Repair Estimates and Body Shops
You have the right to choose your own body shop, and you can push back on a low estimate before any repair starts.
What actually controls the repair, start to finish
- You pick the shop The insurer can recommend a shop in its network, but the choice is yours. Ask about warranty terms and wait times before you decide, not just price.
- The estimate is a starting point The first number is based on a visual inspection, not a torn-down car. Expect it to change once the shop opens the panels and finds hidden damage.
- Supplements are normal When a shop finds more damage mid-repair, it sends a supplement request to the insurer. This is routine, not a sign something went wrong.
- You can get a second opinion If the estimate feels low, get an independent estimate from another shop. Bring it to the insurer and ask them to explain the gap in writing.
- Parts type is negotiable Estimates may specify aftermarket or used parts instead of original ones. Ask what's being used and whether you can request original parts, since rules vary by insurer and state.
What if the shop and the insurer disagree on the price?
This happens often and it isn't a dead end. The shop writes its own estimate based on what it actually finds once the car is apart, and that number can be higher than the insurer's first estimate. When the two don't match, the shop sends a supplement request with photos and parts documentation explaining the difference.
Most of the time the insurer approves it once they see the evidence. If they don't, you can ask for a reinspection, where an adjuster looks at the car again in person. You can also get a third estimate from another shop to show the gap isn't unusual. Keep copies of every estimate and every supplement request. If the disagreement drags on, ask your insurer what their formal appraisal or dispute process looks like, since this varies by insurer and sometimes by state.
Once you know how to read an estimate and push back when it's wrong, compare quotes with that confidence in hand.
When the shop finds more damage than the estimate covered
Say your car was hit from behind and the initial estimate covered a new bumper and a taillight. The shop you chose takes the bumper off to start the repair and finds the rear frame rail is bent, which wasn't visible until the car was apart. This is common with newer cars that have layered bumper covers and sensors hidden underneath.
The shop photographs the damage and writes a supplement request to the insurer explaining what they found and why it needs more parts and labor. You don't have to do anything at this stage except stay reachable in case the adjuster has questions. The insurer reviews the supplement, usually approves it once the documentation checks out, and the repair continues with the added work folded into the total. The final bill ends up higher than the first estimate, but you aren't asked to pay the difference out of pocket since it's covered under your claim.
Why estimates change and who actually has the final say
An initial estimate is written from what an adjuster or a shop can see without disassembling the car. Bumpers, quarter panels and trim often hide damage that only shows up once a technician starts the repair. That's why almost every real repair involves at least one supplement, and why a changing number isn't a red flag by itself.
The shop's technical judgment usually carries real weight because they're the ones with the car on the lift. But the insurer is the one paying, so they can require a reinspection or ask for more documentation before approving extra cost. This back and forth is built into the process, not a sign that either side is acting in bad faith.
Where this gets contentious is parts. Insurers sometimes write estimates using aftermarket or recycled parts to keep costs down, while shops or owners may prefer original manufacturer parts for fit and longevity. Whether you can insist on original parts depends on your policy terms and sometimes on state rules about parts quality, so this is worth checking directly rather than assuming either way.
If you and the insurer can't agree after a reinspection and a second opinion, most policies include a formal appraisal process as a next step. It's rarely needed, but knowing it exists changes how you negotiate along the way.
A low first estimate isn't the final word, it's a starting offer you're allowed to question.
