Auto Zero
Auto Body Repair Estimates Demystified – The 5 Most Common Items on a Repair Estimate
So you’ve decided to get an estimate from a local body shop. These days, most body shops will use a computerized estimating software to write your estimate. If the shop you have chosen does not use a computer to write your estimate that should be cause for concern. This is not meant as a jab at those long time owners and technicians and I am not implying they are “backward” or “luddites” or ignorant. Its more for accountability. Computerized software is now standard in our industry and insures a more uniform, unbiased and accurate appraisal for how long things take to repair. For instance, I was talking to a shop owner just a couple days ago who was remembering with fondness the good old days when he would routinely get 15+ labor hours to repair frames on cars that nowadays he only gets 4-5 hours on. The truth is however that 4-5 is the more accurate and fair rate (depending on the job of course it could be more or less). And since consumers and insurance companies are billed by the hours on an estimate the old days of falsely inflating hours are gone. 3
When it comes to auto body repair the vast majority of line items on an estimate will be one of 5 things:
1. R & I. This is shorthand for “remove and install” and means to take something off your car and then to re-install it later. Parts that are not damaged may need to be temporarily removed to access another part that was damaged or more often so the panel it is taken off of can painted properly. For instance, say your electric motor for your window stops working. The interior trim panel will need to be temporarily removed for to gain access to the motor to see if it can be repaired (not likely!) or replaced. Or perhaps a molding needs to be removed from your door before it is painted only to be put back on later when the paint dries. One caution here is that if panels are being painted and you’re not being charged for R & I the shop may be taping them up which can actually cause peeling or flaking months or years later. So don’t be surprised if for instance a headlight needs to be removed to properly paint a fender. You should actually be more concerned if its not. FYI: R & I times are typically set to industry standards by estimating software and are not discretionary. 3
2. Repair. Repair (aka ‘Rpr’) is the most discretionary item on an estimate and typically the amount of time it takes to repair something will be underlined or asterisk-ed (*) to indicate this. This is where an insurance adjuster might say a dent will take 3 hours to fix and a technician might say it will take 4. There’s no hard and fast rule here and this needs to be negotiated between insurance adjusters, shop estimators and possibly even the technicians doing the job. My dad who has been in the industry almost 40 years taught me a long time ago that a dent which is about the size of a man’s fist should take about 3 hours to repair. From there you can adjust up or done for various things like a body line that runs through the dent (add an hour) or the dent has no creases and is accessible from the inside and therefore can be mostly popped out (subtract time). The reason these times are so important is that insurance companies are paying shops based on the number of hours on the estimate. For more information visit car window repair
3. Replace. Replacing parts, sometimes shorthanded to ‘repl,’ is not a discretionary item on an estimate and is governed by industry standards or what shop folks call “book time.” If the book/software says it takes 3.5 hours to replace that bumper then that is what the insurance company will pay. No more and no less. It is pretty well standardized with only slight variations depending on which software is used and then it only differs by very little. For more information visit car door dent repair
4. Sublet. Sometimes there are things that an auto body shop will send to someone else (typically a mechanic who takes care of more under the hood items) to perform and this is categorized as sublet. Popular things for shops to sublet out are air conditioner recharging and 4 wheel alignments when the suspension is damaged. The reason this is sent out typically is that the equipment and space required for these operations are not cost effective for a body shop. And when it comes to deeper engine repair, oil and paint don’t mix! Oil and grease can quickly ruin a paint job. So, shops that say they can do “everything” typically can’t do everything well.
5. Miscellaneous. Under this category will go small charges like “hazardous waste removal” (about once a month we pay someone to pick up and dispose of our hazardous waste in the safest way possible) and “car cover for overspray” which pays for paper, tape and plastic to cover the vehicle during the painting process so paint over spray doesn’t go all over the windows or adjacent panels.
Article done by Kevin_A._Rains Article Source: Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_A._Rains
|
|
Car CLASSIC radio cassette ZERO BRITISH 2 band full auto reverse LCD display NEW $63.23 |
|
|
Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera Time-Zero Auto focus Camera instant Model 2 $69.95 |
