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how to get an estimate for car repair

by Verla Emmerich Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Steps to Estimated Your Collision Repair Costs

  1. Be Honest About The Damage To Your Vehicle. Even if the damage to your vehicle looks minor from the outside, there could be more serious damage underneath.
  2. Use A Collision Repair Cost Calculator. Using a collision repair cost calculator will give you an approximate car repair estimate. ...
  3. Talk With Auto Parts Shops. ...
  4. Get Estimate from Repair Shop. ...

More items...

Getting a Quality Estimate
It's important to go to a qualified and experienced collision repair specialist that will thoroughly and accurately assess the damage to your vehicle and give you an accurate estimate for what it will cost to fix it.
Sep 23, 2020

Full Answer

What is the average cost of a car repair?

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What does it cost to repair car body damage?

The repair cost of a car's damaged body parts ranges between $50 to $1,500 and more. Although, the cost also depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the severity of the damage. You will require collision coverage to repair dented bumper, suspension damage and rear-end damage.

How much does auto repair cost?

There are many factors to consider, including the extent of the body damage, its location, and where you have the bodywork done. If it’s a minor dent, expect to spend between $50 and $125. But let’s be real, if it’s anything more than a door ding, the cost goes up significantly. How much, though?

How much for car repair?

Auto repair rates vary widely across the country, with rates ranging from as low as $47 to as high as $215 per hour. Know what you're paying for by understanding how car repair shops establish their rates, what mechanics typically get paid, and what overhead costs car repair facilities must pay to stay open.

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How do you get an estimate?

The general rule for estimating is to look at the digit to the right of the digit you want to estimate. Estimating or rounding to the nearest whole number means looking at the digit to the right of the decimal. If you see a digit greater than 5, round up, and if it's less than 5, round down.

How many quotes should I get for a car repair?

Getting three estimates is generally a good idea because it allows you to get a better average range for the cost of repair. With three estimates, you can throw out the cheapest and most expensive auto repair estimate, then take the estimate in the middle.

What to do after insurance gives you an estimate?

After the estimate and photos have been submitted to the insurance, the adjuster handling your claim will review the files, approve of the bill to repair the car, and notify both you and us to proceed with the repair.

How do you calculate labor cost for a mechanic?

There is a simple solution to that – you have to know how to calculate labor cost. The labor rate formula will have you adding the hourly wage, the hourly tax cost, and the hourly cost of any expenses or fringe benefits. This can also be expressed as LR (labor rate) = W (wage) + T (taxes) + B (benefits).

Should I request a written estimate?

Even if a written repair estimate is not required in your area, you should be sure to always insist on one whenever you have your car serviced. A written auto repair estimate is a contract between you and the repair shop that describes what will be done and how much it will cost.

Should I get a written estimate?

The written estimate demonstrates the communication between customer and mechanic, showing that both parties agree on the services and costs required. This can prevent a dispute after the repair is finished.

How long does it take to estimate a car?

about 15 to 30 minutesThe estimation process usually only takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Your estimator will thoroughly examine your vehicle and assess the extent of the damage, taking detailed notes as they go. Once their inspection is complete, they will provide you with a written estimate.

What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?

Even if you know the accident was your fault, don't say sorry or admit guilt at the scene as your insurer might have a clause about it. Exchange details with the other's involved and get in touch with your insurer to report the incident.

How do you negotiate with an insurance adjuster?

Let's look at how to best position your claim for success.Have a Settlement Amount in Mind. ... Do Not Jump at a First Offer. ... Get the Adjuster to Justify a Low Offer. ... Emphasize Emotional Points. ... Put the Settlement in Writing. ... More Information About Negotiating Your Personal Injury Claim.

Should labor cost more than parts?

When the parts-to-labor ratio is lower than 1, it means a company makes more revenue in the form of labor sales than parts sales. If the parts-to-labor ratio is low, it indicates that the company may not be charging enough for parts or is performing labor-intensive services that do not result in selling many parts.

How much do most mechanics charge per hour?

Average hourly rate is $80 to $100 an hour. The going average hourly rate for a mechanic ranges from $80 to $100 an hour. After analyzing a bill that could also include expensive parts, many auto repair shop customers are left scratching their heads and wondering if they are being ripped off.

What are three types of labor rates on a repair estimate?

For instance, . 5 equals 30 minutes, and 1.5 equals 1 hour and 30 minutes. This gives us an idea of how labor times are provided. Labor times fall into different categories, which are body labor, refinish labor, frame labor, and structural labor.

Should I get multiple repair estimates?

By getting multiple repair estimates, car owners can see what different shops would charge. They can then compare and contrast the estimates and make a better decision about where to go. They can also use the itemized estimates to establish an average cost for every entry.

Do mechanics give quotes?

Most reputable auto repair shops are put in a bind when asked to give a quote over the phone. Many customers tend to be afraid to come into a shop without having an idea of what a repair will cost. On the other hand once a shop estimates the price for a repair the shop is sort of locked into the price.

Where to tow a car when unexpected happens?

Even when the unexpected happens on the road and you need a tow truck, do not go to just any garage. Direct the driver to tow your vehicle to a nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair shop.

What is AAA service checkup?

