CAADE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CAADE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How do environmental factors affect vehicle repair estimates? → They can influence part availability and labor rates
2. What is the first step in estimating repair costs for a vehicle? → Inspecting the vehicle to assess damage
3. Why is it important to classify the type of vehicle damage? → To accurately determine the extent of the damage and repair costs.
4. What role do industry standards play in vehicle maintenance? → They ensure vehicles are serviced effectively and safely
5. What is the primary purpose of adhering to legal and ethical standards in automotive appraisal? → To maintain fairness, integrity, and trust
6. What is the role of transparency in the legal aspects of automotive appraisal? → It ensures clarity and legal compliance
7. Which ADAS feature relies on radar sensors typically located in the front bumper fascia? → Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning
8. If a supplement includes a request for a rental car extension due to the additional repair time, who typically authorizes this extension? → The insurance claims adjuster or appraiser handling the file
9. Why is it important for technicians to be familiar with automotive repair standards? → To provide accurate repairs that comply with regulations
10. Which element is considered the foundation of a legally defensible damage appraisal report? → Accurate, itemized, and source-supported documentation of all damage and repair procedures
11. During a preliminary damage inspection, which of the following steps is essential to perform before conducting a detailed analysis of individual parts? → Check for fluid leaks and note the odometer reading.
12. Why is it important to track repair costs over time? → To analyze trends and refine future estimates
13. How do legal requirements impact the methods used in automotive appraisals? → They ensure appraisals comply with legal standards and regulations
14. What is the purpose of documenting the damages with photographs? → To provide evidence for insurance claims and legal issues.
15. Which party typically initiates the supplement process when additional damage is discovered? → The repair facility contacts the insurer or appraiser
16. What is the significance of maintaining confidentiality in automotive appraisals? → It protects sensitive information and maintains trust
17. A hybrid vehicle is brought in after a collision. What additional safety precaution must the appraiser take before inspecting the damage? → Verify the high-voltage system is deactivated using proper lockout/tagout procedures
18. During the damage analysis process, a 'supplement' is written to: → Update the original estimate with additional damage found after teardown.
19. What does OBD-II stand for in the context of collision-related vehicle diagnostics? → On-Board Diagnostics second generation
20. What is the importance of factoring in overhead costs when estimating repair costs? → They help ensure accurate cost coverage
21. What is the purpose of providing customers with a written repair estimate? → To provide clarity and avoid misunderstandings
22. What is the main purpose of automotive industry standards? → To ensure consistency, safety, and quality
23. When estimating repairs to a vehicle with a damaged seat belt pretensioner, why must a new pretensioner be included regardless of visible damage? → Because a triggered pretensioner is a single-use device that cannot be reset
24. Why is it important for appraisers to stay updated with legal and ethical standards? → To ensure the appraisals are legally valid and fair
25. After replacing a front bumper on a vehicle with an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, what must the appraiser note as a required repair step? → Recalibrate the front radar sensor to manufacturer specifications
26. In California, a vehicle is considered a 'total loss' based on the Total Loss Formula (TLF). Which of the following correctly represents this formula? → Cost of Repairs + Salvage Value ≥ Actual Cash Value (ACV)
27. Why is photographic documentation especially important during the supplement process? → It provides objective evidence supporting or disputing supplemental damage claims
28. Which of the following scenarios would make a vehicle's dent INELIGIBLE for Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)? → A moderate dent on the quarter panel where the paint is cracked and flaking.
29. How do labor rates impact the overall repair cost estimate? → They are a key factor in determining the total cost
30. Why is it important to follow industry standards during vehicle damage assessments? → To ensure fair and consistent evaluations.