CAADE Estimating Repair Costs 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a 'not-included' operation that must be added separately when replacing a bumper cover?
- Removing the bumper cover
- Color sanding and polishing the refinished surface (Correct answer)
- Installing the new bumper cover
- Returning removed parts to the vehicle
Correct answer: Color sanding and polishing the refinished surface
Color sanding and polishing are typically not included in standard refinish times and must be added as separate line items when required.
Question 2: An estimate shows R&I (Remove and Install) for a door glass. What does this operation entail?
- Replacing the glass with a new unit
- Removing the glass temporarily to access components behind it, then reinstalling the same glass (Correct answer)
- Inspecting the glass for damage only
- Removing and disposing of the broken glass
Correct answer: Removing the glass temporarily to access components behind it, then reinstalling the same glass
R&I means the existing undamaged component is removed to facilitate adjacent repairs and then reinstalled on the same vehicle.
Question 3: When performing a structural repair estimate on a unibody vehicle, which dimension is most critical to verify?
- Ground clearance
- Datum plane, centerline, and height dimensions (Correct answer)
- Wheel track width only
- Roof height
Correct answer: Datum plane, centerline, and height dimensions
Datum, centerline, and height measurements together confirm that the unibody structure is within factory tolerances in all three planes.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of including 'hazardous waste disposal' fees in a damage estimate?
- To cover shop utility costs
- To account for regulated disposal of fluids, filters, and materials generated during repair (Correct answer)
- To pay for employee safety training
- To offset the cost of shop supplies
Correct answer: To account for regulated disposal of fluids, filters, and materials generated during repair
Hazardous waste fees cover the legal disposal of regulated materials such as used coolant, oil, paint waste, and airbag chemicals.
Question 5: A rear-end collision damages the trunk lid, rear bumper, and quarter panels. An appraiser should check for damage to which underlying system?
- The fuel injection system
- The rear frame rails and trunk floor structure (Correct answer)
- The front suspension components
- The climate control system
Correct answer: The rear frame rails and trunk floor structure
Rear impacts commonly transfer force to the rear frame rails and trunk floor, requiring structural inspection beyond visible panel damage.
Question 6: In a damage estimate, what does the acronym 'LKQ' stand for, and when is it used?
- Lowest Known Quote — used for labor rates
- Like Kind and Quality — used for recycled OEM parts from salvage (Correct answer)
- Licensed Keeper Qualification — used for shop certification
- Labor Knowledge Quotient — used to rate technician skill
Correct answer: Like Kind and Quality — used for recycled OEM parts from salvage
LKQ (Like Kind and Quality) refers to recycled OEM parts sourced from salvage yards and used when approved as an alternative to new OEM parts.
Question 7: Why must an estimator perform a pre-repair scan of a modern vehicle's electronic systems?
- To verify the vehicle's mileage
- To identify pre-existing fault codes that could be confused with collision-related damage (Correct answer)
- To unlock the vehicle's computer for programming
- To determine the vehicle's fuel economy rating
Correct answer: To identify pre-existing fault codes that could be confused with collision-related damage
A pre-repair scan documents existing DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) so they are not incorrectly attributed to the collision being estimated.
CAADE Estimating Repair Costs 4
Which of the following is a 'not-included' operation that must be added separately when replacing a bumper cover?