Repair timelines depend on the severity of damage, parts availability, insurance approval speed, and shop workload. Minor cosmetic repairs may take a few days. Structural repairs, frame work, or complex paint jobs can take one to three weeks or longer. At HiStar, we give you honest timelines upfront and communicate proactively if anything changes. We…

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by your vehicle’s manufacturer — the exact same components the factory used. Aftermarket parts are produced by third parties and vary widely in quality and fit. Insurance companies often push for aftermarket parts because they cost less. You have the right to request OEM parts, especially on newer…

Yes — and if your current shop does not, that is a problem. Thorough documentation includes photos at intake, during disassembly, through each repair stage, and at delivery. This protects you, protects the shop, and creates a verifiable record if a dispute arises with your insurance company or if you later need to prove the…

Blueprinting is a thorough, methodical disassembly and inspection of your vehicle before repairs begin. A technician removes panels, bumpers, trim, and components to assess the full scope of damage — not just what is visible on the surface. Blueprinting produces a complete, accurate repair plan and reduces the chance of mid-repair surprises. Shops that skip…

A supplement is an update to the original repair estimate when additional damage is discovered during the repair process. Hidden damage — bent frames, damaged sensors, compromised structural components — is extremely common after a collision and not always visible during the initial inspection. Supplements are normal, legitimate, and necessary. They are submitted to your…