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Introduction
When you bring your vehicle to a body shop for repairs, the estimate you receive can sometimes feel like a mystery. Many people wonder why certain charges are included or why prices vary from one shop to another. At Edem Body Shop, we believe in full transparency, and we want you to understand every component of your collision repair estimate. In this post, we’ll break down the elements that go into an estimate so you know exactly what you’re paying for and why.
Labor Costs
The largest component of most collision repair estimates is labor. This covers the time required for our technicians to assess damage, remove damaged parts, prepare the vehicle for repairs, perform the repairs, and reassemble your vehicle. Labor rates may vary depending on the type of work required—for example, body work, frame work, or painting.
Parts Costs
When repairing your vehicle, the parts used will be either Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket parts, reconditioned parts, or salvage parts. The choice of parts can impact the cost of the repair. OEM parts are generally more expensive as they come directly from the vehicle’s manufacturer, whereas aftermarket parts are produced by third-party companies. We will discuss your options and let you know which type of parts are being used and why.
Paint and Materials
If your car needs painting, the cost of paint and materials will be included in the estimate. This includes paint, primer, and any clear coat needed to protect the paint and ensure a smooth finish. Matching your vehicle’s paint color exactly takes skill, precision, and high-quality materials.
Hidden Damage
One of the biggest variables in any collision repair is hidden damage. After disassembling your vehicle, we may discover additional damage that wasn’t visible during the initial inspection. This is especially common with modern vehicles, which have crumple zones designed to absorb impact. Any additional repairs needed will be communicated to you and added as a supplement to the original estimate.
Miscellaneous Charges
Additional charges might include fees for waste disposal, administrative fees for handling insurance claims, or costs related to removing and reinstalling vehicle components to perform the repair. These miscellaneous costs can vary, but they are all necessary to complete your repair safely and professionally.
Conclusion
Understanding what goes into a collision repair estimate helps take the mystery out of the process. At Edem Body Shop, we value transparency and customer satisfaction. If you ever have questions about your estimate, we’re here to help you understand every detail.