AAA recommends timely service checkups to ensure that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently, all systems perform optimally and that all parts, from spark plugs to windshield wipers, work effectively.

Does AAA provide service estimates?

Is your car in need of service? Whether the job involves routine maintenance or more involved repairs, AAA can provide you with an estimate of the cost. Included in the estimate are breakdowns for parts, labor and the member discount available at all AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. To generate an estimate, simply provide the information below and select the desired service from the list on the next page.

Where do you get a car repair estimate?

Depending on your policy, you may need to give your insurance company specific information on which body shop you're considering for the repairs. Some insurance companies may have a set list of repair shops they can recommend to you.

What does my car repair estimate include?

Your estimate includes all visible damage related to your loss. If additional loss-related damage is detected during the repair process, we'll reinspect your vehicle. Finding further damage isn't unusual—we can't always see all damaged parts when writing up the initial estimate. If the estimate needs to be updated, we'll work with you and the body shop.

What is considered in the repair estimate?

Your estimate may include replacement parts from a source other than your vehicle's manufacturer. The replacement parts on the estimate are intended to return your vehicle to its pre-loss condition with proper installation. In fact, Progressive guarantees this. Once repairs are complete, if any sheet metal or plastic body part included in the estimate fails to return your vehicle to its pre-loss condition (assuming it was properly installed), in terms of form, fit, finish, durability, or functionality, Progressive arranges and covers replacement of the part—even to the extent not covered under warranty. This service is performed at no cost to you (including associated repair and rental car costs).

What happens after I get my estimate?

We'll review the car repair estimate with you. If you decided to repair, we’ll work with your shop of choice and help manage the repair process. If you decide you would rather receive payment, it will be sent to you minus any deductible. If you initially preferred to receive payment, but change your mind and decide to repair, let us know so we can help manage the repair process.

What portion of the car damage estimate am I responsible for?

If you choose to fix the vehicle, you'll be responsible for paying the deductible once repairs are complete. You'll find information on your deductible in your policy documents or online account.

What if I finance my vehicle or have a lease?

If you have a lienholder on your vehicle, any payment we issue to you may include you and the lienholder as payees. If you choose not to repair the automobile, contact your lienholder for how to receive payment. If you plan on making repairs through an approved shop in the Progressive network, we'll pay the shop directly, so there's no need to include a lienholder on the payment. If you plan to use a facility that's not in our network, please contact us so we'll know where to issue payment.

What does a claims rep do?

By calling your claims rep, you can get the repair process rolling, and schedule repairs wherever you like. Your rep can also help you arrange a rental car if needed. Note: If you're a Progressive policyholder, rental coverage may not apply unless you purchased it before the accident.

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Lifetime Guarantee

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How Do I Get A Car Repair Estimate?

What should an auto repair cost? Unless you’re a mechanic or an expert on fixing your vehicle yourself, you probably don’t have a clue about car repair prices. Not to worry. Building on our 90 years of pricing experience, Kelley Blue Book has the Fair Repair Range to show you what car repairs should cost. You can even get an auto repair quote from a local service center or auto shop.

What are the most common car repairs?

According to internal Kelley Blue Book data based on actual repair records, the most common auto repairs are:

What cars have the fewest repairs?

According to Kelley Blue Book’s Brand Watch study, reliability is the top concern for car buyers, even above price, safety, or fuel efficiency. Ultimately, consumers want to know that they can count on their car and not have to worry about frequent repairs costing them time, money and aggravation.

Why do dealerships have more technicians?

Speed: Dealerships usually have more technicians and more repair bays operating at once, which can save you time. Speed also comes from familiarity. A dealership can often target the problem immediately, where an independent mechanic might need a little more time to figure it out.

What do dealerships have?

Comfort: Dealerships usually have a large waiting area with amenities like comfy chairs, snacks & coffee and a TV set tuned to the local news. They’re also far more likely to offer a loaner car or courtesy shuttle so you’re not stranded.

Does a warranty have to be at the dealer?

Warranty coverage: When a vehicle is newer, warranty repairs have to happen at the dealer. And certain parts might also have a different warranty depending on whether they’re the “genuine” parts or not.

Do dealerships have a waiting area?

Access: Most dealerships have common parts in stock or readily available. Comfort: Dealerships usually have a large waiting area with amenities like comfy chairs, snacks & coffee and a TV set tuned to the local news. They’re also far more likely to offer a loaner car or courtesy shuttle so you’re not stranded.

Is there a mystery behind service prices?

Our estimates show the full price breakdown, so there's never any mystery behind service prices.

Do you pay for a car mechanic onsite?

Continue with your day while our mechanic fixes your car onsite. You pay only after the job is done.

Seeking a Standard Auto Repair Estimate

Openbay immediately generates estimates for standard “menu services,” such as an oil change, AC recharge, general diagnosis, fluid flush, brake work, or a wheel alignment. In addition to estimates for the work you’ve requested, Openbay shares other estimates generated.

Seeking a Custom Auto Repair Estimate

If you’re inquiring about a service that’s above and beyond standard auto repair menu pricing — say you need new ball joints — Openbay deploys your request to its in-house team of service advisors. The team issues custom estimates every day of the week.

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