Auto Body Repair Glossary

Welcome to Our Glossary!

We understand that navigating the auto insurance process after a car accident can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. With so many terms and processes to consider, it can be hard to know where to begin. To make this journey easier, we’ve created this glossary to help you better understand the terminology related to auto body repair, auto accidents, and the insurance claim process.

By providing clear definitions of common industry terms, we hope to reduce the confusion and stress that can come with these situations. Whether you’re filing a claim, getting your vehicle repaired, or simply trying to understand the paperwork, our glossary is here to give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

• Adjuster: An insurance company representative who investigates claims, determines coverage, and negotiates settlements based on repair estimates and policy terms.

• Aftermarket Parts: Non-OEM parts that are often less expensive but may vary in fit and quality.

• Alignment: The process of adjusting a vehicle's suspension angles to ensure the tires make proper contact with the road for safe handling and even tire wear.

• Appearance Allowance: A specific dollar amount determined by the insurer, paid or credited to a vehicle owner in lieu of a part repair or replacement.

• Appraiser: A professional who evaluates vehicle damage and provides an estimate of repair costs but does not handle claim negotiations or settlements.

• Betterment: The improvement or added value to a vehicle after repairs, which the policyholder may need to pay for if the new parts enhance the vehicle beyond its original condition.

• Blend Line: The area where new paint transitions into the existing paint.

• Blending: A technique used to match the new paint to the existing paint on the car, ensuring a seamless appearance.

• CAPA Certified: A designation for auto parts that meet the standards set by the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA)

• Claim: A request made to your insurance company to cover the cost of damages.

• Claimant: The person who files an insurance claim seeking compensation for vehicle damage or loss.

• Corrosion Protection: A treatment applied to prevent rust and ensure the longevity of the repair.

• Curing: The process of allowing paint or filler to dry and harden completely.

• Deductible: The amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance covers the remaining repair costs.

• Depreciation: The reduction in the value of your vehicle or its parts over time, often a factor in insurance calculations.

• Diminished Value: the decrease in a car's market value after it has been involved in an accident and repaired.

• Dispute: A disagreement between a policyholder and an insurance company over claim decisions, such as repair costs, coverage, or vehicle valuation.

• DRP (Direct Repair Program): DRP Shops are shops that are under contract with the insurance companies and MUST abide by the requirements of the insurance company. In exchange for insurance companies sending their DRP shops work, the shops will repair the vehicles by the rules of their contract, not by the manufacturer's requirements or recommendations. We chose NOT to be under contract with any insurance companies. We feel that we cannot look out for our customer’s best interest and stay within the confines of a DRP contract.

• Estimate: A detailed breakdown of the costs for parts, labor, and materials needed to repair your vehicle.

• Feathering: Smoothing out the edges of damaged paint to prepare the surface for repainting.

• Frame Straightening: The process of using specialized equipment to restore the vehicle’s frame to its original dimensions after an accident.

• Hazardous Waste Fee: A fee for disposing of materials like paint and chemicals in compliance with environmental regulations.

• Indemnity: The principle in insurance that ensures a policyholder is compensated for a loss but not allowed to profit, restoring them to their pre-loss financial position.

• Insurance Steering: Antisteering laws prevent insurers from requiring or pressuring claimants to use specific repair shops, as this is considered business interference. Insurers cannot make a claimant travel an unreasonable distance for estimates or repairs. If an insurer selects a repair shop, the vehicle must be restored to its pre-loss condition at no extra cost beyond policy terms. Insurers must provide a reasonable written estimate and share it with the insured. If the insured disputes the estimate with a higher one, the insurer must either pay the difference, negotiate with the repair shop, or provide an alternative shop that agrees to the original estimate, documenting all communications.

• Insured: The person or entity covered by an insurance policy, entitled to file claims for vehicle damage or loss based on the policy's terms.

• Labor Rate: The hourly cost charged for repair work.

• Liability: Legal responsibility for damages or injuries caused to another person or property, often covered by auto insurance to pay for repairs or medical expenses.

• LKQ Parts: Stands for "Like Kind and Quality" parts, which are used auto parts that are considered equivalent to original parts in terms of quality, safety, and functionality, often sourced from vehicles that are being dismantled.

• Masking: Covering areas of the car to protect them from overspray during the painting process.

• Mylar: A durable polyester film often applied as a protective layer, such as on vehicle surfaces to guard against scratches, or used in window tinting for heat and UV protection.

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Parts made by the vehicle’s original manufacturer, ensuring compatibility and quality.

• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): A method used to remove minor dents without the need for paint or fillers.

• Panel: A section of your vehicle’s body, such as the fender, door, or quarter panel.

• Parts Price: The cost of new, used, or aftermarket parts required for the repair.

• Post-ADAS Scan: A diagnostic scan performed after repairs are completed to ensure all ADAS components are functioning correctly and the system is calibrated properly.

• PPF (Paint Protection Film): A transparent, durable film applied to a vehicle's painted surfaces to protect against scratches, chips, and environmental damage.

• Pre-ADAS Scan: A diagnostic scan performed before repairs begin to identify any issues with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as sensors, cameras, and modules.

• Preliminary Estimate: An initial assessment of repair costs based on visible damage, subject to change if additional issues are discovered during the repair process.

• R & I (Remove and Install): The process of removing a part from your vehicle and reinstalling it after repairs or painting. This often applies to parts like trim, bumpers, or mirrors.

• R & R (Remove and Replace): The removal of a damaged part and replacing it with a new one.

• Reconditioned Parts: Used vehicle components that have been restored to a like-new condition through cleaning, repairs, and reassembling

• Recycled Parts: Salvaged components from other vehicles.

• Refinish: The process of painting and finishing a repaired area to restore it to its original condition.

• Repair Authorization: Permission granted by the vehicle owner or insurance company to proceed with repairs after an estimate is approved.

• Right to Appraisal: A policyholder’s option to dispute an insurance company's damage valuation by having independent appraisers assess the vehicle and determine a fair repair or total loss value.

• Salvaged Parts: Vehicle components obtained from cars that have been deemed a total loss or are being dismantled, often sold for reuse after being inspected for quality and safety.

• Structural Damage: Damage to the vehicle’s frame or structural components, which can affect its safety and performance.

• Subrogation: The process by which your insurance company seeks reimbursement from another party or their insurer if they are at fault.

• Supplement: Additional repair costs discovered after the initial estimate, often requiring insurance approval.

• Teardown: The process of disassembling a vehicle to assess the full extent of damage, identify any hidden issues, and determine the necessary repairs.

• Three-Stage Paint: A topcoat that consists of three parts—a base coat, a midcoat, and a clear coat. The vehicle identification number or VIN will identify whether a vehicle has a two or three stage paint finish. A three-stage finish is more expensive because of the additional material and labor.

• Tint (Color Match): A procedure involving mixing toners to match the existing paint color and finish.

• Total Loss: A situation where the cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle’s value, leading the insurance company to declare it uneconomical to repair.

• Two-Stage Paint: Paint colors requiring a base coat (color) and a clear coat.

• Unethical Claim Practice: Any dishonest or unfair tactic by an insurance company or repair shop, such as lowballing estimates, delaying payments, or denying valid claims without justification.

• Used Parts: Previously installed vehicle components that are removed, inspected, and resold for repairs.