Repair Cost Estimating Flashcards

An ADAS-equipped vehicle requires recalibration of its forward-facing camera after a windshield replacement. This cost should be:

Answer: Included in the estimate as a necessary part of restoring the vehicle to pre-loss condition

ADAS recalibration after windshield replacement is a required operation to restore safety systems to proper function and must be included in the repair estimate.

When estimating the cost to repair a high-strength steel (HSS) component, the estimator should be aware that:

Answer: HSS may require specialized welding procedures or replacement per OEM guidelines rather than straightening

OEM repair procedures for high-strength steel often prohibit straightening and require replacement to maintain structural integrity and crash performance.

A loss adjuster finds that a repair shop's estimate includes 'corrosion protection' as a line item. This refers to:

Answer: Application of anti-corrosion materials to weld seams and bare metal exposed during structural repairs

Corrosion protection in collision repair refers to applying anti-corrosion compounds to areas where bare metal is exposed during structural or weld repairs to prevent future rust.

When reviewing a repair estimate, the adjuster notices 'clear coat blend' is listed. What does this mean?

Answer: Clear coat is applied to adjacent panels to feather the repair area and ensure a uniform sheen

Clear coat blending involves extending clear coat onto adjacent panels to feather the repair edge so the finished surface sheen is uniform across panel boundaries.

Which of the following would typically appear as a 'miscellaneous' or 'environmental fee' line on a repair estimate?

Answer: Hazardous waste disposal for used fluids, solvents, and paint materials

Environmental or hazardous waste disposal fees cover the shop's cost to properly dispose of paint solvents, used fluids, and other regulated materials generated during repair.

A vehicle with a damaged tailgate has a factory-integrated backup camera. When writing the repair estimate, the adjuster should:

Answer: Include camera replacement and any required module programming or calibration in the estimate

Integrated vehicle technology damaged in a covered collision must be included in the repair estimate to restore the vehicle to its pre-loss condition.

In estimating software, what does 'parts markup' represent?

Answer: The percentage added above the shop's cost for a part to cover handling, ordering, and profit

Parts markup is the percentage a repair shop adds above its cost for a part to cover administrative handling, storage, and to generate reasonable profit.