how to write a collision repair estimate

• Conduct vehicle damage inspections
• Examine warranty coverage
• Explain exclusions and provisions to clients
• Prepare cost estimate recommendations
• Create repair orders with description of problems
• Provides supplements for additional damages

Full Answer

How are auto repair estimates written?

Auto repair estimates used to be written by hand using Mitchell (or other publishers) estimating guides. This involved writing all the damage on an estimate form and looking in the estimating guide to get all the parts prices and labor times needed to estimate the job. Then the estimator would calculate the total.

How do I estimate the cost of collision repair?

Your collision repair estimate will also depend on what type of repair it is. For example, dent repair might cost more if it can't be done as a paintless dent repair. You can use our collision repair cost calculator to figure out an estimate on your auto body job.

What should be included in a sample repair estimate?

It is very important that your sample repair estimate has the right title so that people will understand what your estimate is about. Along with the title, make sure you have the name of your company, the logo of your company and also, the address with the contact details mentioned.

How do I get a damage estimate from collisionblast?

Access the website at www.CollisionBlast.com/Estimate click on the link on the upper right side of the website and enter the password damagereport Thanks for reading this book, Donnie Smith

How do you write a good collision estimate?

0:086:124 Steps To Successful Estimating Of Collision Damage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst review. And know the loss report or the facts of the accident. You. Know if you went to aMoreFirst review. And know the loss report or the facts of the accident. You. Know if you went to a doctor complaining of pain in your arm. They would ask you a few questions like.

What should a repair estimate consist of?

Every auto repair estimate should detail some very important information: A description of the specific work to be done on the vehicle. All of the costs involved, both parts and labor. A statement that the quoted amount will not be exceeded by a specified dollar amount or percentage without prior approval.

How do you write an estimate on the CCC?

0:524:41CCC Estimate Sequence - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBased on the way that you're writing the repair plan from back to front front to back in this case IMoreBased on the way that you're writing the repair plan from back to front front to back in this case I'm gonna leave it as none.

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.

Can a body shop charge more than the estimate?

If you got a written estimate, the repair shop can charge you up to 10% more than the estimated amount. For example, if the estimate was for $1,000, the final repair bill could be up to $1,100, but no more than that.

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.

What does CCC stand for in estimating?

The cash conversion cycle (CCC) is a metric that expresses the time (measured in days) it takes for a company to convert its investments in inventory and other resources into cash flows from sales.

What does CCC stand for in collision repair?

Collision Center Software | CCC Intelligent Solutions.

Does Geico use CCC?

For starters, CCC has contracts with many insurance companies, including Nationwide, Geico, Allstate, etc. CCC has grabbed a large market share of business from the Insurance Companies by saving them money on claims translating into lower average claim payouts for policyholders.

How many quotes do you need for an accident?

How many quotes are needed? You don't need to get a set number of quotes, but it is common to get more than one quote. Sometimes getting more than one quote can help show that the amount you are asking for is 'not excessive' and is 'fair and reasonable'.

Why should the estimates and quotes for repairs be always documented?

Once a business offers a quote and a client signs off on it you have a binding contract. The price cannot change even if the job ends up costing more than originally anticipated. For this reason it's important to always quote as accurately as possible.

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.

What if damage is more than car is worth?

If the adjuster determines the cost to repair the damages to the car is more than it is worth to them—that is, repairs exceed the actual cash value, or ACV, of the car—then it is considered a total loss.

What does net cost of repairs mean?

The total amount you may owe to the repair shop, including a deductible. Net Cost of Repairs/Insurance Pay. The amount we'll pay to the repair shop after we subtract your deductible and any other listed adjustments.

What does SUBL mean on an auto estimate?

Sublet RepairsSubl: Sublet Repairs Sublet repairs are those done by a third party other than the shop. Some shops will sublet their glass work, wheel repairs, wheel alignments etc.

What is EPC on an auto estimate?

