If your vehicle was recently involved in an accident you may be trying to navigate the claims process and decode your vehicle’s collision repair estimate. Read on to find the answers to frequently asked questions and common language you may hear during the claims or collision repair process.
Who writes the estimate? The insurance company determines who writes the estimate. Most larger insurance companies will write their own estimate. They will either write it based off photos you send or they will send you to one of their “preferred” auto body shops, where the estimate is written according to the insurance company’s guidelines. Some smaller insurance companies will let any Scottsdale auto body shop write the estimate and submit with photos for approval.
How do I know the insurance company or their “preferred” shop is going to write an honest estimate to ensure all damage is repaired? Always check several review platforms before you bring your car in for auto body repair. A good collision repair facility will use the insurance estimate to start but then take the time to go back to them if extra work or parts are required.
If I get an estimate at the insurance “preferred” shop do I have to proceed with repairs at that auto body facility? No, you can take that estimate with you and go to any Scottsdale collision repair center.
Is it better to take my vehicle to the insurance “preferred” facility? A quality collision repair facility will have a lifetime labor warranty and a long business history. Again, check several review platforms. Also consider, insurance companies have different priorities, it may be speed of repair, cost of repair, quality of repair or customer service. As a vehicle owner it is important to choose the Scottsdale auto body repair shop that aligns with your priorities.
When will my car be ready? This is a tough question because collision repair shops are dependent on insurance companies responding in a timely manner and parts availability. A customer service oriented auto body repair shop will keep you updated throughout this process.
Collision Repair Estimate Terms:
Aftermarket Parts (Non-OEM Parts) – Aftermarket parts are new replacement parts that were not produced or supplied by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Aftermarket parts may not fit the same as OEM. The auto insurance policy signed determines whether the insurance company will approve aftermarket parts or OEM. If the part doesn’t fit or work properly, a collision repair facility with quality standards will work with the insurance company to gain approval on an OEM part.
Base Coat/Clear Coat System – A base coat is a highly pigmented coat of paint. The clear coat provides gloss and durability to protect the base coat.
Bumper Absorber – Bumper repairs might require a bumper absorber (an energy-absorbing foam) that is placed between the outside bumper cover and the inner bumper reinforcement. This can be found on both front and rear bumpers of a late model vehicle.
Bumper Reinforcement – This part of the vehicle attaches the outer bumper and bumper absorber to the vehicle’s body rails on both the front and rear of the vehicle. Keep in mind the part you “see” is only a bumper cover. The absorber and reinforcement bar is the protective part of the bumper.
For more info about bumper repair:
https://www.collisioncenternorthscottsdale.com/bumper-repair/
Estimate or Competitive Bid – The act of requiring more than one bid for collision repair work. No law requires a consumer to obtain more than one estimate. However, if you are paying out of pocket you may want to secure more than one collision repair estimate, just be sure you are comparing the same type of parts used and labor operations.
Direct Repair Shop (Insurance “Preferred”)– An agreement between an insurance company and collision repair facility in regards to repair parameters, parts used, and billing. Collision repair facilities with high-quality standards may not be on all DRP programs, but will still work with your insurance company and offer a lifetime labor warranty.
Prep – This process will take place prior to vehicle painting and will include washing, degreasing and lightly sanding a panel.
Remove and Install (RI) – A part is removed, saved and then reinstalled. Many times an outside part has to be removed to make a proper repair or access another part of the vehicle.
Remove and Replace (RR) – A part is removed that cannot be acceptably repaired and is replaced.
Salvage Parts – Salvage parts are often from a total loss vehicle and usually OEM. A collision repair shop with a high-quality standard will inspect the salvage part and reject if the condition is unsatisfactory.
Supplement – Additional repairs needed to complete the collision repair that was not listed on the original estimate. It is often impossible to identify all damage until disassembly. Collision repair facilities must gain supplement approval from the insurance company before proceeding.
Three-Coat Color or Three-Stage Paint – A topcoat that consists of three parts, a base coat, a mid-coat and a clear coat. The vehicle identification number or VIN will identify whether a vehicle has a two or three stage paint finish. A three-stage finish is more expensive because of the additional material and labor.
Unibody – A type of vehicle body construction where the outer skin, roof, and floor are formed and assembled to produce one unit that creates structural strength.
Water-borne Paint – There are two types of paint in the auto body industry, solvent based or water-borne. Water-borne is environmentally friendly and excellent for color matching. Water-borne paint is more expensive and therefore used by mostly high end or quality minded collision repair facilities.
Airpark Collision Center has earned a reputation for quality since 2006. Our Scottsdale auto body repair facility has earned numerous manufacturer certifications since opening over 16 years ago. Ensuring quality means we inspect each part, spray PPG’s water-borne paint and produce a baked-on finish in our state of the art downdraft paint booth. Stop in or click for an online estimate!