Estimate vs Damage Appraisal

The Difference Between a
BASIC ESTIMATE &
DAMAGE APPRAISAL

Basic Estimate:

Basic Estimates are written based on what can be seen from the outside. No parts are removed or opened if they are damaged. If the repairs are simple, the estimate will be accurate. If the repairs needed are more extensive, the free estimate will just put you in the ball park. To get an accurate estimate on a larger repair, parts may need to be removed or opened, OEM procedures should be looked at to ensure the repairs are done properly. Basic Estimates are a good way to price small repairs, and to see whether or not you want to use insurance to pay for the repairs, but not to accurately price the actual cost of larger repairs.

$149 (Superior only pricing)Damage Appraisals:

At Superior, we offer Damage Appraisals from NACS (National Auto Consulting Service). These appraisals are written by a certified appraiser with over 40 years in the collision industry, and are based on OEM & PPG paint guidelines, procedures and position statements to ensure a proper repair, not a cheap insurance repair including counterfeit, generic or junk yard parts. NACS researches OEM procedures, and includes all necessary paper work to send to the insurance company.

You want to get a Damage Appraisal when you're using an insurance company to pay for your repairs. Insurance companies are now writing estimates based on pictures, which is basically impossible to do accurately. They do this to save money. Our experience with "picture estimates" shows that the average insurance "picture estimate" is between 50%-200% less than the actual cost to do proper repairs. Insurance companies write estimates based on their own company guidelines(writing for

non certified aftermarket and junk yard parts, spot painting areas, etc) and let the price dictate the repair. A written damage appraisal from NACS assures that the required repairs dictates the cost. In short, you should always have an accurate repair appraisal using OEM and paint warranty guidelines before accepting an insurance companies low ball estimate. It's always best to know what the insurance company actually owes you!

Why Superior?:

If you choose us to do your insurance paid repairs, and they have already written a low ball picture estimate, we will do a supplement using OEM & PPG guidelines and procedures to ensure your vehicle is repaired properly at no charge to you. We are in no way affiliated with any insurance companies. Since 1999 we have worked for the consumer, Insurance companies "preferred shops" are under contract to do what the insurance companies want, which is to fix your vehicle as cheap as possible. IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT? At Superior, we want to fix your vehicle right!

Below are everyday examples of low ball insurance estimates and the supplements that are needed to properly repair those vehicles.