10 Collision Repair Terms to Know

There are few things more terrifying than being involved in an auto accident—except, perhaps, the process of repairing your vehicle following a collision. Repairing your vehicle after insurance requires you to identify an auto body repair shop that you can trust. If your car has recently been involved in an accident or collision, you may be overwhelmed by the process of seeking collision repair assistance.

There are a number of terms, acronyms and bits of jargon that may come into play when you visit a shop specializing in auto body repair in Visalia, CA. Understanding these terms will help you reap the best possible return out of your insurance company, and understand all the complexities associated with repairing your vehicle. Here are just a few terms to keep in mind as you navigate the auto body repair process:

• Repair authorization: Before any work is done on your vehicle, the repair shop handling your auto body work will need a repair authorization. This is a signed statement saying that you give permission for the shop to complete any work.
• Repair or work order: This is a document that states all of the work completed on your vehicle during the auto body repair appointment.
• Estimate: A written estimate is a document that outlines all of the damage to your vehicle following a cursory examination. The final cost of repair may differ from the estimate.
• Appraisal: The appraisal is the written valuation of your vehicle’s worth, according to your insurance company. A damage appraisal outlines the estimated reduction in value caused by the damage.
• Direct repair program: Some insurance companies may ask you to visit a specific repair shop as part of your policy. However, you always have the ability to work with your own repair shop.
• Exclusion: An exclusion is a repair procedure or part that’s not covered by your insurance policy. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about any exclusions on your policy.
• Aftermarket parts: These are parts that are made by companies other than the original manufacturer of your vehicle.
• LKQ: Like kind and quality (LKQ) parts are salvaged from another vehicle, and then carefully inspected by a repair professional.
• R&I: When a part is removed and installed (R&I) from your vehicle, it means that the technician takes it out as part of the repair, inspects it and reinstalls the same part.
• R&R: Removing and replacing (R&R) a part involves removing a damaged component, and replacing it with a new or refurbished part.

For nearly four decades, Tom’s Body and Paint, Inc. has been one of the top providers of auto body repair in Visalia, CA. We’re proud to offer comprehensive auto body repair services to each of our clients. We’re committed to helping our customers navigate the often complex and challenging world of auto body repair. To learn more about the ways that we can help you repair your vehicle and make the most of your insurance policy, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives today.

Categorised in: Auto Body Repair

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