A repair estimate provides an estimate, not an exact amount, on the cost to repair a vehicle. The reason for the estimation is because there can be unseen damages that will later affect the repair costs; sometimes the mechanic is not aware of a broken part until it is found. Mechanics don’t want to offer a set price that could go up after they find the potential unseen damages.
Repair estimates help the customer prepare for the final cost of the repairs. Repair estimates also come in handy when another party or an insurance company is paying for the repairs.
The repair estimate breaks down the total cost of the repair process into several categories: body labor, paint and refinish labor, mechanical labor and parts, as well as supplies and materials. The total cost of the repair estimate depends on whether or not the repair will be paid out of pocket or by an insurance company. This detail affects the labor rate, which varies from auto shop to auto shop. If the repair is paid by an insurance company, the insurance company sets the rates.
Getting a Repair Estimate
There are several ways a customer can get a repair estimate. One way is for the customer to send pictures of the damages to the auto shop or complete an in-person examination at the shop. Insurance adjusters can also help a customer with the repair estimate, particularly if the insurance company will pay for the repairs. For example, the insurance company can schedule a field inspector to visit the shop for a visual inspection of the vehicle to update the repair estimate.
Most repair estimates are a printed out document that lists out the costs. The repair estimate can range from four to eight pages, depending on the extent of the damages and the costs. The first and second page should be the contact information, insurance company information –including the claim number– and the vehicle’s information. The next several pages will be line items for the repairs. These items will be grouped into sections of the vehicle. For example, one section will be the front bumper, another section will be the back bumper and so on. The last page will be legal terms that apply to the policy. The information will regard the replacement parts, the warranty on the parts and more.
How to Read a Repair Estimate
(Please click the image below to see additional pages)
There are many abbreviations for repair terms, parts and materials that can appear on a repair estimate. For example, “R&I” means “Remove and Install.” If a mechanic were trying to repair a dent on the door, it would let the mechanic know to access the inside of the door panel by removing and then installing the door panel. “RPR” means “Repair,” which is different from “REPL,” or “Replace.” Fixing a part versus replacing a part are two different concepts – one means being able to fix the damage (for example, a small dent in the door) while the other means to completely replace the part (a huge dent in the door that can’t be fixed). “R&R” means “Remove and Replace.”
When it comes to broken parts, there are four options for replacing the part. The first is “OEM,” which means “Original Equipment Manufactured.” This is when the part is bought from the dealership or the part is sold brand new. This is the most expensive option, and many insurance policies will only allow used parts. The second option, “LKQ,” or “Like Kind Quality,” is when the part is considered an insurance quality replacement part. “AFT,” or “Aftermarket,” parts are mostly made overseas and can be made like an insurance quality part at a less expensive price. The final option is “REMAN,” or “Remanufactured,” which is when a part is refurbished by a machine shop specialist.
If you or someone you know needs a repair estimate, click the link here to submit our online form. Someone with Auto Body Auto Care will contact you as soon as possible to fulfill your automotive needs.
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