What Should You Bring When Dropping Your Car Off for Collision Repair?

A prepared drop-off helps the shop identify the vehicle, understand the agreed work and contact you when a decision is needed. Confirm the appointment and location first, especially if the car is being towed or left outside business hours.

Do not drive an unsafe vehicle simply to keep a booking. Tell the shop about its condition and arrange appropriate transport.

Bring the repair and claim details

Have the estimate or appointment reference, claim number if applicable, and the adjuster's contact details available. Bring the vehicle and identification documents the shop specifically requests, while keeping originals secure where they are not needed.

Confirm the best phone number and email for updates. If more than one person is involved, identify who can authorize changes. This prevents delays caused by unclear instructions.

Provide the necessary keys and access items

Bring the key or fob needed to move and inspect the car. Ask whether a wheel-lock key, charging access information or another vehicle-specific item is required for the planned work.

Do not hand over unrelated house keys or account passwords. If a connected vehicle needs temporary access, ask about the appropriate limited-access method. Avoid creating an arrangement that gives broader access than the repair requires.

Share observations and earlier repair information

Write down new noises, warning messages, handling changes or problems with doors and windows. Tell the shop when they began and whether anything similar existed before the accident.

Bring useful photos or previous repair records where relevant. These can help distinguish old conditions from new damage. They do not replace the shop's inspection, but they make the intake discussion more precise.

Remove belongings and discuss special items

Take out valuables, personal documents, medication and loose items from areas that may need access. Ask before removing equipment that is damaged, trapped or unsafe to reach. Do not dismantle collision-damaged components yourself.

If a child restraint was involved in the collision, tell the insurer and consult its manufacturer's crash-replacement guidance before using it again. Do not assume it remains suitable because there is no visible mark.

Review the paperwork before leaving

Confirm what you are authorizing, any initial charges, the process for additional work and the next update. Ask about rental pickup, after-hours arrangements and potential storage conditions.

Walk around the vehicle with the shop where practical and record its condition. Keep a copy of the signed authorization and contact information. Our belongings checklist covers preparation in more detail, while 10 authorization questions helps clarify the repair agreement.

Sources & further reading

References for the topics discussed. Coverage and repair requirements depend on your policy, vehicle and circumstances.

• Ontario: Car repair shops — your rights

  Provincial consumer guidance for repair transactions, estimates and authorization.