Collision Repair "Not Included" Operations Explained

If you have ever received an estimate for collision repair, you may have noticed some items labeled as "not included" operations. What does this mean, and why are they important? In this blog post, we will explain what "not included" operations are, how they affect your repair cost and quality, and how to make sure you are getting a fair and accurate estimate.

What are "not included" operations?

"Not included" operations are additional tasks that may be needed beyond the labor provided for parts replacement. They are called "not included" because they are not automatically included in the labor time estimates provided by the collision estimating databases, such as CCC, Mitchell or Audatex. These databases are used by most repair shops and insurance companies to calculate the cost of repairing a vehicle after a collision.

However, these databases do not account for every possible scenario or variation that may occur during a repair. For example, some vehicles may have different options or features that require extra labor or materials to install or remove. Some parts may need to be aligned, calibrated, tested or programmed after installation. Some repairs may involve multiple layers of paint, special coatings or custom colors that require more time and skill to refinish.

These "not included" operations are necessary to ensure a safe and quality repair, but they may not be reflected in the initial estimate unless they are manually added by the estimator. This means that the estimate may not cover the full extent of the work and cost involved in repairing your vehicle.

How do "not included" operations affect your repair cost and quality?

"Not included" operations can have a significant impact on your repair cost and quality. If they are not properly identified and accounted for in the estimate, you may end up paying more than you expected, or receiving a substandard repair.

For example, if your vehicle has a backup camera that needs to be reinstalled and calibrated after replacing a bumper, this is a "not included" operation that requires extra labor and equipment. If this operation is not added to the estimate, you may be charged extra for it later, or worse, it may be skipped altogether, leaving you with a camera that does not function properly.

On the other hand, if your vehicle has a special paint color that requires multiple coats or blending to match the original finish, this is also a "not included" operation that requires extra time and materials. If this operation is not added to the estimate, you may end up with a mismatched or poor quality paint job that affects the appearance and value of your vehicle.

How to make sure you are getting a fair and accurate estimate?

To avoid any surprises or disappointments with your collision repair, it is important to make sure you are getting a fair and accurate estimate that includes all the necessary "not included" operations. Here are some tips to help you:

- Ask your estimator to explain what "not included" operations are and why they are needed for your repair.

- Ask your estimator to show you the procedure pages from the estimating database that list the "not included" operations for each part being replaced.

- Ask your estimator to provide you with a written estimate that clearly shows all the "not included" operations and their associated costs.

- Compare estimates from different repair shops and insurance companies, and look for any discrepancies or omissions in the "not included" operations.

- Choose a reputable and certified repair shop that follows the manufacturer's guidelines and industry standards for collision repair.

At 360 Collision, you can ensure that you are getting a comprehensive and honest estimate that covers all the aspects of your collision repair. You can also avoid any unexpected charges or unsatisfactory results that may arise from missing or skipping "not included" operations. Remember, "not included" does not mean "not needed", so make sure you get what you pay for and what your vehicle deserves.