I need to replace a door. Normally, I would just open the door to gain access to its trim panel, hinges and electrical connections. But, this door is crushed and I can't open it. A quick pry-bar tug wouldn't persuade it to open either. I am now deciding if I need to cut an access hole or make a pull to relieve pressure on the lock. Either way, this will take more time than usual, and time is money. What is on the estimate?
No matter which estimating system produced it, there is a labor allowance for door replacement on the estimate, including R&I. This door labor, similar to all other part replacements, is based on a set of premises, or basic assumptions. One of those premises is worth looking at in detail. Estimate labor is for replacing undamaged parts on undamaged vehicles.
- Audatex – "Labor allotments suggested by Audatex estimates are for replacement of new and undamaged parts."
- Mitchell – "The labor times shown in the guide are in hours and tenths of an hour (six minutes) and are for replacement with new, undamaged parts from the vehicle manufacturer on a new, undamaged vehicle."
- MOTORS – "Operation times listed are based on new undamaged parts installed on new undamaged vehicles as individual operations."
Consistent starting points are needed to develop consistent labor amounts. Because damage events are all different, basing labor amounts on "average" damage or some other judgmental baseline just won't work. Replacing undamaged parts on undamaged vehicles is a consistent and reliable starting point. However, we don't work with undamaged parts on undamaged vehicles.
Actual repair work includes the reality of older vehicles as well as damage that can get in the way of removing parts. Rusted bolts, torn-off screw heads and previous repairs can all interfere. Rather than trying to tackle all possibilities, let's just focus on removing a part that can no longer be normally removed because of the damage, like the door above.
What do the information providers say about this? They all have a section of "Excluded" operations in their procedure pages. These are specific variables that are never considered when developing replacement labor. Here's what each of them says about "Access Time," additional labor that may be needed as a result of the damage, excluded from replacement labor:
- Audatex: "Additional labor for removal of parts that have been impeded by crash damage (access labor). (Standard Manual Entry M62 is available)."
- Mitchell: "Remove extensively damaged parts by cutting, pushing, pulling, etc."
- MOTORS: "Cutting, pulling or pushing collision damaged parts for access."
Note that Audatex offers a Standard Manual Entry for Access Labor. This is a convenience. It is still a manual entry. On any system, manual entries are the way to add additional labor for access time. Of course, on any system, a detailed explanation is recommended to support your charge.
Now, just because you have the need and your procedure pages have the justification, there is no guarantee of payment. Like any buyer/seller arrangement, negotiation is still an integral part of the process. With proof of your need, labor premises from your procedure pages and your negotiation skills, you improve your odds of being paid what you need.
Now, in order to get that door off, I need...
"Contradictions do not exist. Whenever you think you are facing a contradiction, check your premises. You will find that one of them is wrong." — Ayn Rand
Bruce Burrow, AAM started writing estimates over 30 years ago, has worked for most of the information providers, and, as an independent instructor for the last 10 years, has trained estimators all across North America. He is ASE Master certified and an instructor for the Automotive Management Institute. Send questions, ideas, and comments that you would like to see addressed here to [email protected] and stay tuned.