EPC stands for Electronic Power Control, a computerized ignition and engine management system used in many recent Volkswagen Group vehicles. In the U.S. market, Volkswagen Group's most popular brands are Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Vehicles from all of these brands are likely to have EPC.

How much does it cost to repair a car?

Collision Repair Cost Examples 1 Windshield Repair: $50 to $900 2 Dented Bumper: $400 to $1,500 3 Paint Chips or Scratches: $50 to $1,500 4 Door or Fender Dings: $50 to $350

Where is Phil Long Collision Center?

We are a top-rated collision center in Colorado Springs , and we have expertise in repairing every car brand. Our expert collision repair technicians always follow factory-recommended specifications, and we get the job done quickly. Contact us today! Let us estimate your next auto body project and save you some money.

Is Colorado a low cost state for collision repair?

You can use our collision repair estimate calculator to find average prices for a variety of work. Colorado isn't ranked as one of the highest or lowest priced states for auto bodywork in terms of average costs, so you can expect reasonable pricing on any collision repair job .

How to become ecient at writing estimates?

To become ecient at writing estimates, the estimator needs to follow the same sequence as the estimating guide or computer system. Most guides and systems start at the front of the vehicle and move toward the back. The sequence also starts on the outside of each group of parts and moves toward the inside.

What is an auto repair estimate supplement?

Auto Repair Estimates Supplements Methods Used To Write Estimates The Sequence of Writing an Estimate Who Needs Estimates Setting Up The Estimating Environment Tools Needed To Generate Auto Estimates

Why is it important to be an estimator?

As an estimator, it is important to fully understand what all purposes the estimate serves. It’s also important to properly set up the estimating environment to become e"cient at generating thorough auto estimates.

When writing auto repair estimates, the auto estimator must add for clear coat.?

When writing auto repair estimates, the auto estimator must add for clear coat. The clear coat takes time to spray on the vehicle, and it takes more paint materials. Therefore, there should be a charge for the time that it takes to mix and apply the clear coat and a charge for the cost of materials used.

Why is it important to record mileage?

I always like to record the mileage for documentation. I have heard of customers claiming that their vehicle was driven around town using all of their gas. It may be necessary to test-drive a vehicle before returning it to the customer, but with the mileage recorded before repairs were made you will have documentation of actual miles the car was driven while in the shop for repairs and assure the customer that your shop does not participate in this type of activity. Always document everything, as it may protect you at a later time.

What are the sections of a vehicle frame?

Sections of A Vehicle Sides of A Vehicle Frame Types: (Body Over Frame, Unibody, Space Frame) Crush Zones

Why does my car sag?

This damage may be caused by the front of the car being lower due to braking before impact .

Why use an estimate sheet?

By using estimates, you also gain control over the repair service price better while you provide the customer with the service they deserve.

Why do you request a repair estimate?

A wise vehicle owner would always request for a repair estimate since it provides them a rough figure or benchmark costs which they can use to evaluate and check repair quotes as well as added service costs. To save time, you can use the template above as your estimate and just customize according to what your shop requires.

What is professional demands?

Being professional demands your official documents from service proposals to contracts down to your invoice and estimates should be clearly defined and well-written. Handwritten notes and estimates are out of the question if you want your customer to see that you mean business.

Why don't you want to go overboard with your ballpark figure?

At the same time, you also don’t want to go overboard with your ballpark figure because being able to compete doesn’t always mean providing the highest or cheapest price possible. Do research on what other vehicle repair businesses are charging in your area and go from there.

Is an estimate a binding document?

While an estimate is a non-binding document if it’s not part of the contract yet, it’s still crucial to be realistic in the numbers you give and in figuring out the time frame to complete the repair since this is what’s going to determine the price you’ll be giving the client later on.

Can you give a customer an estimate?

You can’t just give the customer an estimate the moment they ask for one without having any idea what the damage of their vehicle is. Evaluate the amount of repair work you need to do and verify what the customer expects since people tend to be confused about what they or their vehicle needs.

