Collision Repair and Estimate Navigator
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How We Determine Price
Parts: Austin Body Works uses Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for all repairs unless otherwise discussed and noted in your estimate.
Paint: Paint supplies and paint labor are broken out separately on your estimate, because they require specialized equipment and skills. Labor: We determine both paint and body labor hours based on an industry-standard flat rate. This is set by averaging the amount of time a particular repair takes a large group of technicians. The price for those repairs will not change even if the repair takes longer than expected. |
Stages of the Repair
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1. Preparation Vehicle assessment and insurance coordination. Order parts as outlined in your estimate. |
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2. Disassembly Get under the surface of the vehicle and assess for structural and other unseen damage. |
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3. Order Parts Order any additional parts identified in the disassembly. |
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4. Repair Certified, experienced technicians complete structural and cosmetic damage repair. |
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5. Paint Formulate color match, then prime, paint, and seal. |
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6. Assembly Assemble vehicle and test all systems to ensure repairs are complete and functional. |
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7. Quality Inspection Inspect the vehicle visually and technically, and then test drive. |
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8. Car Delivery Wash and prepare your hot rod for you to drive home. |
Glossary
A/M - Aftermarket Parts
A part made by a manufacturer other than the original vehicle manufacturer.
Blnd - Blending
A process of gradually blending the paint into the neighboring panel that is replaced or repaired. This is an essential step to prevent the appearance of edges between new and existing color.
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts
Parts that are created for your vehicle by the original vehicle manufacturer that will function and fit perfectly.
O/H - Overhaul
Labor pricing term denoting where we can bundle repairs in the same area of your vehicle to minimize labor costs.
R&R - Remove and Replace
Labor indicated for parts that will be removed and that must be replaced with a new part.
R&I - Remove and Install
Labor indicated for parts that will be removed, set aside, and then reinstalled later in the repair process. Often, interior and exterior items unrelated to the damage may need to be removed to access the items that do need to be repaired or replaced.
Recond. - Reconditioned Part
A previously-damaged factory part that has been repaired.
Recycled Part
A part taken from another vehicle that may or may not have been previously damaged.
Industry-Standard Flat Rate
Rate determined by industry metrics that will not change based on how long the repair takes.
Variable Rate
Rate based on how long the repair takes.
A part made by a manufacturer other than the original vehicle manufacturer.
Blnd - Blending
A process of gradually blending the paint into the neighboring panel that is replaced or repaired. This is an essential step to prevent the appearance of edges between new and existing color.
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts
Parts that are created for your vehicle by the original vehicle manufacturer that will function and fit perfectly.
O/H - Overhaul
Labor pricing term denoting where we can bundle repairs in the same area of your vehicle to minimize labor costs.
R&R - Remove and Replace
Labor indicated for parts that will be removed and that must be replaced with a new part.
R&I - Remove and Install
Labor indicated for parts that will be removed, set aside, and then reinstalled later in the repair process. Often, interior and exterior items unrelated to the damage may need to be removed to access the items that do need to be repaired or replaced.
Recond. - Reconditioned Part
A previously-damaged factory part that has been repaired.
Recycled Part
A part taken from another vehicle that may or may not have been previously damaged.
Industry-Standard Flat Rate
Rate determined by industry metrics that will not change based on how long the repair takes.
Variable Rate
Rate based on how long the repair takes.
Questions to Ask When Comparing Shops
How does the shop determine how many hours a repair will take?
Flat Rate vs. Variable Rate
Flat Rate vs. Variable Rate
What are the shop's hourly rates for auto body labor, paint labor and paint supplies?
Shops control how they price their labor, and this is a key source of price differential.
What quality of parts is the shop using?
New factory parts from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will fit your car perfectly, whereas alternative options may not be optimal.
When alternative parts are necessary, Austin Body Works has the most success with recycled parts over aftermarket and reconditioned parts.
Does the shop expect to find any more areas to fix once they start repair?
Body shops have their own estimate writing approach. Did they give you a best-case or worst-case-scenario? There is less variability if your damage is cosmetic.
Does the shop extend a lifetime warranty on their repairs?
Many shops do, but not all. Insurance companies often say they provide a lifetime warranty, but most often it is the body shop that warranties your repair.
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