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State Farm Auto Estimatics Exam 2026–2027 | 180 Practice
Questions & Detailed Rationales (A+)
Question 1
A vehicle has damage to a steel front fender with a deep crease extending into the body line.
What is the MOST appropriate estimating decision?
A. Repair the fender using labor-intensive metal finishing
B. Replace the fender due to structural integrity concerns
C. Repair the fender and apply filler exceeding OEM guidelines
D. Replace the fender only if labor exceeds refinish time
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A deep crease located on a body line significantly weakens the panel and makes proper
restoration difficult. State Farm estimating standards emphasize safe, quality repairs that meet
OEM guidelines. Repairing a sharply creased body line often requires excessive filler and
metal manipulation, which may compromise durability and appearance. Replacement ensures
proper fit, finish, and long-term performance. The other options rely on labor cost or
excessive filler, both of which conflict with best repair practices.
Question 2
What does “overlapping labor” mean in auto estimating?
A. Charging labor twice for the same operation
B. Combining refinish and mechanical labor rates
C. Reducing labor time when multiple operations share steps
D. Adding labor when two technicians work simultaneously
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Overlapping labor refers to situations where multiple repair operations include similar steps,
such as removal and installation of the same component. Estimating systems account for this
by reducing total labor time to prevent duplicate charges. This ensures fair and accurate
estimates. Charging twice or adding labor improperly would violate estimating ethics and
insurer guidelines.
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Question 3
When should a supplement be written during the repair process?
A. Before the vehicle is inspected
B. After repairs are completed
C. When additional damage is discovered after teardown
D. Only if the customer requests it
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Supplements are written when hidden or additional damage is discovered after teardown that
was not visible during the initial inspection. This allows the estimate to be updated accurately
and approved before continuing repairs. Writing a supplement too early or after repairs are
completed defeats its purpose and can cause payment or documentation issues.
Question 4
Which factor MOST strongly supports replacing a damaged aluminum hood instead of
repairing it?
A. The hood has minor dents
B. Aluminum repair labor is inexpensive
C. The damage exceeds OEM repair limits
D. The vehicle color is difficult to match
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
OEM repair limits are critical when determining whether aluminum components can be
safely repaired. Aluminum behaves differently than steel, and exceeding OEM repair
thresholds can weaken the panel and compromise safety. Minor dents may be repairable, and
paint color difficulty does not justify replacement on its own.
Question 5
What is the PRIMARY purpose of a pre-repair scan?
A. To clear warning lights
B. To identify existing diagnostic trouble codes
C. To verify refinish color accuracy
D. To reduce labor time
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A pre-repair scan identifies diagnostic trouble codes that may exist prior to repairs. This
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establishes a baseline and helps distinguish pre-existing issues from those caused during the
repair process. Clearing codes or reducing labor time is not the primary purpose of a pre-
scan.
Question 6
What does “betterment” refer to in an auto estimate?
A. Improving the vehicle beyond its original condition
B. Charging higher labor rates
C. Applying depreciation to worn parts
D. Replacing OEM parts with aftermarket parts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Betterment applies when a worn or aged part is replaced with a new one, increasing the
vehicle’s value. In such cases, depreciation may be applied to account for the improvement.
Betterment does not involve labor rates or part type selection directly.
Question 7
Which operation is typically NOT included in standard refinish labor time?
A. Masking adjacent panels
B. Color sanding and polishing
C. Mixing paint materials
D. Applying basecoat and clearcoat
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Color sanding and polishing are generally considered separate operations and are not
included in standard refinish labor times. Masking, mixing materials, and applying coatings
are usually built into refinish times according to estimating system standards.
Question 8
When is sectioning a panel most appropriate?
A. When OEM procedures allow it
B. When it is cheaper than replacement
C. When filler thickness can be increased
D. When the technician prefers it
Correct Answer: A
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Rationale:
Sectioning is only appropriate when explicitly permitted by OEM repair procedures. Cost
savings or technician preference cannot override manufacturer safety and structural
requirements. Improper sectioning can compromise vehicle integrity.
Question 9
What documentation best supports a labor time deviation request?
A. Customer statements
B. Comparable estimates from other shops
C. Photos and detailed repair notes
D. Verbal explanations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Photos and detailed repair documentation provide objective evidence supporting why
additional labor time is required. This aligns with State Farm’s documentation standards and
ensures transparency. Verbal explanations or comparisons alone are insufficient.
Question 10
What is the PRIMARY purpose of a post-repair scan?
A. To reduce total loss risk
B. To confirm systems are functioning correctly
C. To identify pre-existing damage
D. To justify labor overlap
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A post-repair scan confirms that all vehicle systems are functioning correctly after repairs are
completed. It ensures that no diagnostic trouble codes remain and that safety systems are
operational. It does not serve to identify pre-existing damage or justify estimating
adjustments.
Question 11
When determining whether a vehicle is a total loss, which value is MOST critical?
