Trustworthy auto body repair estimates include an itemized parts and labor breakdown, a written parts disclosure, and repair procedures tied to OEM standards. At Committed Collision & Auto Body Center, we put these details in writing before you approve any repair.
Key Takeaways
- Parts disclosure is required by law: New Hampshire RSA 407-D:4 requires insurers to disclose in writing when aftermarket parts are used in a repair estimate.
- Non-OEM part quality varies: A report examining 15 non-CAPA-certified aftermarket parts found that 13 (nearly 90%) showed significant differences from corresponding car-company-brand parts, with most exhibiting serious deficiencies involving fit, material properties, or applicable safety requirements.
What Documentation Should Every Auto Body Repair Estimate Include?
At Committed Collision & Auto Body Center, our estimates list each part and labor charge separately, disclose whether parts are OEM or aftermarket, and reference the repair procedures we plan to follow. This matters whether your vehicle needs frame work or auto body paint and repair. Without these details, you cannot compare estimates or confirm what your insurer approved.
What Should the Parts and Labor Breakdown Show?
We separate parts costs from labor costs, line by line, so you can see what each repair step covers. Each part entry also states its source, since we discuss OEM and aftermarket options with you before any work begins. That itemization is what lets you review a repair line by line instead of accepting a single lump sum.
How Does a Written Estimate Compare to a Verbal Quote?
A written estimate and a verbal quote serve very different purposes in a collision repair. At Committed Collision & Auto Body Center, our written estimate becomes a documented, itemized record you can submit to your insurer and reference later. A verbal quote is a rough number with no paper trail.
| Feature | Verbal Quote | Written Estimate |
| Detail level | General ballpark figure | Itemized parts, labor, procedures, and anticipated completion date when requested under RSA 358-D:2 |
| Insurer use | May not satisfy an insurer’s documentation needs | Provides a clearer record for claim review and repair changes |
| Parts disclosure | May not contain required aftermarket-parts language | Insurer must disclose specified aftermarket parts in writing and identify them on the estimate under RSA 407-D:4 |
| Dispute support | Limited documentation unless confirmed in writing | Creates a useful record for revised work, authorization, and supplements |
How Can You Request Complete Estimate Documentation?
Follow these steps before you authorize professional auto body repair.
- Ask for a written, itemized estimate: Request every part, labor charge, and procedure in writing before you approve any repair.
- Request the parts disclosure statement: Ask us to confirm in writing whether OEM, aftermarket, or recycled parts are proposed for your vehicle.
- Keep your documentation for insurer supplements: Save your written estimate, since it supports any supplement we submit if hidden damage is found later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign an estimate before repairs begin?
Yes. Authorizing repairs typically requires your signature before work begins, confirming you have reviewed the parts, labor, and procedures listed on your estimate.
Can I get a copy of my estimate for my own records?
Yes. A written estimate belongs to you as the vehicle owner, and you can request a copy for your insurer, a second opinion, or your own files at any time.
What should I do if my shop’s documentation does not match my insurer’s paperwork?
Compare both documents line by line and ask your shop to explain any difference in writing, since discrepancies often come from parts disclosure or hidden damage found during teardown.
Get an Auto Body Repair Estimate With Full Documentation
Committed Collision & Auto Body Center has served the New Hampshire Seacoast since 2005, and every estimate our team writes is itemized, documented, and ready for your insurer. If you need auto body repair in North Hampton, NH, contact us at (603) 926-1900 or info@committedcollision.com and request a free estimate.