Competitive Bids - ANSThe competitive bid process requires that two or more repairers submit
competitive estimates or
"bids" for a specific repair job. The amount of the low, complete bid is generally considered to
be the "competitive" price and is used as the basis for settlement. In all cases, the vehicle owner
selects the facility that will perform repairs.
PCPs - ANSState Farm uses a continuous
survey that gives repairers the opportunity to provide information
online. The repairer information is used to determine labor rates and material pricing levels that
reflect prevailing prices in that area. PCPs are determined by analyzing information provided by
repairers that meet the Equipment/Capabilities Criteria listed on the Repair Facility Survey form
Select Service Program - ANSIn some market areas, repairers have been selected to participate
in State Farm's Select Service
Program. The program is designed to enhance claim service,
increase efficiency, and afford
customers an opportunity to select qualified repairers to inspect and estimate vehicle damage
Paintless Dent repair - ANSPaintless 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.
ICAR - ANSInter Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair.
Determining Repair Costs - ANSThe 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