If your insurer or auto body shop has sent you an estimate after an accident, you may not know what you are agreeing to when you sign it. At Estes Collision, we write every estimate in plain detail so you can read it with confidence.
Check that every damaged component is named, each part is labeled OEM or aftermarket, labor is separated from parts costs, and the supplement policy is stated. If your estimate does not show all four, ask before authorizing anything.
Key Takeaways:
- Our itemized estimates let you verify every repair against the document at pickup.
- The parts we select, OEM-manufactured or qualified aftermarket, affect fit, safety, and your vehicle’s value.
- When refinishing is part of the repair, our estimates list Sikkens paint and electronic color matching as individual line items.
- Supplement charges are normal in collision repair. We notify you before any cost is added.
- Our limited lifetime warranty covers your repairs for as long as you own the vehicle.
What Should a Complete Auto Body Estimate Include?
Before approving repairs, check that your estimate names every damaged component, the repair method, the parts source, and labor hours per operation. That is exactly how we write ours.
At Estes Collision, we walk you through every line before getting authorization for auto body repair estimates.
Itemized vs. Bundled Estimates
An itemized estimate gives each component its own line: repair method, parts type, and cost. A bundled estimate groups damage under a single description, such as “repair front end,” with one combined total.
Bundled estimates create problems for you. You cannot confirm what is included, compare it against another estimate, or verify at pickup that every item was completed. Before authorizing auto body repair services, ask the shop for a written estimate that itemizes parts, labor, and any additional charges so you understand the repair plan and total cost.
Parts should be clearly labeled on each line: OEM (made by the vehicle’s manufacturer), qualified aftermarket (third-party parts meeting quality standards), or reconditioned. We use OEM-manufactured and qualified aftermarket parts on every repair. When your vehicle needs refinishing, Sikkens paint and electronic color matching appear as their own line items on our estimates.
What Types of Repairs Appear on an Estimate?
The services listed on an estimate depend on the damage type and location. Our auto body shop inspects both visible and underlying damage before the document is written.
How Each Service Appears as a Line Item
Depending on your vehicle’s damage, your estimate from us may include repair categories such as:
| Repair Type | What It Covers |
| Collision repair | Impact damage, panel replacement, post-collision structural work |
| Frame straightening | Restoring frame geometry to factory specifications |
| Auto body repair | Surface dent correction, cosmetic panel work, paint refinishing |
| Paintless dent repair (PDR) | Dent removal without repainting; no refinishing required on repaired panels |
| Glass replacement | Windshield, side window, and rear glass replacement |
| Automotive painting | Sikkens paint and electronic color matching for a precise finish |
If visible damage is not listed on your estimate, ask us to clarify before signing.
What Is a Supplement and Why Does It Matter?
When teardown reveals hidden damage, we issue a supplement before any additional work begins. Structural damage often hides behind exterior panels, and we always contact you and your insurer before that cost is added.
We work directly with most major insurance carriers and handle supplement documentation for you. Your bill does not change without your approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have a question about a line item on our estimate?
We review every line with you before authorization. If anything is unclear, ask us before signing.
Can I request OEM parts if my estimate lists aftermarket?
Yes. Tell us before you sign. As one of the best auto body repair shops in Miami, OK, we submit OEM justifications when grounds exist.
Does the part type on my estimate affect my manufacturer warranty?
It can. Vehicles under a warranty or active lease may require OEM parts to preserve coverage. Ask us before authorizing.
Get a Clear Estimate Before You Authorize Any Repair
As an insurance-approved auto body repair shop in Ottawa County, an OKABA member shop, and the body shop near Miami, Oklahoma, that local drivers have counted on since 2015. Every repair carries our limited lifetime warranty. Call (918) 542-6699 or email us at [email protected] to book an appointment.