Technology can improve estimate accuracy

During his Oct. 12 NACE seminar, "The Mechanics of Estimating," Anderson (the former owner of Wagonwork Collision Centers in Virginia) provided an overview of dozens of Web sites that can help improve the accuracy of estimates.

"The database providers, as good as they are, don't always have every nut, bolt or clip that you need to complete the job," Anderson says. "But there are tools out there that can help you write better estimates."

Anderson also recommends using estimate scrub tools, like those included in most of the database systems, that can help determine if the estimate complies with insurance company requirements, or if any included operations are missing.

There are also some independent scrub tools, like the one found in Rome Technologies' CompleteShop suite. "These systems will provide a list of not included items you may not have charged for, like distortion damage, "Anderson says. "They will also let you know if you are out of compliance with your DRP agreements."

Another way to help improve accuracy: use dual computer monitors so that staff can look at the estimate while also looking at parts graphics on another screen.

Shops also can try using a structural calculator, which operates like an Excel spreadsheet and can provide formulas to determine the standard repairs for certain conditions. There are also blend rulers to help determine paint manufacturer recommendations for adjacent panel color matches, for example. "Using these tools can take some of the friction out of the negotiating process with the insurer," Anderson says.

Even with all of this technology, though, Anderson says the first priority should always be a complete vehicle tear down. "The majority of shops do not do 100 percent disassembly," he says. "If you don't do 100 percent disassembly to actually remove all the damaged parts, then you can't identify the damage."

Another problem is that the databases still aren't complete. "If the database doesn't have every part, then we don't know to place it in our estimate," Anderson says. "And on severe hits, you don’t always have the advantage of seeing every nut, bolt and clip that was there. If you can go online and pull up the OEM graphics, you can see there are five clips there you wouldn't have known about because the fender was ripped off. If you don't catch these things the first time, you wind up with a supplement."