STATE FARM ESTIMATICS EXAM CONCEPT
REVIEW GUIDE 2026 PARTS LABOR AND
LABOR RATE CALCULATIONS
◉ Paintless Dent repair.
Answer: Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is an industry recognized
repair process that involves the removal of hail dents or other types
of damage from metal exterior surface panels without disturbing the
vehicle's finish. In most cases, this procedure involves the use of
specialized tools to apply
pressure to the backside of the panel to remove surface
imperfections. Other techniques may be used to repair damage from
the topside of the panel, depending on the size and location of the
damage.
By using either of these techniques, the technician is able to restore
panel appearance
which eliminates the need for refinishing the panel's surface area.
The PDR process is often used to repair hail damage or other similar
dents that occur when an outer panel strikes (or is struck by) an
object that has not compromised the finish of the panel. Since the
outer finish of the panel has not been disturbed, it eliminates the
refinishing process
and may allow for repairs to be completed in a more timely and cost
effective manner.
, ◉ Determining Repair Costs.
Answer: The prices we pay for most repair operations will be
determined from printed or electronic
collision estimating guides and repair facility survey results.
However, it is not possible to
determine the cost of every repair operation from these sources. For
example, when estimating a sheet metal
or other repair operation, the labor estimate is based on judgment
time. When estimating judgment time, it should follow what is
competitive in the local market to repair the vehicle in a quality
manner.
◉ Estimats are based on.
Answer: Estimates written or approved by
State Farm are based on labor rates and repair costs not to exceed
what is charged by a majority of the repair market in a given area.
◉ Contracts with repairers.
Answer: We do not enter into contracts with repairers on individual
repair jobs on a fixed or "contract" repair job basis. We pay for the
estimated cost of repair based on physical damage caused as a
result of the loss.
REVIEW GUIDE 2026 PARTS LABOR AND
LABOR RATE CALCULATIONS
◉ Paintless Dent repair.
Answer: Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is an industry recognized
repair process that involves the removal of hail dents or other types
of damage from metal exterior surface panels without disturbing the
vehicle's finish. In most cases, this procedure involves the use of
specialized tools to apply
pressure to the backside of the panel to remove surface
imperfections. Other techniques may be used to repair damage from
the topside of the panel, depending on the size and location of the
damage.
By using either of these techniques, the technician is able to restore
panel appearance
which eliminates the need for refinishing the panel's surface area.
The PDR process is often used to repair hail damage or other similar
dents that occur when an outer panel strikes (or is struck by) an
object that has not compromised the finish of the panel. Since the
outer finish of the panel has not been disturbed, it eliminates the
refinishing process
and may allow for repairs to be completed in a more timely and cost
effective manner.
, ◉ Determining Repair Costs.
Answer: The prices we pay for most repair operations will be
determined from printed or electronic
collision estimating guides and repair facility survey results.
However, it is not possible to
determine the cost of every repair operation from these sources. For
example, when estimating a sheet metal
or other repair operation, the labor estimate is based on judgment
time. When estimating judgment time, it should follow what is
competitive in the local market to repair the vehicle in a quality
manner.
◉ Estimats are based on.
Answer: Estimates written or approved by
State Farm are based on labor rates and repair costs not to exceed
what is charged by a majority of the repair market in a given area.
◉ Contracts with repairers.
Answer: We do not enter into contracts with repairers on individual
repair jobs on a fixed or "contract" repair job basis. We pay for the
estimated cost of repair based on physical damage caused as a
result of the loss.
