How to Read Your Auto Body Repair Estimate Like a Pro
Get clarity. Know your costs. Make confident decisions.
If you’ve recently been in a collision, you’re likely facing a repair estimate that feels like it’s written in another language. At Colorado Coach Auto Body, we believe you should never feel unsure about what you’re signing off on, especially when it comes to your vehicle and your money. This guide breaks down your estimate so you can understand what you’re paying for, where your costs come from, and how we build your quote with transparency and integrity.
1. Customer & Vehicle Information
This is the most straightforward section, but it’s important. Your name, contact info, insurance provider, and claim number will appear here, along with the details of your vehicle: make, model, year, mileage, and VIN (vehicle identification number).
Why it matters: Even small errors here can delay approvals or cause issues during insurance processing. Always double-check that everything is correct.
2. Labor Charges: Not All Labor Is the Same
Labor is where a significant portion of the cost comes from, but it’s often misunderstood. We break this down into categories to help you see exactly what type of work is being done.
- Body Labor: Covers straightening the frame, removing dents, replacing panels, or aligning doors.
- Paint Labor: Includes prepping surfaces, mixing and applying paint, and blending adjacent panels for a flawless finish.
- Mechanical Labor: Applies if components like radiators, sensors, or suspension systems are involved.
Each category has an hourly rate and a time estimate based on industry-standard systems. We don’t guess, we use software like CCC or Mitchell that standardizes these times across the industry.
Pro Tip: A good shop will not just show the labor hours, but also explain what each line item means. We do that every time.
3. Parts: What’s Being Replaced and Why
Your estimate will list every part that’s being repaired or replaced, including:
- OEM Parts: Original parts from the vehicle manufacturer. These are typically the most expensive, but also the highest quality and best fit.
- Aftermarket Parts: New, third-party manufactured parts. These can be a cost-effective option and are often used when insurance policies allow, but we recommend sticking with OEM parts.
- Recycled/Remanufactured Parts: Environmentally conscious and budget-friendly, these parts are salvaged from other vehicles.
Each part line includes a price and a code indicating its type.
4. Paint & Materials: More Than Just Color
Paintwork is about more than the final color. There’s a whole process involved — including sanding, priming, painting, and sealing. Materials include:
- Primer and sealers
- Color coats and clear coats
- Masking tape, paper, and protective gear
- Blending agents for matching panels seamlessly
Shops often charge this as a flat rate or a materials charge per labor hour. We use high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting, factory-level finishes that won’t fade, peel, or flake.
5. Additional Procedures & Fees
This section includes tasks that support the repair process:
- Pre- and post-repair diagnostics scans
- Hazardous materials handling or disposal
- Road tests or calibrations for advanced safety features
- Supplements — added when additional damage is found after disassembly
You might also see “R&I” (Remove & Install) or “R&R” (Remove & Replace) listed for parts that must be taken off temporarily to access damaged areas. It’s standard and ensures the repair is done right, not rushed.
6. Estimate Totals and Final Cost Breakdown
At the end, you’ll see a full cost summary:
- Labor total
- Parts total
- Paint and materials
- Sales tax
- Insurance payments or deductibles
If you’re working through insurance, your out-of-pocket cost may only be your deductible, but you’ll still receive the full estimate for transparency.
7. What Happens if Damage Is Found Later?
It’s common to discover hidden damage once a vehicle is disassembled. When that happens, we’ll file a supplement with your insurance carrier, showing photos and revised pricing. No work begins without your approval. We advocate for what’s necessary — nothing more, nothing less.
Confidence Comes From Clarity
We get it. Collision repairs can feel like a hassle. But understanding your repair estimate shouldn’t add to the stress. At Colorado Coach Auto Body, we take pride in helping you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Still have questions about your estimate? Call us or stop by — we’ll walk you through it, line by line.
