Car Insurance Appraisal Procedures

Our collision repair shop and the insurance companies have a common goal.  We both want you to be a satisfied customer.  We want to repair your vehicle to its preaccident condition.  How does that get done?

Typically an adjuster from your insurance company will see your vehicle at our body shop.  The adjuster will come to the shop to write a report called an appraisal.  The insurance adjuster will write an appraisal with what he/she believes is required for a quality repair for your vehicle.

Appraisal Contents

  • Straightening and Repair
  • Replacement of Parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer OEM, salvage, and aftermarket).  The appraisal will contain the sources and prices.
  • Labor Time and Rate.  Updated collision repair estimating software determines the labor.  These guides have the latest information on parts, prices, and labor times.  The OEM’s information and data collected determines the labor times.  The geographical area’s prevailing hourly labor rate for collision repair shop determines the labor rate.

Appraisal Complete

We will review the adjuster’s finished appraisal.  West Coast Body and Paint will also write an estimate.  It is not common that both the insurance appraisal and our estimate match exactly but the differences are never great.  We are able to work out the differences and agree on the cost and method for repair.  Work will begin once the insurance claim is processed.

Supplement

If our body shop finds additional or hidden damage that were not listed on the approved appraisal our shop will file a supplement.  We will notify the adjuster and he/she will confirm the accuracy and need for the supplement.

Our Goal

We, at West Coast Body and Paint, understand that communication is important.  As mentioned at the beginning, your insurance company and our shop’s goal are the same.  We want to return your car to you in its pre-collision condition.

Safety.  Our most important goal.  Your car will drive safely and straight.  Airbags, seat belts, lights, and horns will all work properly and not fall off.  Finally, if you do get into another collision (and we hope you don’t) you will be protected like the manufacturer intended.

Durability.  Your car will maintain its structural integrity as long as an undamaged auto.

Fit.  Your car’s doors, hoods, and deck lids will open and shut easily and correctly.  Panel gaps will be uniform and seamless.

Finish.  Your vehicle’s repair will be unnoticeable.  The repainted area will be free from scratches, lumps, paint mismatch, tape edges, and overspray.

Although we deal with your insurance company, ultimately YOU are OUR (your insurance company and our shop) customer.  And WE want to make YOU happy!

Should I include something else? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. If there is something you want me to write about let me know, I will do my best to write about it.  If you ever need any professional collision repair and you live in the Van Nuys or Los Angeles area give me a call or text me 818.793.7728.

-Jaider, West Coast Body and Paint owner

“I never write reviews but I felt compelled to in this case. Jaider is the best at what he does. And it’s refreshing to meet someone who takes so much pride in their craft. Take your car to West Coast Body & Paint and you will not be disappointed.”

-Morgan B., Los Angeles, CA, 1/6/2013

Thank you for taking the time to read this page.  

As of January 2022 we have some good news and some bad news…  

The BAD NEWS is we have moved out of our location and are in search of a new home for the West Coast Body and Paint shop.  

The GOOD NEWS is that we have a West Coast Body and Paint mobile paint repair service unit that will come to you!  The mobile paint unit provides auto services for minor body and paint repairs.

Our estimates are free.  Once we receive your images we will provide you with an initial estimate.   The estimate is a ballpark figure, and after we assess your vehicle’s damage in person, we will review the estimate with you.  If you agree to the final estimate, we will begin repairing your car.  Fill out the form below or contact us through WhatsApp to request an estimate.

***FILL OUT TO REQUEST AN ESTIMATE FROM OUR MOBILE PAINT REPAIR UNIT***

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