Key insights

• Estimating Bumper Repair Costs

  • 🚗 Bumpers are repaired and painted separately from the vehicle.
  • 🚗 Include labor and material costs for bumper repair in estimates.
  • 🚗 Partial refinishing can reduce estimated hours required.
  • 🚗 Pre-scan and post-scan diagnostics are essential post-accident.
  • 🚗 Include miscellaneous operations in estimates for completeness.

• Preparing Vehicle for Refinishing

  • 🚗 Field door attachment requires refinishing both the quarter panel and field door.
  • 🚗 D-trim areas need attention for non-reusable parts.
  • 🚗 File notes must be added about replacements.
  • 🚗 Adjust estimates to include glass labor and urethane kits.
  • 🚗 Tail lights must be removed for quarter panel painting.

• Documenting Auto Part Replacements

  • 🔧 Highlight and replace auto parts as needed.
  • 🔧 Document reasons for part replacements for insurance.
  • 🔧 Differentiate between full assemblies and specific repairs.
  • 🔧 Utilize paintless dent repair (PDR) for minor dents.
  • 🔧 Include notes in estimates to clarify actions taken.

• Tire and Windshield Repair Estimations

  • 🛠️ Ensure correct tire description, price, and labor hours.
  • 🛠️ Specify tire location when communicating with insurance.
  • 🛠️ Use part codes for mounting and balancing tires.
  • 🛠️ Consider different labor rates for windshield repairs.
  • 🛠️ Adjust parts for vehicles with roof racks when repairing the roof panel.

• Estimating Fender Repairs

  • 🛠️ Select and estimate repairs for left and right fenders.
  • 🛠️ Identify parts requiring removal for refinishing.
  • 🛠️ Include fender liners and exterior trim in estimates.
  • 🛠️ Note the requirement for non-reusable screws.
  • 🛠️ Estimate replacements for nameplates and electrical components.
  • 🛠️ Update estimates for wheels needing replacement due to access issues.
  • 🛠️ Include tire replacements by selecting brand and size.

• Estimating Vehicle Repair Costs

  • 📋 Inspect vehicle and categorize as drivable or non-drivable.
  • 📋 Ensure the accuracy of labor rates and taxes based on regulations.
  • 📋 Attach inspection photos for reference in the estimate.
  • 📋 Utilize specific tabs for detailed estimation like motor and tire.
  • 📋 Understand parts needing repair and determine necessary hours.
  • 📋 Estimate replacements for individual components like headlights.
  • 📋 Blend paint for fenders during hood repainting.

• Auto Estimate Writing Process

  • 📋 Guide on how to write the perfect auto estimate for wind debris damage.
  • 📋 Scope the vehicle one panel at a time and document damages.
  • 📋 Take detailed photos during the vehicle inspection process.
  • 📋 Assess and note repair hours for each panel using specific terms.
  • 📋 Organize the estimate writing process with estimating software.

Q&A

• What are the benefits of diagnostics in vehicle repair estimates? 🔍

  Conducting pre-scan and post-scan diagnostics is essential for vehicles involved in accidents. This ensures that you cover all potential issues in your estimates and properly account for any miscellaneous operations like hazardous waste disposal.

• How do I incorporate bumpers in my estimate? 🚧

  When estimating bumper repairs, note that they are typically repaired and painted separately from the vehicle. Make sure to include labor and material costs, and consider partial refinishing if it reduces estimated hours.

• What special considerations should I have for refinishing a vehicle? 🎨

  Ensure to handle trim parts correctly during refinishing. Take note of any components that must be replaced due to being non-reusable, and remember to document details like glass labor and urethane kits in your estimates.

• What details are essential when replacing various auto parts? 🔍

  When replacing parts like roof rails or doors, document the reasons for replacements thoroughly. Distinguish between full assemblies versus specific repairs in your estimates to maintain clarity and understanding.

• How do I estimate tire and windshield repairs accurately? 🚗

  When estimating tire repairs, provide correct descriptions and labor hours. For windshields, note the different labor rates and ensure to specify if sublet glass repairs are necessary, which might not incur additional tax.

• What should I know about estimating costs for fender repairs? 🔧

  When estimating repairs for left and right fenders, identify any parts, such as headlights and bumpers, that need removal for refinishing. Also, account for non-reusable screws and note any replacement parts needed along with their quantities.

• How do I assess repair hours for each vehicle panel? ⏱️

  During the inspection, evaluate each panel individually. Document the required hours for repairs based on the findings, and ensure that you also account for related repairs or components that need attention.

• What are some key terms to use in the estimation process? 📚

  It's important to use specific terminology like 'R9' which signifies repairs needed. Clear communication through precise terms helps to articulate the necessary repairs effectively.

• How should I start writing an auto estimate for wind debris damage? 📝

  Begin by systematically inspecting the vehicle one panel at a time. Document all visible damages and unrelated damages on a scope sheet. Taking detailed photos during the inspection is crucial for later clarity in the estimate.

• 00:00 In this video, Spence guides viewers on how to write the perfect auto estimate for wind debris damage, emphasizing a systematic approach to vehicle inspection and documentation. 📋
• 12:18 In this segment, the process of estimating vehicle repair costs is outlined, focusing on accurately documenting and verifying parts and labor involved in the repair process. 📋
• 24:12 In this segment, the process of estimating repairs for a car's fender and related parts is demonstrated, detailing specific repairs, replacements, and the addition of notes for parts that cannot be reused. 🛠️
• 35:04 This segment covers how to accurately estimate costs for tire and windshield repairs, including labor rates, part codes for mounting and balancing tires, and different scenarios for replacing windshields with OEM or sublet glass. It also discusses the need to adjust parts for vehicles with roof racks when repairing the roof panel. 🛠️
• 46:31 This segment covers the process of replacing and repairing various auto parts, including roof rails, rocker panels, and front doors, while ensuring proper documentation for insurance and shop communication. 🔧
• 57:49 The video explains the process of removing and replacing various car components like the door panel, weather stripping, and mirror for repair estimations. It highlights specific steps needed to ensure accurate documentation and communication with the insurance and body shop.
• 01:09:09 In this segment, the process of preparing a vehicle for refinishing is detailed, including the handling of various trim parts and components that need to be replaced or removed for proper painting. Key focus is on ensuring parts are noted for replacement due to being non-reusable and documenting all necessary file notes for estimation and communication with insurance companies. 🚗
• 01:20:48 This segment covers the process of estimating auto repair costs, specifically for bumper refinishing and vehicle diagnostics. It includes handling repairs, painting specifics, and the importance of incorporating additional operations into estimates, ultimately guiding viewers on creating comprehensive and accurate estimates for vehicle repairs. 🚗