What Not to Do After a Collision

After a collision, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. At Elite Automotive Finishes, we’ve seen how a few well-meaning missteps can unintentionally delay repairs or cause bigger issues down the road. Think of this as a friendly PSA: if you’ve recently been in an accident, here are a few things not to do — and why avoiding them can help get you back on the road faster.

Mistakes That Slow Down the Process

Below, our Mesa auto repair shop team shares what not to do after a collision, and how to avoid making a mistake that will slow down the process.

1. Don’t Delay Filing the Claim

Waiting days or weeks to notify your insurance provider might seem harmless, but it can seriously slow things down. The sooner a claim is opened, the sooner our auto body repair shop can begin assessing damage, ordering parts, and getting your vehicle scheduled for repairs. Waiting too long can also raise red flags for insurance companies and complicate the approval process.

2. Don’t Hide or Try to Fix Damage Yourself

We’ve had customers attempt to patch dents with bondo or apply body fillers themselves, thinking they’re helping. Unfortunately, this often makes the damage harder to assess — and in some cases, hides bigger issues that need professional attention. Bringing your vehicle in as-is gives us the best chance at a thorough, accurate auto collision repair plan.

3. Don’t Drive If It’s Not Safe

If your car has suffered mechanical damage — especially something like a radiator hit that causes overheating — don’t keep driving it. We’ve seen claims denied because ongoing driving caused additional engine damage. Likewise, if structural components or safety systems have been compromised, it’s not worth the risk. When in doubt, have it towed in.

4. Don’t Tell Insurance to Hold Payment

We understand that insurance payments can be confusing, but here's a tip: accept the initial payment if your insurance or the at-fault party’s insurance offers it. Having that cash on hand means we can get started right away — ordering parts, reserving time in the shop, and keeping things moving. If we have to wait for a second disbursement after the vehicle is already here, repairs could be delayed 7–10 days or more.

Contact Elite Automotive Finishes for Auto Repair in Mesa, AZ & Beyond

Bottom line? When in doubt, give us a call before taking action. We’re here to make the process easier, not harder — and a quick conversation can help avoid these common (and costly) mistakes. If you’ve been searching for an auto repair shop near me, look no further. We’re here to assist you with your claim or repair timeline.

Let’s make it elite — together.