Consumers

AASP/NJ is committed to the success of the automotive repair industry – and that commitment extends to the motoring public of New Jersey and beyond.

Whether you’ve been in an accident, have questions, or are just seeking definitions to common industry terms – or if you’re a member shop looking for ways to better educate your consumer – we are ready to help. Please check out the following resources courtesy of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), and feel free to contact AASP/NJ for further information.

CONSUMER TIP: The Difference Between an Estimate & Repair Plan

In this series of customer-focused quick tips, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ (SCRS, http://www.scrs.com) goal is to make the repair and claims process easier and more familiar by helping ...you become a more informed and confident consumer. Join us as we navigate the process, questions to ask and terms to be familiar with. In this episode, Mike and Danny talk about the difference between an “estimate” that may receive from an insurance company or at a drive-in, in comparison to much more thorough “repair plan.”



An estimate is a basic visual inspection of the most obvious damage. A repair plan is a more thorough document, often requiring some disassembly of the vehicle to get better access to the damaged area, allowing for more comprehensive damage analysis. It may include computerized measurements, diagnostic access to your vehicle systems, and will give a much more realistic picture of the necessary steps, parts, and associated costs.



An estimate may take under 30 minutes to write, where a repair plan may take significantly longer, to ensure accuracy and make better commitments. It is not uncommon for there to be large discrepancies between the estimate and repair plan, and for this reason, you should avoid choosing a repair facility on price. You want to look for thoroughness, communication and a firm understanding of what will be involved.



We hope this helps! Comment below and let us know what other questions you have about the repair process?



To learn more about SCRS, visit http://www.scrs.com, and to find SCRS members in your area, visit http://www.scrs.com/directory.[+] Show More
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