How Estimates Work
How Collision Repair Estimates Work
If you’ve been in a collision, you want to get your vehicle fixed and back on the road as quickly and affordably as possible. But before repairs can begin, you’ll want to get a collision repair estimate. Getting a shop repair estimate is a quick and easy way to know how much repairs might cost before a Wayne Val Autobody} expert starts work on your vehicle. This way, there are no surprise bills at the end.
Collision Repair Estimates — What Customers Need to Know
After a collision, your first major step is to obtain an auto repair estimate that outlines the expected costs for parts and labor. If insurance is involved, you’ll also need a collision claim estimate to submit to the insurer before work begins.
1. Initial Damage Assessment
When you bring in your vehicle, a Wayne Val Autobody estimator will first do a thorough inspection to assess the damage. They’ll do a visual inspection, noting any dents, dings, or scratches on the body and visible damage to the interior or engine. Then, they’ll use a variety of diagnostic tools, photos, or digital measuring systems to see if there might be hidden damage to the frame, suspension, or engine.
2. Parts and Labor Evaluation
Once they have a thorough list of the work to be done, the estimator will make a list of all the parts required to complete the repair, along with their prices. They’ll also estimate how many hours of labor will be required and include the labor cost estimate in the vehicle repair cost.
The cost of the parts may vary depending on whether they provide an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts estimate or an aftermarket parts estimate. If you’d prefer one or the other, let your Wayne Val Autobody assessor know so they can add the correct parts to your auto body repair cost.
A detailed repair estimate will also include vehicle restoration estimates to get your vehicle back to mint condition. This may involve a frame damage estimate or paint and body estimate to reshape and refinish any cosmetic damage to the body.
3. Supplementing the Estimate
Sometimes things change after additional inspection or during disassembly. If your Wayne Val Autobody estimator discovers further damage that isn’t covered by the original quote, a supplemental estimate may be added. If needed, they’ll also submit a new insurance claim estimate to your insurer.
4. Insurance Adjuster Review
If you’ve filed an insurance claim, your post-accident estimate may be subject to an insurance adjuster review. Before an insurance company pays out for a repair, they want to be sure that the work being done is necessary and that they're getting the best price.
If the insurance repair estimate matches the body shop estimate, they'll approve the work. Otherwise, they may ask for additional documentation or request changes. Once an agreement is reached, the estimate approval process can move to the final stage.
5. Customer Approval and Authorization
Once the shop has the final estimate, they'll send it to you for official approval and authorization to begin the work. The final vehicle repair estimate should include:
- Total cost of all parts and labor needed
- Any taxes or fees required by your state or municipality
- Your insurance deductible, if applicable
- Anticipated timeline for the work to be completed
If you have any questions or concerns, speak to your Wayne Val Autobody estimator. If the changes are possible, the shop will provide you with an updated estimate. Once everything looks good, and you understand and approve the repairs, the shop will begin the work.
6. Key Considerations for Customers
Keep in mind that estimates may change once the work begins. Sometimes issues don't become apparent until the estimator is completing the repairs. But don't worry about getting surprise bills at the end. A reputable shop such as Wayne Val Autobody will always inform you of any changes, provide an updated repair quote, and get your approval again before going ahead with the work.
Many shops use photos and other digital tools to help with estimate transparency. If you’re unsure about some part of the damage assessment, ask your Wayne Val Autobody estimator to show you their measurements or pictures to help you understand the damage and the work required to repair it.
Come to Wayne Val Autobody for a Fast and Fair Collision Repair Estimate
Don’t let a collision be the end of the road. At Wayne Val Autobody we’ve been providing auto repair appraisals in the Little Canada, MN area since 1969. We pride ourselves on providing total transparency in our collision repair quotes. You can be sure you’re getting the best and fairest repair cost estimate.
If you’ve been in a collision, call (651) 483-4493 to schedule your collision damage evaluation, or bring your vehicle to 97 S Owasso Blvd W, Little Canada, MN 55117 to get a collision repair estimate today.
