yes.
Do not throw everything away simply because the insurer issued the final payment.
Keep the records with your vehicle documents.
Useful records include:
- Estimate
- Supplements
- Final invoice
- Warranty
- Scan reports
- Calibration reports
- Alignment documentation
These records can be valuable years later.
How Can Repair Documentation Help With a Warranty Question?
Suppose a repaired panel develops a problem later.
Your documentation can show:
- Which panel was repaired
- What parts were installed
- When the repair occurred
- Which facility completed the work
That gives the repair facility a clear starting point for determining whether the concern relates to:
- Workmanship
- Replacement part
- New damage
- Unrelated condition
How Can Documentation Help After Another Accident?
Imagine the vehicle is involved in another collision two years later.
Previous repair records can help the next repair facility understand:
- Which areas were previously repaired
- Which parts were replaced
- Whether structural work was completed
That history may become relevant during the new damage analysis.
Can Collision Repair Documentation Help When Selling the Vehicle?
Potentially.
If a buyer knows the vehicle has been in an accident, detailed repair records can help demonstrate what work was completed.
Documentation does not erase:
- Accident history
- Vehicle-history records
and it does not guarantee a particular resale value.
But it can provide more useful information than simply saying:
“The car was repaired.”
What if You Lose Your Repair Documents?
Contact the repair facility.
The shop may retain:
- Estimate
- Invoice
- Repair order
- Photos
- Other records
Ask what can be reproduced.
Still, keeping your own copy is helpful because record-retention policies can vary.
Should You Keep Paper or Digital Copies?
Both can be useful.
Consider keeping:
Paper folder
with:
- Final invoice
- Warranty
and a digital folder containing:
- PDFs
- Photos
- Scan reports
- Calibration documents
- Insurance communication
Digital copies are easier to preserve if the paper originals are lost.
Can Documentation Prevent Insurance Disagreements?
It cannot guarantee that every disagreement will disappear.
Insurers and repair facilities can still have different positions involving:
- Parts
- Labor
- Procedures
- Coverage
But documentation can make the discussion more specific.
Instead of arguing generally about whether something is necessary, the parties can review:
- Damage
- OEM procedure
- Diagnostic result
- Repair operation
That creates a stronger factual basis for resolving questions.
What if the Insurance Company Does Not Agree With the Repair Facility?
Ask what specific item is disputed.
Is the disagreement about:
- Part?
- Labor operation?
- Calibration?
- Diagnostic procedure?
- Repair versus replacement?
The repair facility can then provide relevant documentation and communicate with the adjuster.
Missouri’s Department of Commerce and Insurance specifically advises that when a repair facility believes an insurer’s revised estimate will not properly repair the vehicle, the facility should contact the adjuster.
Can You Choose Your Own Collision Repair Shop in Missouri?
Yes.
The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance states that choosing the repair facility is the vehicle owner’s decision.
The insurer can:
- Write an estimate
- Review costs
- Communicate with the repair facility
but Missouri consumers can select the shop they want to use.
This makes it important to choose a facility capable of:
- Documenting damage
- Researching procedures
- Communicating with insurance
- Completing the repair
rather than choosing solely based on who wrote the first estimate.
Why Is a Detailed Estimate Better Than a One-Line Price?
A collision repair estimate should help explain what work is being proposed.
A detailed repair plan can identify:
- Parts
- Labor operations
- Refinishing
- Diagnostics
- Calibration
- Other required procedures
A one-line price gives the customer very little information.
Two shops quoting different totals may not actually be proposing the same repair.
Documentation makes comparison more meaningful.
Why Does Repair Documentation Matter More on Newer Vehicles?
Modern vehicles integrate body structure with:
- Electronics
- Sensors
- Cameras
- Radar
- Restraints
- Driver-assistance systems
Replacing a component that once required only basic mechanical work may now require:
- Diagnostic scanning
- Calibration
- Initialization
That means the repair file increasingly needs to document procedures that cannot be confirmed by simply looking at the finished exterior.
What Should You Ask Your Body Shop About Documentation?
Useful questions include:
- Will I receive a final itemized invoice?
- How are supplements handled?
- Will hidden damage be photographed?
- Do you research OEM procedures?
- Will required scans be documented?
- Will I receive calibration documentation when calibration is required?
- Will alignment results be documented when applicable?
- What warranty paperwork will I receive?
