One Size Fits?

I do.

I often wonder if the comment “it doesn’t matter what your labour rate is, the repair cost will be the same clear across North America” is true or not. Even something as simple as “cost severity” is confusing when you compare public insurance markets to private markets, which generally have more customer pay (just make it look good at 100 km/h!).

I have an idea to give us a glimpse of whether this statement is true or not, but I need your help.

Attached to this article are pictures of damage to the left quarter panel of a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. I need you, or one of your estimators, to write an estimate on this damage based on the following rules:

• Use your local labour rates and most popular estimating profile.
• Do not calculate any taxes into this job.
• Use your best judgment based on the photos to determine the repair time for the metal work.
• Use whatever estimating system you prefer, ADP or Mitchell.
• Use your local market allowance for paint and body material rates.
• Repair this vehicle to pre-accident condition.

When you have completed your estimate please either email it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or fax it to 306-373-5512.

I will have a full report ready for the next CCIF meeting in Montreal on September 25, 2010 and the report will be printed in an upcoming issue of Collision Repair magazine.

Submit your estimate to fix this dent by August 2, 2010 and we’ll enter you in a draw for an iPod Nano! Three runners up will win Tim Hortons gift certificates!

Enter now and win!