State Farm Auto Exam with Complete Solutions

Competitive Bids - ANSWER-The 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 - ANSWER-State 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 - ANSWER-In 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 - 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. ICAR - ANSWER-Inter Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. 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. Freight Charges - ANSWER-Similarly, if freight charges are submitted to State Farm for payment, payment should normally be resisted. Freight charges are not considered as part of actual repair costs and are generally aligned with an expense a repairer or dealership may incur as a result of operating the repair facility business. If a circumstance arises that may warrant additional consideration, local management should contact their assigned Estimatics consultant. Minimum Cost - ANSWER-Establishing minimum costs or authority levels can provide a realistic measure of repair costs for items such as the number of hours allowed for a complete refinish job, material costs, or similar items. Publication of survey information - ANSWER-We will not knowingly violate that confidentiality by publicizing individual