A professional shop should be able to explain its process in understandable terms.
What Should You Ask Your Insurance Adjuster?
Consider asking:
- What is my claim number?
- What is my deductible?
- Who is my assigned adjuster?
- What documents do you need?
- How are supplements submitted?
- Does my policy include rental coverage?
- Are there parts limitations in my policy?
- How will additional hidden damage be reviewed?
Keep notes about the answers.
Why Should You Avoid Throwing Away the Original Estimate After a Supplement?
Because each document tells part of the repair story.
The original estimate shows:
what was initially identified.
The supplement shows:
what was added later.
The final invoice shows:
what was ultimately completed.
Together, they provide a clearer history than any one document alone.
Does More Documentation Automatically Mean a Better Repair?
No.
Paperwork cannot replace:
- Skilled technicians
- Correct tools
- Proper repair procedures
But good documentation can help show what the repair process involved.
The strongest repair process combines:
- Proper damage analysis
- OEM procedure research
- Skilled workmanship
- Appropriate verification
- Clear documentation
Why Do OEM Certifications Matter During Insurance Repairs?
Manufacturer certification programs can require facilities to maintain specific:
- Training
- Tools
- Equipment
- Repair processes
Mr. Dent Collision Repair maintains OEM-certified repair capabilities for multiple vehicle manufacturers.
That can be valuable when an insurance claim involves questions about:
- Structural procedures
- Parts
- Welding
- Diagnostics
- Manufacturer requirements
Certification itself does not decide insurance coverage.
It can, however, support a repair process based on the vehicle manufacturer’s procedures.
How Can Mr. Dent Collision Repair Help With an Insurance Claim?
Mr. Dent Collision Repair can help document the collision damage and develop the repair plan needed for the vehicle.
Depending on the accident, the process may include:
- Damage assessment
- Disassembly
- Repair planning
- Parts identification
- OEM procedure research
- Supplemental documentation
- Repair
- Quality control
The purpose is to establish what the vehicle actually requires rather than relying solely on the first visible estimate.
Drivers can learn more about Mr. Dent’s auto body repair services and OEM-certified repair capabilities before scheduling service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is documentation important for a collision repair insurance claim?
Documentation helps show what damage was identified, which repairs were required, what additional damage was discovered, which parts were used, and what procedures were completed. It can also help explain supplements and differences between estimates.
What collision repair documents should I keep?
Keep your initial estimate, supplements, final invoice, warranty, relevant photos, parts information, diagnostic scan reports, alignment records, and ADAS calibration documentation when applicable.
What is a supplement in an auto insurance claim?
A supplement documents additional accident-related repairs or costs identified after the original estimate, often after the vehicle has been disassembled and hidden damage becomes visible.
Does a supplement mean the body shop made a mistake on the first estimate?
No. Some collision damage cannot be identified until exterior components are removed. A supplement updates the repair plan when additional information becomes available.
Why do diagnostic scan reports matter?
Modern vehicles contain electronic control modules that may store diagnostic trouble codes after a collision. Scan reports can document electronic conditions identified before and after relevant repairs.
Should I keep records of conversations with my insurance adjuster?
Yes. Missouri’s insurance guidance recommends keeping track of claim dates and conversations. Record important discussions, document requests, approvals, and your claim number.
Can I choose my own collision repair shop in Missouri?
Yes. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance states that the choice of repair facility belongs to the vehicle owner.
Where can I get collision repair in Ozark, MO?
Mr. Dent Collision Repair provides professional collision and auto body repair at 2116 N 20th St, Ozark, MO 65721, United States.
Keep a Complete Repair Record After Your Ozark, MO Collision Claim
Collision repair documentation is more than paperwork created for the insurance company.
It creates a history of:
- What happened to the vehicle
- What damage was discovered
- What repairs were performed
- Which additional repairs were added
- What verification was completed
That record can be valuable during the insurance claim and long after it closes.
Keep your:
- Estimates
- Supplements
- Final invoice
- Warranty
- Scan reports
- Calibration documentation
- Alignment records
with your permanent vehicle records.
For professional collision repair in Ozark, visit:
Mr. Dent Collision Repair
2116 N 20th St, Ozark, MO 65721, United States
Learn more about collision repair, review Mr. Dent’s OEM-certified repair capabilities, or contact Mr. Dent Collision Repair to discuss your vehicle after an accident.