Understanding the Two Main Types of Autobody Repair Quotes

So, you’ve been in a collision, and now you need to navigate the aftermath, which means dealing with insurance coverage, potential legal issues, and, of course, getting your car repaired and back on the road. You have a couple of reputable collision repair shops in mind, but then you start to wonder: Are these shops going to charge me just to provide an autobody estimate?

The answer all depends. In the world of collision repair, there are two types of autobody estimates: preliminary and accurate. In this blog, we’re going to explain the differences between these two tiers of autobody repair quotes, including what they entail, what costs are involved, and when you might want to choose one or the other.

Preliminary Collision Repair Estimate

A preliminary autobody estimate is a ballpark figure based on a visual inspection. It provides you with a sense of the extent of the damage, as well as the steps, processes, and amount of time that are going to be required to fix it. It’s useful as a basis for comparison for shopping around (as you should).

Most reputable autobody shops offer this service, which includes the following, free of charge:

Visual Inspection: A qualified collision repair estimator visually inspects the affected panels, paint damage, and other factors to assess the overall damage. They may also suggest how likely it is that further, hidden damage exists beneath the surface.

Autobody Repair Estimate: You will be provided with an estimated cost for repairs. The shop should clearly communicate the fact that the estimate could change after a more in-depth inspection. Hidden and/or indirect damage is always a possibility, especially after more serious collisions.

Professional Advice: Take full advantage of the knowledge and expertise of your collision repair expert. Ask about the various repair processes that may be viable, their associated costs, and how long the process might take. Also check if there are any delays expected for the parts or materials that repairs will require—backordered parts can significantly extend the repair timeline.

Insurance Implications: The preliminary autobody estimate can give you an idea of whether the repair costs should be fully or partially covered under your policy.

Accurate Autobody Repair Quote

An accurate autobody repair quote involves a detailed, in-depth inspection and assessment of the damage. Because it takes more time and effort, there is usually a cost associated with this type of estimate, although some shops may offer it free of charge.

An accurate autobody estimate typically consists of:

In-Depth Inspection and Assessment: The autobody estimator will perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle, which may include diagnostic tests and require the involvement of a technician. Keep in mind that hidden damage is exactly that, meaning that your vehicle may also have to be dismantled to some degree to provide an accurate estimate.

Itemized Plan for Repairs: This detailed breakdown should clearly set out each step of the repair plan, the parts that need replacement, and any additional services that the shop expects will be necessary to restore the vehicle.

Precise Calculation of Expected Costs: You should be provided with an easy-to-understand estimate that itemizes all expected costs. Reputable shops prioritize their ability to provide estimates that align as closely as possible with the final invoice. This is vital not only for their own business planning purposes, but also for customer loyalty and retention.

Note that even an accurate autobody estimate is not written in stone, and could still fluctuate up or down based on variable factors as the actual work is completed.

You’ve Got Your Accurate Estimate … Now What?

An accurate estimate allows you to move forward with confidence. With one of these in hand, you can:

Decide on a Shop: Preliminary estimates are great for comparison purposes, but you should never decide on a collision repair shop until you have all the facts. Be sure to also research the certifications, warranty options, and overall reputation of the shops in question.

Some body shops intentionally omit items from their estimate to create the impression it is a better deal than the rest, only to claim later that the item was overlooked and charge you for it after the fact. Be sure to do a line-by-line comparison of all your estimates to make sure this is not the case.

In Ontario, repair shops can charge up to 10% more without your approval; anything over that 10% has to be authorized by you.

Authorize Repairs: Your repairer of choice will typically ask you to sign a repair authorization form, at which point the real work of fixing your car can begin.

Submit Your Claim: Insurance companies each have their own process for initiating a claim, so be sure to ask specifically what that process is. When speaking to your insurance rep, keep in mind that many companies will try to sway you to go to their recommended body shop for cost savings. Some will even go to the extent of telling you that, if you don’t go to one of their preferred shops, you will be responsible for any cost not covered by them.

At Mitek, there will be no additional costs passed onto you. We are OEM certified and have your best interests in mind for the best possible quality repair. We also warranty all collision repairs for as long as you own the vehicle.

When in Doubt, Ask Mitek!

Preliminary estimates should be considered just that… a starting point that arms you with enough knowledge to begin exploring your options in terms of insurance coverage and possible autobody repairers to entrust with your car, but they can only take you so far.

Accurate estimates give you the facts you need to make decisions in your own bests interests—from choosing the right shop to determining how to proceed with an insurance claim. Most importantly, an accurate estimate gives us the green light to begin the process of getting your car back on the road … where it belongs.

If you’ve read this through but you’re still not sure what kind of autobody estimate you need, just ask us! Here at Mitek, we love to share our insights and expertise to help our customers make the best decisions… almost as much as we love repairing their cars.