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But an accident is stressful enough without the additional stress of not knowing how to handle it. If you own a Tesla, however, the repair process that follows is different than most car owners experience — and it can be even more daunting if you don’t know what to expect.
We do a lot of Tesla collision repair jobs here at Universal Motorcars LV and one of the best things we can do is set your expectations up in the beginning. This is a real-world example of how Tesla repairs are different from the traditional accident repair, and why it is important to understand the difference for your safety, your timeline, and your wallet.
1. The Body Structure Is Built Differently
Teslas are made with a high percentage of aluminium and high strength advanced steel, especially for the Model S, Model X and Model Y. This will help cut down the weight and increase the efficiency of the cars, but will also change the approach of repair shops to structural damage.
Aluminum isn’t a steel. It can’t be pulled, bent or hammer-welded like. In many cases, the structural sections of aluminum will be replaced and shouldn’t be repaired.
- More expensive than body panels made of traditional steel.
- Need for special aluminum repair facilities to avoid cross contamination with steel & cause corrosion.
- Aluminum repair technicians who have been specially trained in aluminum repair techniques.
Not all body shops are equipped and/or staffed with the proper expertise to work with aluminum-intensive vehicles properly. If you don’t select a shop that has that capability, you will end up with repairs that are good as long as you’re driving on the street, but may not be structurally sound once you hit the highway. We are able to handle structures that are mostly aluminum in the Tesla models.
2. High-Voltage Battery Systems Change Everything
This is the most important difference between a Tesla repair and a standard auto body repair: the high-voltage battery-pack is located under the car’s entire floor.
For any accident involving the affecting of the underbody, side intrusion or any significant amount of force going through the frame, the battery system must be first examined before any work on the bodywork is implemented. The need to make this step is not a matter of choice, but of necessity:
- High voltage systems can remain energised even when the vehicle is not running.
- Damage can occur internally in a battery cell without any external damage.
- Work may continue with a compromised battery, but could result in fire or chemical exposure.
Tesla repair stores have to adhere to strict high voltage safety measures, meaning that there should be specially trained staff, who can use insulated tools and the proper PPE. This precautionary measure takes a bit of time but it’s necessary. If the shop does not offer it, it is a red flag.
3. ADAS Sensors Are Everywhere — and They All Need Recalibration
The body design is closely linked to the driver assist ability of Tesla. The front bumper, rear bumper, side mirrors, A-pillars and windshield area are equipped with cameras, ultrasonic sensors and radar units. Following any collision repair that involves these areas, all impacted sensors should be recalibrated, including relatively minor repairs.
This process has two stages:
Static Calibration is performed within the shop, and the vehicle is carefully positioned and calibration targets are precisely positioned and oriented in front of the cameras. It will go through a diagnostic routine to verify that each sensor is reading properly.
To perform Dynamic Calibration, a technician drives the car on a specific road, at a certain speed for a predetermined distance, allowing the system to adjust sensor readings in real world conditions.
Each of these types of calibration will need the correct equipment and calibration technician with the knowledge of the Tesla specific calibration procedure. One of the most frequent errors committed by shops that don’t know Tesla is to forget to recalibrate after performing a bumper, windshield or mirror replacement, which can leave the car’s safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking, lane-keeping assist, and Autopilot operating incorrectly without the driver realizing it.
Our auto body and calibration services include in-house recalibration so your Tesla’s safety systems are verified before you drive away.
4. OEM Parts Are Often the Only Option
For the majority of vehicles, there are options – OEM – or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, aftermarket parts, and, in some instances, quality used parts. This flexibility helps to keep costs and timelines under control.
This is very limited at Tesla. Structural parts and safety critical parts like sensor housings, battery enclosures, and body panels normally have to be OEM Tesla parts and will have to remain in place and fit into factory-spec positions.
The result: cut down supply chain, and sometimes delays. Parts distribution is handled by Tesla, meaning that shops are not able to call up a local parts supplier for the parts they need and have them available the next day. Some items may be back-ordered, and in the case of newer variants or fresh updated models, this may take weeks.
This will help you to keep your expectations realistic, as well as plan ahead.
