Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, and once your vehicle is in the repair shop, you probably expect the repairs to begin right away. However, there are times when technicians discover additional hidden damage after the repair process has started.
If this happens, don’t panic. Finding hidden damage is actually quite common after a collision, especially with today’s vehicles. Many important components are located behind bumpers, fenders, and body panels, making it impossible to see the full extent of the damage during the initial inspection.
Here’s what usually happens when additional damage is found during an ICBC repair.
Why Isn’t All the Damage Found Right Away?
When you first bring your vehicle in, the repair shop prepares an initial estimate based on the visible damage.
However, many parts of your vehicle remain covered until the technicians begin taking it apart. Once the damaged panels are removed, they may discover problems that couldn’t be seen from the outside.
Some examples of hidden damage include:
- Bent support brackets
- Damaged reinforcement bars
- Broken mounting points
- Cracked plastic components
- Damaged sensors
- Wiring issues
- Hidden structural damage
Modern vehicles are designed with multiple layers that help absorb the impact during a collision. While this improves safety, it also means damage can be hidden beneath the surface.
The Repair Process Pauses
If additional damage is discovered, the repair shop won’t simply continue with the repairs without approval.
Instead, the technicians will document the newly found damage by taking photos, preparing a detailed report, and updating the repair estimate.
This process helps ensure that every damaged part is identified before repairs continue.
Although this may add a little extra time to the repair process, it’s an important step because it ensures nothing is overlooked.
A Supplement Is Sent to ICBC
When hidden damage is found, the repair shop submits what’s called a supplement to ICBC.
A supplement is simply an updated repair estimate that includes the additional parts, labour, and repair procedures needed to restore the vehicle properly.
ICBC reviews the information and, if the additional repairs are approved, the repair shop continues with the work.
This is a normal part of many collision repairs and helps make sure your vehicle is repaired safely.
Will It Delay My Repairs?
Sometimes, yes.
The amount of extra time depends on several factors, including:
- The extent of the hidden damage
- Whether additional parts need to be ordered
- Parts availability
- ICBC approval time
- The complexity of the repairs
Minor hidden damage may only add a short delay, while more significant structural repairs can take longer.
Your repair shop will usually keep you updated throughout the process so you know what’s happening with your vehicle.
Why Hidden Damage Should Never Be Ignored
It may be tempting to focus only on the visible damage, but hidden damage can affect much more than your vehicle’s appearance.
Depending on the accident, unseen damage may impact:
- Vehicle safety
- Suspension alignment
- Steering components
- Crash protection systems
- Advanced driver assistance systems
- Overall vehicle performance
Repairing only what can be seen may leave important problems unresolved.
That’s why professional collision repair involves carefully inspecting the vehicle after disassembly to ensure everything is repaired properly.
Experienced Technicians Know What to Look For
Modern vehicles are more complex than ever before. Behind a simple-looking bumper, there may be parking sensors, cameras, radar units, wiring harnesses, impact absorbers, and structural reinforcements.
Experienced technicians know where hidden damage commonly occurs and follow manufacturer repair procedures to inspect these areas carefully.
Their goal isn’t just to repair what looks damaged. It’s to restore your vehicle to a safe condition so you can drive with confidence again.
Good Communication Makes the Process Easier
Finding additional damage doesn’t mean something has gone wrong. In fact, it’s often a sign that the repair shop is performing a thorough inspection rather than rushing the repair.
A reputable collision repair shop will explain the situation, keep you informed of any updates, and work directly with ICBC to obtain the necessary approvals before moving forward.
This helps avoid surprises and ensures the repairs are completed correctly from start to finish.
Reliable ICBC Collision Repairs in Port Moody & Port Coquitlam
At Broadway Collision Repairs, we know that unexpected damage can be frustrating, but we’re here to make the repair process as smooth as possible. As ICBC-certified collision repair shops in Port Moody and Port Coquitlam, we proudly provide professional ICBC collision repairs for drivers throughout the Tri-Cities.
If additional damage is discovered during the repair process, our experienced team will document everything, communicate directly with ICBC, and keep you informed every step of the way. Our goal is to restore your vehicle safely, efficiently, and to the highest repair standards, so you can get back on the road with confidence.
Whether you need to schedule a repair or simply want a better understanding of the damage, you can book an appointment or request a free estimate using our online form. Our team will review your request and get back to you as soon as possible.