|
|
NEW HAMILTON KHAKI BELOW ZERO AUTO MENS WATCH H78515353 $995.00 |
|
|
NEW AUTO AIR CONDITIONER SUB ZERO RECHILL KIT, W/R-134 REFRIGERANT/INSTRUCTIONS $31.11 |
|
|
Polaroid SX-70 TIME Zero Auto Focus Camera & Case $26.00 |
|
|
2012 Honda Rincon 4WD, EFI, AUTO, BRAND NEW ZERO MILES! HUGE SAVINGS! $7,800.00 |
|
|
RARE POLAROID TIME ZERO SX-70 AUTO FOCUS SLR INSTANT CAMERA, FACTORY CALIBRATOR $49.00 |
|
|
Vintage Antique 1960′s Detecto Auto Zero Bathroom Scale Sea Shell Shape Yellow $65.00 |
|
|
Skil Router Base w Auto Zero Feature $19.95 |
|
|
6x MTD Automatic GREASE GUN – Riding Mowers/Decks/Zero-Turn/Auto/Truck – NOS $29.75 |
|
|
FRP 02-03 Subaru Impreza Zero Front BUMPER Kit Auto Body New item A+ $136.00 |
|
|
FRP 02-03 Subaru Impreza 4dr Zero Rear BUMPER Kit Auto Body New item A+ $136.00 |
|
|
FRP 02-07 Subaru Impreza Zero SIDE SKIRTS Kit Auto Body US Seller A+ $125.60 |
|
|
10 mL Buret Auto Zero Class A $0.99 |
|
|
NEW ATC 6501-270-56-00 AUTO ZERO AMPLIFIER MODULE $30.00 |
|
|
SHINGO TAKATSU 2005 DONRUSS CLASSICS AUTO SIGNED /10 “MR.ZERO” IN JAPAN $35.00 |
|
|
TC913 Dual Auto Zero OpAmp, Instrumentation Amp $0.99 |
|
|
The Zero-Carbon Car: Building the Car the Auto Industry Can’t Get Right, William $13.37 |
|
|
TSK America / STC Auto Zero Dyna Track Recorder Control $45.00 |
|
|
Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera Time Zero Auto Focus $30.00 |
|
|
Heraeus C02/02-Auto-Zero Oven/Chiller/Incubator B5061EC $575.00 |
|
|
ASH ZERO #0 CHROME VARIANTw/ QUESADA & PALMIOTTI AUTO {NM} EVENT COMICS $12.95 |
|
|
CITROEN C ZERO 5D HATCH 11 20% SUN STRIP PRE CUT CAR WINDOW TINT KIT / AUTO FILM $26.79 |
|
|
Polaroid Land Camera SX-70 Time Zero Auto Focus Model 2 Special Edition – Tested $9.99 |
|
|
Auto Zero / Calibrate Control $15.00 |
|
|
ERNI 533603 Splicing Specialist Auto Zero With Limits Rev. A NEW-NO BOX $447.95 |
|
|
3PCS, Auto Tool Zero Sensor & Connection Checker, Cnc, Tool Change/ Measurement. $110.00 |
|
|
NEW HAMILTON BELOW ZERO AUTO BLACK DIAL WATCH H78686333 $1,475.00 |
|
|
Movomatic PC3151b Auto Zero Analog Memory Card $145.00 |
|
|
TC913 Dual Auto Zero OpAmp, Instrumentation Amp x4 $6.88 |
|
|
Auto Tool Zero Sensor & Connection Checker, Cnc, Tool Change / Measurement. $38.29 |
|
|
Slicing Specialist Inc Auto Zero With Limits Rev. A USED $227.95 |
|
|
X-MEN ORIGINS WOLVERINE Daniel Henney Agent Zero Auto Autograph Card $9.99 |
|
|
NEW HAMILTON BELOWZERO AUTO CHRONO PVD WATCH BELOW ZERO H78696393 $1,075.50 |
|
|
TC913 Dual Auto Zero OpAmp, Instrumentation Amp x2 $4.42 |
|
|
Tamarack Auto Zero Intergrating Exposure Control P32-5 $250.00 |
|
|
Bruins Mr Zero Frank Brimsek Auto Signed 3×5 Index Card JSA SGC SLABBED RARE C $149.99 |
|
|
Daytronics 9271A Auto-Zero Module NEW $279.99 |
|
|
FUJI AUTO BREAKER EA63B EA63B AC220V 60A KITAMUR ZERO $87.99 |
|
|
FUJI AUTO BREAKER EA33M AC220V 41-19589 EA33M 4119589 KITAMURA ZERO B $52.79 |
|
|
FUJI AUTO BREAKER EA33M AC220V 41-19589 EA33M KITAMUR ZERO $52.79 |
|
|
Zero Cuff Extra Soft Blue Chenille Microfiber Auto Car Wash Mitt Autofiber $12.95 |
|
|
The Zero-Carbon Car: Building the Car the Auto Industry $27.69 |
|
|
Daytronic Auto Zero Module Model 9271A $299.99 |
|
|
Daytronic 9271 Auto-Zero Module $299.99 |
|
|
ORIGINAL HAMILTON KHAKI BELOW ZERO AUTO WATCH H78696393 $1,475.00 |
|
|
LP-1298 Zero to Bitch in 60 Seconds Novelty License Plate Auto Vehicle Car Tag $13.75 |
|
|
ORTEC 672 Spectroscopy Amplifier Auto Pole-Zero NIM Germanium Detector $983.77 |
|
|
Dual Auto Zero OpAmp, Instrumentation Amp TC913 Qty:2 $3.79 |
|
|
VAMPIRELLA ZERO AUTO’S BY J QUESADA & J PALMIATTI W/COA $19.95 |
|
|
Apolo Anton Ohno autographed auto signed Zero Regrets hardcover book WITH PHOTO $55.00 |
|
|
Creating the Ultimate Lean Office: A Zero-Waste Environment with Process Auto… $65.18 |
|
|
Husqvarna 230 ACX Automower NEW Auto Charging, Alarm, Zero Emissions!!! $2,799.95 |
|
|
TC913 Dual Auto Zero OpAmp, Instrumentation Amp $2.29 |
|
|
Movomatic PC 3151b Auto Zero Analog Memory #7033 $149.99 |
|
|
Carl Stahl Auto Stat 7230-06 Zero Gravity Balancer $60.00 |
|
|
Movomatic PC3151A Auto Zero Analog Memory card PC 3151A $165.00 |
|
|
Movomatic PC3151B Auto Zero Analog Memory card PC 3151B $165.00 |
|
|
General DCO1001 Digital CO Detector, with Auto Zero $139.36 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $2.50 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $2.50 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $5.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $5.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $5.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $5.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $5.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $5.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $5.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $6.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $12.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $12.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $12.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $12.00 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |
|
|
0 Flame Number Zero Sticker Decal 4 Laptop RC Window Race Car Mailbox Boat Auto $1.20 |