What Happens if Hidden Damage Is Found After Repairs Begin?

September 29, 2025

Not all damage is visible after a collision.

Here’s what hidden damage means for your repair, your insurance claim, and how VICE keeps the process on track.

After an accident, a repair estimate is usually based on what’s visible. But once the repair shop begins taking your car apart, it’s common to find more damage underneath the surface. This is known as hidden damage. 


Hidden damage can change your repair plan, affect your insurance claim, and sometimes extend your timeline. At VICE, we help clients and attorneys handle these surprises by uncovering issues early and communicating clearly. 

What Counts as

Hidden Damage?

Hidden damage refers to problems that aren’t visible during the initial inspection. It often shows up once the vehicle is disassembled. Examples include: 

  • Frame or unibody misalignment 
  • Bent suspension or steering components 
  • Damaged sensors, wiring, or airbag systems 
  • Internal cooling or engine issues 

Even though it can delay repairs, identifying hidden damage is critical to restoring your vehicle’s safety and performance. 

What Counts as Hidden Damage?

Hidden damage refers to problems that aren’t visible during the initial inspection. It often shows up once the vehicle is disassembled. Examples include: 

  • Frame or unibody misalignment 
  • Bent suspension or steering components 
  • Damaged sensors, wiring, or airbag systems 
  • Internal cooling or engine issues 

Even though it can delay repairs, identifying hidden damage is critical to restoring your vehicle’s safety and performance. 

Why Hidden Damage Can Delay Repairs

When new issues are found, the repair estimate must be updated. This requires submitting a supplement to the insurance company, essentially asking for approval of additional costs. 


Repairs may pause while the insurer: 

  • Reviews the updated estimate 
  • Sends an adjuster for inspection 
  • Approves the purchase of new parts 

This step is necessary to ensure all damage is covered—but it can add time to the repair.

Why Hidden Damage Can Delay Repairs

When new issues are found, the repair estimate must be updated. This requires submitting a supplement to the insurance company, essentially asking for approval of additional costs. 


Repairs may pause while the insurer: 

  • Reviews the updated estimate 
  • Sends an adjuster for inspection 
  • Approves the purchase of new parts 

This step is necessary to ensure all damage is covered—but it can add time to the repair.

How VICE Manages the Process

At VICE, we focus on minimizing delays by handling hidden damage proactively. 


Here’s how we help: 


  • Early Disassembly: We fully disassemble vehicles up front to reveal hidden issues right away. 
  • Detailed Estimates: Our estimates cover the full scope of damage, reducing back-and-forth with insurers. 
  • Direct Communication: We work with insurance companies and attorneys directly, pushing approvals forward quickly. 
  • Fast Supplements: When supplements are needed, we submit them immediately and follow up to keep the process moving. 

Why This Matters to Attorneys and Clients

For attorneys, hidden damage affects more than just repair time—it impacts rental car extensions, diminished value claims, and case timelines. 


For clients, uncovering hidden damage means peace of mind. It ensures the car is fully repaired, not patched together with visible fixes while critical issues remain hidden. 

Why This Matters to Attorneys and Clients

For attorneys, hidden damage affects more than just repair time—it impacts rental car extensions, diminished value claims, and case timelines. 


For clients, uncovering hidden damage means peace of mind. It ensures the car is fully repaired, not patched together with visible fixes while critical issues remain hidden. 

Insurance and Hidden Damage

Most insurance policies cover hidden damage once it’s proven necessary for safe repairs. However, some insurers may push for cheaper parts or delay approvals. 


VICE fights to secure OEM parts whenever possible, making sure the repair meets both safety standards and client expectations—not just the insurance company’s bottom line. 

Hidden damage can feel like a setback, but it’s actually a safeguard. By identifying it early, you protect your car’s safety, value, and performance. 


At VICE, we make sure hidden damage doesn’t derail your claim. We uncover problems quickly, handle insurance approvals, and keep both clients and attorneys updated every step of the way.

Know someone waiting on collision repairs? Share this blog to help them understand what hidden damage is—and why choosing a repair service like VICE makes all the difference.