Do you need to panic when writing an estimate?

New to writing estimates? There’s no need to panic because we have more than enough estimate templates on the website whether it’s for repairing a vehicle, construction project or a simple service that requires a ballpark figure for the customer to check to price and help him or her decide.

What does the black letter on the front of the P page mean?

For example, one information provider states in bold, black letters at the front of its P-pages that labor times are to be used only as a guide and represent labor times to install new, undamaged OEM parts on new, undamaged vehicles. Have you ever estimated or repaired a new, undamaged vehicle?

Why do you need to write estimates with integrity?

On the other hand, estimates written with integrity allow you to negotiate with integrity, increasing your chances of restoring a vehicle to its pre-loss condition or better.

What to do when replacing a used quarter panel?

If it is, something is wrong. You’ll need to add the appropriate labor to weld the additional parts, as well as labor to cut, fit and trim the used section.

What is an estimate in a repair?

The estimate is the blueprint for the: repair process; negotiation process; income for your technicians; income, disbursements and profit for each particular job. The accuracy of the estimate will dictate the quality of the repair and, ultimately, the final product, which will determine your company’s reputation.

Do you have to aim the headlights after replacing the suspension?

Another information provider boasts that its system is the only completely automated electronic estimating system — yet you have to enter to aim the headlights, even though you may have replaced or R&I one or both headlights. You also have to enter a front-, rear- or four-wheel alignment even after replacing one or more suspension parts and enter to evacuate and re-charge an air-conditioning system after replacing an A/C condenser.

Can you key in a R&I used fenders?

Sometimes you can key in R&I used fenders, header, A/C condenser, radiator, hood, headlights, etc. However, the labor times will either show up blank or the system may deduct time from the labor to install the used front-end on the wrecked vehicle.

What is the cornerstone of training?

The cornerstone of training is studying. Giving your people the proper tools and training sessions are important, but your technicians also need to take the time to absorb the information.

How long does it take to write a collision estimate?

At Collision Advice, we believe it could take anywhere from one to three hours to write a proper estimate. The key to writing an accurate estimate is time. If your people don’t have enough time to write up a full estimate, that’s where mistakes get made.

What is the first step in collision repair?

No matter the type of accident, the first step in the collision repair procedure is writing an estimate— it’s used by both insurance companies and technicians throughout the repair, making it an essential tool in the process.

What is repair estimate form?

Repair Estimation Information Form Template is a document that entails every bit of information about repair work to be done. There are fields that require to be filled out and other particulars that need to be checked off. Everything starting from customer information to source of repair payment is included in this document.

What is the uniqueness of the Bureau of Automotive Repair Estimation Template?

The uniqueness of the template is that it’s content heavy without being clumsy.

How to write a repair estimate?

Writing a repair estimate: 1 Select a template of your choice from the internet 2 Gather all the right information 3 Thoroughly check the car or vehicle that needs to be repaired 4 Analyze and calculate the damage the property/car has 5 Provide the total estimate.

What is work estimate template?

Work estimate templatescan be used to make the perfect estimate as per the work is done by individuals or a group of people. The above-mentioned template is a repair estimate quote that helps in the precision of an estimate on how much a repair is going to cost.  It is in landscape format. The contents of the mockup have been placed in sections. You can download this mockup and make edits of your own choice.

What to note down in a repair estimate?

You must note down any special instructions the client has asked for. This could be during the repair or before. Since it is his/her product, you can also suggest to them what makes their product look better. You must describe the key instructions that have to be followed to make sure the repairs are done successfully. Check cost estimate templates in Wordfor more. If there are any extra notes to be mentioned, do not forget to do so.

How many ready made templates are there?

100,000+ Ready-Made Designs, Docs & Templates to Start, Run and Grow your Business

Why is it important to have a sample repair estimate?

It is very important that your sample repair estimate has the right title so that people will understand what your estimate is about. Along with the title, make sure you have the name of your company, the logo of your company and also, the address with the contact details mentioned.