Jasmine De Wys has started her own remote estimating and consultancy business called Bodyshop Solutions. DeWhys provides a regular estimating tip segment in our e-news letter to make sure you don't let the dollars slip through your fingers. Just search Estimating tips to see more.
As well as remote estimating services De Wys has been training some junior assessors recently and thinks this tip will help out.Good preparation is key to any estimate, regardless of the platform you're quoting on. This tip is more aimed at the shops doing insurance work.T he insurance game can be tricky to navigate and there is no one-size-fits-all solution, however there are some estimation techniques you can use to limit the amount of adjustments once you send your quote for authority.
Map out your recommended method of repair using the repair method (where it makes sense to) and submit with your first estimate. This shows whoever is on the receiving end that you have done the due diligence. This also can be a good point of reference for items/operations required to do the job as per the manufacturer's recommendations, keeping things black and white.
The same theory applies to pricing parts (depending on the insurer and make/model ). On fast-moving items like bumpers and headlights there is a good chance there is a parallel option available, and an assessor will try and move in that direction anyway. So if you consider sourcing competitive options on the initial estimate, there are fewer adjustments on the authority and in general less wasted time in conversations and disruptions.
You can contact Jasmine De Wys at: Jasmine.dewys@bodyshopsolutions.com.au