CAADE Estimating Principles and Software 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best explains why an estimator would add 'additional time' (add time) beyond the published labor guide figure?
- When vehicle-specific conditions such as corrosion, prior repairs, or design complexity make the standard time insufficient (Correct answer)
- When the shop's door rate is lower than the regional average
- When the customer requests faster completion of the repair
- When the part is on backorder and installation is delayed
Correct answer: When vehicle-specific conditions such as corrosion, prior repairs, or design complexity make the standard time insufficient
Additional time is justified when documented vehicle conditions — such as rust, aftermarket modifications, or unusual access difficulty — require more time than the guide's standard operation assumes.
Question 2: In the context of ADAS calibration on a collision estimate, 'static calibration' means:
- The ADAS system is calibrated using targets in a controlled indoor environment with the vehicle stationary (Correct answer)
- The vehicle is driven at a fixed speed on a highway to calibrate lane-departure sensors
- Calibration is performed only by the OEM dealer, not at independent shops
- The system self-calibrates after a set number of miles driven post-repair
Correct answer: The ADAS system is calibrated using targets in a controlled indoor environment with the vehicle stationary
Static calibration requires a controlled environment with specific floor space, lighting, and target placement to reset ADAS sensors without moving the vehicle.
Question 3: A vehicle's VIN decoder in estimating software is used primarily to:
- Identify the vehicle's exact build specifications, including factory-installed options that affect part selection and pricing (Correct answer)
- Calculate the vehicle's age for depreciation purposes
- Confirm the owner's identity and insurance policy number
- Determine whether the vehicle qualifies for a rental car during repair
Correct answer: Identify the vehicle's exact build specifications, including factory-installed options that affect part selection and pricing
Decoding the VIN populates the estimating platform with the specific build data — engine, trim, packages — ensuring correct parts are selected for that individual vehicle.
Question 4: When estimating a high-voltage hybrid or electric vehicle, which safety consideration must be reflected in the estimate?
- High-voltage system disable/enable time and specialized PPE labor, as working near HV components poses electrocution risk (Correct answer)
- Mandatory towing to an EV-certified dealership for all repairs
- Replacement of all HV battery cells regardless of damage extent
- Prohibition on using any computerized estimating software for EV claims
Correct answer: High-voltage system disable/enable time and specialized PPE labor, as working near HV components poses electrocution risk
Estimates for HV vehicles must include labor time for safely disabling the high-voltage system before structural or mechanical work begins near HV components.
Question 5: What is the function of the 'parts locating' or 'interchange' feature in estimating software?
- To identify compatible parts from other vehicle models that fit the vehicle being estimated, expanding sourcing options (Correct answer)
- To locate the nearest OEM dealership to the repair facility
- To confirm that a part has been shipped and is in transit
- To flag parts that are subject to a manufacturer recall
Correct answer: To identify compatible parts from other vehicle models that fit the vehicle being estimated, expanding sourcing options
Interchange data in estimating databases identifies parts from different model years or trim levels that are physically compatible, allowing estimators to source less expensive or more available alternatives.
Question 6: In a supplement scenario, an appraiser discovers hidden damage after teardown that was not visible during the initial estimate. The correct process is to:
- Document the additional damage with photos, create a written supplement, and obtain insurer authorization before proceeding with the additional repairs (Correct answer)
- Proceed with all repairs immediately and bill the difference upon completion
- Absorb the cost of hidden damage as part of the original agreed estimate
- Ask the customer to file a new claim for the hidden damage
Correct answer: Document the additional damage with photos, create a written supplement, and obtain insurer authorization before proceeding with the additional repairs
Supplements require insurer authorization before additional repairs begin; proceeding without approval can result in non-payment for the additional work.
Question 7: Which estimating software feature allows a shop to compare its estimate against an insurer's counter-estimate line by line?
- The variance report or line-by-line comparison view, sometimes called a 'dispute' or 'negotiation' report (Correct answer)
- The total loss threshold calculator
- The regional labor rate benchmark tool
- The parts sourcing dashboard
Correct answer: The variance report or line-by-line comparison view, sometimes called a 'dispute' or 'negotiation' report
Variance or dispute reports generated by platforms like CCC ONE or Mitchell display each line item side by side, highlighting differences between the shop's estimate and the insurer's version.
CAADE Estimating Principles and Software 5
Which of the following best explains why an estimator would add 'additional time' (add time) beyond the published labor guide figure?