Identification of Damage

Initial Visual Assessment

Take a holistic view of the vehicle, noting areas of damage and their severity.
Look for visible signs of impact such as dents, scratches, scrapes, or discolouration on the body, bumpers, and wings.
Be aware of misaligned parts, such as doors, windows, fenders, and lights, suggesting underlying frame damage.
Check the tyres and wheels for signs of wear or alignment issues that could signify a problem with suspension components.
Observe the paint condition for discolouration, bubbling, or flaking, which can indicate deeper corrosion issues.

Detailed Inspection

Use special tools like a paint thickness gauge to identify previous paint jobs or filler underneath the paint surface.
Examine the interior for signs of water damage or wear that can indicate a leak or seal issue.
Inspect the underbody and suspension components for signs of damage, scraping, or impact which are often overlooked in an initial visual inspection.

Identifying Specific Damage Types

Corrosion or rust usually forms in areas where bare metal is exposed to moisture and air.
Dents and creases can be caused by impacts from objects or other vehicles and often require reshaping and re-painting.
Scratches and scrapes often happen on the vehicle’s skin and can sometimes be buffed out, but may require paint retouching.
Cracks or Breaks in plastic parts indicate a direct impact and usually require full part replacement.
Bent or misaligned parts can typically suggest a forceful impact causing underlying frame or structure damage.

Remember, identifying the type and extent of damage is the first step in vehicle body repair. Understanding different types of damage and their causes can help determine the proper repair technique.