What is a Repair Estimate
And how to read it?
A repair estimate is a line-by-line breakdown of the estimated cost to repair a vehicle.
Where can I get one?
Directly from your body shop
From your Insurance Company
Online Claim Portals
From an independent professional
Why do we need one
To properly complete your diminished value appraisal, need a copy of your repair estimate to get specific information from it.
Here's a simple guide to help you understand what to look for and what to send us.
How to read the repair estimate
click the circles to read more about it
2. Vehicle Information
This includes:
- Year, Make, Model
- VIN
- Mileage
- Date of Loss or Incident
Why do we need it?
This ensures we’re valuing the correct vehicle with accurate specs and timelines.
2. Vehicle Information
This includes:
- Year, Make, Model
- VIN
- Mileage
- Date of Loss or Incident
Why do we need it?
This ensures we’re valuing the correct vehicle with accurate specs and timelines.
3. Line by Line Repair Items
Each item shows:
- Parts being replaced or repaired
- Labor types (body, mechanical, paint)
- Pricing per item
- Any notes (e.g., OEM vs. aftermarket parts)
Why do we need it?
We review this to assess the validity and accuracy of the estimate or compare it to our own findings.
1. Loss information
This includes:
- Date of Loss
- Owner
- Insurance Co.
- Region
Why do we need it?
This ensures we’re finding comparables in the same area and give especialized advice on how to approach a claim.
1. Loss information
This includes:
- Date of Loss
- Owner
- Insurance Co.
- Region
Why do we need it?
This ensures we’re finding comparables in the same area and give especialized advice on how to approach a claim.
4. Estimate Summary Page
This includes:
- Total repair cost
- Labor hours and rates
- Parts subtotal
- Paint and materials
- Sales tax (if applicable)
Why do we need it?
This helps us verify cost breakdowns and compare repair economics.
4. Estimate Summary Page
This includes:
- Total repair cost
- Labor hours and rates
- Parts subtotal
- Paint and materials
- Sales tax (if applicable)
Why do we need it?
This helps us verify cost breakdowns and compare repair economics.
1. Loss Information
This includes
- Date of Loss
- Insurance Company
- Vehicle Owner
- Region
Why do we need this?
This ensures we’re finding comparables in the same area and give especialized advice on how to approach a claim.
2. Vehicle Information
This includes
- Year / Make / Model
- Mileage
- Condition
- Other information
Why do we need this?
This ensures we’re valuing the correct vehicle with accurate specs and timelines.
3. Line by line repair items
Each item shows
- Parts replaced or repaired
- Labor types (body, mechanical, paint...)
- Pricing per item
- Additional notes (aftermarket parts...)
Why do we need this?
We review this to assess the validity and accuracy of the estimate or compare it to our own findings.
4. Estimate Summary
This includes
- Total repair cost
- Labor hours and rates
- Parts subtotal
- Paint and materials
Why do we need this?
This helps us verify cost breakdowns and compare repair economics.
1. Loss Information
This includes
- Date of Loss
- Insurance Company
- Vehicle Owner
- Region
Why do we need this?
This ensures we’re finding comparables in the same area and give especialized advice on how to approach a claim.
2. Vehicle Information
This includes
- Year / Make / Model
- Mileage
- Condition
- Other information
Why do we need this?
This ensures we’re valuing the correct vehicle with accurate specs and timelines.
3. Line by line repair items
Each item shows
- Parts replaced or repaired
- Labor types (body, mechanical, paint...)
- Pricing per item
- Additional notes (aftermarket parts...)
Why do we need this?
We review this to assess the validity and accuracy of the estimate or compare it to our own findings.
4. Estimate Summary
This includes
- Total repair cost
- Labor hours and rates
- Parts subtotal
- Paint and materials