How do I get a car collision repair estimate?
Getting a car collision repair estimate is a simple process but there are several steps that include talking with your insurance company, choosing a repair shop, and having your vehicle physically inspected (rather than simply having an online estimate). In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What a collision repair estimate includes
- Limitations on collision repair estimates
- How to get a car collision repair estimate
- Collision repair estimates for totaled or salvage titled vehicles
What a collision repair estimate includes
A car collision repair estimate is the first step in the process to fix your damaged vehicle. The North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act defines how car collision repair estimates work. An estimate can be many pages in length because it includes things like:
- any diagnostic fees that may apply,
- a list of parts needed for repair or replacement,
- labor entries for things like removal and installation (R/I) of parts, paint and finish, sensor recalibration, frame straightening, repairs required to make replacement or salvage parts suitable for installation, and other services,
- shop supplies, and
- regulatory fees required from the repair shop.
Every car collision repair estimate in North Carolina will also include an estimate of taxes you’ll be required to pay. Those are set by the State of North Carolina in the NC Sales and Use Tax requirements.
Limitations on collision repair estimates
Interior view of a Kia Sedona minivan with all interior panels removed for replacement after repair of hidden damage on the inner fender. At Automotive Collision Specialists in Fuquay Varina NC during collision repair.
By definition, an estimate is NOT a guarantee of the final cost for repairs.
An estimate only includes the costs for repairs an adjuster and estimator can actually see. In most cases, your car collision repair estimate will need at least one supplement. That’s because most accidents result in Hidden Damage. Since damage is hidden, nobody can see it (that includes insurance adjusters) until a technician starts taking the car apart.
In some cases, your vehicle may also have improperly repaired damage from a prior accident. A collision estimate will not automatically include repair to areas not involved in the insurance claim.
Our experienced auto body repair shop team will always let you know when we find hidden damage that’s not covered in your written estimate. With that information, you will need to work with your insurance company and decide how you want to handle the repair. If your insurance company will not cover the cost to repair that prior damage, you will be responsible to pay for those repairs.
How to get a car collision repair estimate
There are 8 steps in the car collision repair estimate process:
- Notify your insurance company of the accident
- Receive the responsible insurance company adjuster’s initial repair estimate
- Schedule an appointment at the shop of your choice
- Provide the adjuster’s repair estimate
- Get approval for an initial supplement if required
- Authorize the shop to perform the repair
- Schedule a drop off appointment for repair
- Work with the shop and insurer on supplemental adjustments to the estimate
The first step in any car collision repair estimate is to notify your insurance company of the accident. They will decide whether or not to accept financial responsibility for the repairs. In most cases, if someone else was at fault their insurance company will be responsible for payment.
Once you know which company is responsible, you should work with their adjusters and receive their initial repair estimate.
With the insurance company’s initial estimate in hand, you’ll find a reputable auto body repair shop like ours and schedule an appointment.
Important: North Carolina law allows you to use the repair shop of your choice. You are not required to use the shop or any other shops on the insurance company’s “approved” list.
When you arrive, our expert technicians will review the adjuster’s estimate. If necessary, we will also create an initial supplement for things the adjuster didn’t include. If you are working with one of our select insurance companies, our team will work directly with the insurance company to make sure they understand the supplement. If you’re working with another insurer, we’ll provide you with the supplement and advise you as you work with your agent and adjuster.
Once the estimate and supplements are accepted, we’ll schedule your vehicle for repairs. We cannot start repairs until this part of the process is done. Regardless of the body shop you choose, it is important to remember that the owner of the vehicle – not the insurance company – is responsible to pay for any costs you approve regardless of whether the insurance company is willing to pay.
Collision repair estimates for totaled or salvage titled vehicles
Photo of a silver BMW 3 series sedan at Automotive Collision Specialists collision repair center for an estimate before finding out the car was totaled.
If the insurance company decides your collision damage will result in a total loss, you will have to decide whether or not to let the insurance company take the vehicle or if you want to have a shop repair it under a salvage title. Our shop does not repair totaled vehicles but you may be able to find another shop that will. We don’t recommend this unless the vehicle is rare or has sentimental value.
About Automotive Collision Specialists in Fuquay Varina, NC
Do you want your car repaired correctly? We do too. That’s why we stand behind all our work with a limited lifetime warranty. We need to be sure your vehicle is repaired correctly when it rolls out of our collision center.
If you’re trying to find a good auto body repair shop near you to help, please give us a call. We’ve been serving neighbors in and near the local Fuquay-Varina, NC community for more than 30 years.
We’re ASE and I-CAR certified and offer a limited lifetime warranty on all the work we do. Call us today at 919-552-0333 to see how we can help!
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