5. The Repair Estimate Process Is More Involved
An estimator can look at the damage in a conventional vehicle and give a fairly accurate price quote and put work on the road. For Tesla, the estimate process is more complex:
- Before any damage can be seen, it must be assessed.
- Hidden damage (especially around sensor housings and structural mounts) is often only discovered once the vehicle is partially disassembled
- The scope of repair may be influenced by the results of the battery and high voltage system inspection.
- The time and cost implications of calibration need to be considered.
That’s why supplemental claims are very prevalent in the Tesla repair industry. A shop estimates the damage based on what can be seen from the exterior then starts work and finds further damage under the structure and submits another claim to the insurance carrier before proceeding. Additional approvals take extra time in the overall repair.
Working with a shop that communicates clearly and documents thoroughly from the start — like our team at Universal Motorcars LV — reduces the back-and-forth and keeps the process moving as smoothly as possible.
6. Software Plays a Role in Repairs
Tesla cars and trucks are deeply software-centric, and certain repairs can’t be performed physically; they must be software-based or a software reset via Tesla’s systems. This can affect:
- Replace, repair and install displays and touch screens.Replace, repair and install display or touch screen.
- Gateway and body control modules
- The ability to re-pair components over the air after the replacement.
Some of these steps are access to Tesla service or proprietary diagnostic tools, and that is why it is important to choose a Tesla repair shop that has experience. A shop that fails to prepare for this step can perform the physical repairs properly but not properly program the computer.
What You Should Do After a Tesla Accident
If you are involved in an accident with your Tesla, the following are steps to take in repairing:
- Do not take any body shop for granted. Specific training, parts sourcing experience and equipment is needed for Tesla-specific repairs.
- Before getting any work done, inquire about the process of inspection for high voltage batteries.
- Make sure the shop will do the ADAS calibration in-house, not all do.
- Let insurance company know as soon as possible that it is a Tesla, and if possible, the insurance will use an EV trained adjuster.
- Understand the estimate process, including supplemental claims.
We don’t start work until we’ve gone through all these steps with you at Universal Motorcars LV. We are committed to restoring your Tesla to factory specifications and specifications alone; no compromise on safety. If you are in Las Vegas and require a quote for a Tesla collision repair, give us a call and we’ll get to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tesla repair more expensive than repairing a regular car?
Generally, yes. Aluminum structures, OEM-only parts requirements and the need to have sensors calibrated adds to the labor and parts costs of Tesla repairs versus a traditional vehicle.
Can any auto body shop repair a Tesla after an accident?
Yes, but not all shops have the hardware, knowledge or parts sourcing to do it properly. The unique capabilities of these are required for Aluminum repair, for high voltage safety protocols, and for ADAS calibration.
What happens if ADAS sensors aren’t recalibrated after a repair?
It may seem okay in operation but safety systems, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Autopilot, and parking sensors can malfunction. This can be a serious safety hazard which is not always indicated by a warning light on the instrument panel.
Will a Tesla accident repair affect my battery warranty?
The insurance on your car will likely cover damage to the battery pack from a collision rather than Tesla’s warranty. But, poor shop repairs can now make the warranty claims more complicated in the future, which is why hiring an experienced shop is another reason.
How do I know if my Tesla battery was damaged in the accident?
The only way to be sure of internal battery damage is to get a proper, trained person to inspect the battery with high voltage. One indicator of damage is it’s visible on the exterior; another is it’s not visible on the outside but may be on the inside.
Does Universal Motorcars LV handle Tesla insurance claims directly?
Yes. We work with insurance companies and can help manage the documentation and supplemental claim process so you’re not stuck navigating that back-and-forth on your own.
How long will my Tesla be in the shop after an accident?
It will depend on the severity of the damage, the parts and calibration needs. Minor repairs can take a few days, more serious structural or battery adjacent damage can take a few weeks. After initial inspection we give a realistic time frame.
What should I tell my insurance company right after a Tesla accident?
Let them know the vehicle make and model immediately so they can assign an EV-experienced adjuster. Also let them know you’d like to have the repair handled by a shop experienced in Tesla collision repair, such as Universal Motorcars LV.