Aftermarket Parts
Automotive replacement parts that were not made by the original equipment manufacturer.

Bench
A heavy metal platform used to restore a vehicle's structural geometry to factory specifications. This is done by securing a portion of the vehicle to the platform, then pulling appropriate areas of the vehicle into place using special clamps, chains and hydraulic winches. Alternate Term(s): Frame Rack, Frame Machine

Betterment
Term used to describe an item replaced due to an accident that has some wear. The practice is often applied to tires and batteries that are several years old. If a battery has used up 3/4 of its life, the Insurance company will pro-rate the item’s cost and in this case will pay 1/4 of the cost to replace the battery and will ask the insured or claimant to pay the remaining 3/4. The premise being that the Insurance Company is only obligated to return the vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

Chip Guard
A chip resistant, protective coating normally applied to lower panels to avoid sharp stones etc. chipping the paint finish.

Clear or Clear coat
The clearcoat imparts gloss and protection to a basecoat clearcoat system. It is essentially a pigment-free paint.

Deductible
The amount for which the insured is liable on each loss before an insurance company will make payment. The repair facility collects the deductible directly from the customer. Facts on Burying the Deductible

Degreasing
The removal from the substrate of contaminants which would otherwise give rise to surface defects and performance failures. E.g. poor adhesion.

Detailing
Final cleaning both inside and outside of vehicle, application of pinstripes, removal of overspray from underhood, trunk lids etc. as well as polishing

DRP
Acronym for Direct Repair Program. These programs often involve a contractual agreement between an Auto body Repair Center and an Insurance Company. For the most part, the agreements set the rules of repair and standardized procedures such as warranties, billing practices and record keeping.

Estimate
An estimation of what the repair will cost. Collision Repair is unique in that there are many unknown and sometimes hidden damages. An honest repair facility can only write what they can visably see at the time of the inspection. After dis-assembly, measurements, parts ordering & alignment readings are taken, costs do vary. Insurance companies expect this to occur and have in place billing guidelines that we follow to ensure complete payment for all repairs needed. If an individual chooses to pay for a repair without insurance involvement, please expect some variance from the "estimate".

Hazardous Waste
Any unusable by-product derived from the repair and/or painting process that cannot be disposed of through normal waste disposal streams. These products can be potentially harmful to the environment and require special handling as well as professional disposal. Federal, State and Local laws apply and may differ in their scope.

LKQ
Acronym for Like Kind and Quality. Refers to a used part salvaged from another vehicle, being of the same year or newer, & condition, or better. It is inspected by the seller and re-inspected by the shop upon receipt and accepted if it is deemed appropriate.

Masking
Temporary covering of areas not to be painted.

OEM
Acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Refers to a new unpainted part supplied by the manufacturer of the same make and model vehicle.

Prep
The process of washing, degreasing and lightly abrading a panel prior to applying paint. Alternate Term(s): Prep Work

Primer
The first layer of a coating system. Applied to an unpainted surface. Its' role is to protect the substrate and to prepare it for the application of a surfacer or topcoat. It must therefore have above all, excellent adhesion to the substrate and to the coating which will follow.

R&I
Acronym for Remove and Install. Refers to a part removed from the customer's damaged vehicle to be saved and reinstalled after the repair has been completed.

R&R
Acronym for Remove and Replace. Refers to a part removed from the customer's damaged vehicle that cannot be acceptably repaired. It is replaced with a new part.

Repair Authorization
The point at which a Consumer authorizes the repair to their vehicle (and in some cases contingent upon the Insurance Company settlement process).

Supplement
Additional repairs needed to complete the repair that were not identified on the original estimate

Tint and Blend
The process of mixing toners to match the existing paint finish, then blending or overlapping the color into the adjacent panel to avoid color match problems.

Total Loss
A determination by an Insurance company that the cost of repairs has exceeded the pre set guideline considering cost vs. value of vehicle. Several variables are factored into this guideline such as pre set repair thresholds, current sales prices of like kind vehicles & the condition of the vehicle. Sometimes adjustments are made for anticipated rental cost and the recovery amount they could receive for the "salvage" vehicle. If your vehicle is deemed a Total Loss by your insurance Company, you will have an opportunity to remove your belongings, the vehicle should then be released to them for transport to a storage facility for further evaluation so that they can begin settling for the value of the vehicle.

Touch-up
A localized repair usually confined to the smallest area possible (for example, repairs due to stone chips damage). Not a guaranteed or flawless remedy but sometimes is an improvement in appearance. We can advise you on what you should expect at no charge.

Unibody
The structural support found in most late model vehicles.

VIN
Acronym for Vehicle Identification Number. This is a unique number that identifies your vehicle. Although its primary purpose is to identify your vehicle, it often contains important information concerning the equipment and options that were installed on your vehicle at the factory. This information allows the Repair Center to order the correct parts for your vehicle. Any professional estimate or Repair Order will have this number on it.

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