A. Original purchase price
B. Actual Cash Value (ACV)
C. Replacement cost
D. Outstanding loan balance
State Farm Auto Estimatics Exam 2026–2027 | 180 Practice
Questions & Detailed Rationales (A+)
Question 1
A vehicle has damage to a steel front fender with a deep crease extending into the body line.
What is the MOST appropriate estimating decision?
A. Repair the fender using labor-intensive metal finishing
B. Replace the fender due to structural integrity concerns
C. Repair the fender and apply filler exceeding OEM guidelines
D. Replace the fender only if labor exceeds refinish time
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A deep crease located on a body line significantly weakens the panel and makes proper
restoration difficult. State Farm estimating standards emphasize safe, quality repairs that meet
OEM guidelines. Repairing a sharply creased body line often requires excessive filler and
metal manipulation, which may compromise durability and appearance. Replacement ensures
proper fit, finish, and long-term performance. The other options rely on labor cost or
excessive filler, both of which conflict with best repair practices.
Question 2
What does “overlapping labor” mean in auto estimating?
A. Charging labor twice for the same operation
B. Combining refinish and mechanical labor rates
C. Reducing labor time when multiple operations share steps
D. Adding labor when two technicians work simultaneously
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Overlapping labor refers to situations where multiple repair operations include similar steps,
such as removal and installation of the same component. Estimating systems account for this
by reducing total labor time to prevent duplicate charges. This ensures fair and accurate
estimates. Charging twice or adding labor improperly would violate estimating ethics and
insurer guidelines.
,2|Page
Question 3
When should a supplement be written during the repair process?
A. Before the vehicle is inspected
B. After repairs are completed
C. When additional damage is discovered after teardown
D. Only if the customer requests it
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Supplements are written when hidden or additional damage is discovered after teardown that
was not visible during the initial inspection. This allows the estimate to be updated accurately
and approved before continuing repairs. Writing a supplement too early or after repairs are
completed defeats its purpose and can cause payment or documentation issues.
Question 4
Which factor MOST strongly supports replacing a damaged aluminum hood instead of
repairing it?
A. The hood has minor dents
B. Aluminum repair labor is inexpensive
C. The damage exceeds OEM repair limits
D. The vehicle color is difficult to match
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
OEM repair limits are critical when determining whether aluminum components can be
safely repaired. Aluminum behaves differently than steel, and exceeding OEM repair
thresholds can weaken the panel and compromise safety. Minor dents may be repairable, and
paint color difficulty does not justify replacement on its own.
Question 5
What is the PRIMARY purpose of a pre-repair scan?
A. To clear warning lights
B. To identify existing diagnostic trouble codes
C. To verify refinish color accuracy
D. To reduce labor time
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A pre-repair scan identifies diagnostic trouble codes that may exist prior to repairs. This
,3|Page
establishes a baseline and helps distinguish pre-existing issues from those caused during the
repair process. Clearing codes or reducing labor time is not the primary purpose of a pre-
scan.
Question 6
What does “betterment” refer to in an auto estimate?
A. Improving the vehicle beyond its original condition
B. Charging higher labor rates
C. Applying depreciation to worn parts
D. Replacing OEM parts with aftermarket parts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Betterment applies when a worn or aged part is replaced with a new one, increasing the
vehicle’s value. In such cases, depreciation may be applied to account for the improvement.
Betterment does not involve labor rates or part type selection directly.
Question 7
Which operation is typically NOT included in standard refinish labor time?
A. Masking adjacent panels
B. Color sanding and polishing
C. Mixing paint materials
D. Applying basecoat and clearcoat
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Color sanding and polishing are generally considered separate operations and are not
included in standard refinish labor times. Masking, mixing materials, and applying coatings
are usually built into refinish times according to estimating system standards.
Question 8
When is sectioning a panel most appropriate?
A. When OEM procedures allow it
B. When it is cheaper than replacement
C. When filler thickness can be increased
D. When the technician prefers it
Correct Answer: A
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Rationale:
Sectioning is only appropriate when explicitly permitted by OEM repair procedures. Cost
savings or technician preference cannot override manufacturer safety and structural
requirements. Improper sectioning can compromise vehicle integrity.
Question 9
What documentation best supports a labor time deviation request?
A. Customer statements
B. Comparable estimates from other shops
C. Photos and detailed repair notes
D. Verbal explanations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Photos and detailed repair documentation provide objective evidence supporting why
additional labor time is required. This aligns with State Farm’s documentation standards and
ensures transparency. Verbal explanations or comparisons alone are insufficient.
Question 10
What is the PRIMARY purpose of a post-repair scan?
A. To reduce total loss risk
B. To confirm systems are functioning correctly
C. To identify pre-existing damage
D. To justify labor overlap
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A post-repair scan confirms that all vehicle systems are functioning correctly after repairs are
completed. It ensures that no diagnostic trouble codes remain and that safety systems are
operational. It does not serve to identify pre-existing damage or justify estimating
adjustments.
Question 11
When determining whether a vehicle is a total loss, which value is MOST critical?
A. Original purchase price
B. Actual Cash Value (ACV)
C. Replacement cost
D. Outstanding loan balance
