FAQ

FAQ & DISCLAIMER

  • What if I request a Standard Estimate and an insurer asks me to Network my estimate to them?

    Not a problem, we can network your Standard Estimate at any time, you just pay an Upgrade Fee for the difference between a Standard Estimate (£59.00 + VAT) and a Networked Estimate (£79.00 + VAT) which is Upgrade Fee £20.00 + VAT

  • What if I find hidden damage when we come to repair a vehicle?

    For any additional work, hidden damage, parts price differences or extra parts, you will need to take images and send them to us, along with copy parts invoices. We will amend your estimate and submit a Supplementary Estimate to the insurer for an updated Authority - all Supplementary Estimates are provided Free of Charge!  

    Note: if you find excessive hidden damage that may require high value parts/costs, we would ask you to stop work, send images and await further instructions from an insurer before proceeding.

  • Do you negotiate rates, discounts, and repair methods with the insurance engineer?

    We would always advise YOU to stay in control of negotiations. We can assist and support you with any technical aspects of your estimate - as we understand the complexities of an Audatex estimate. Remember: this is YOUR business, YOUR customer and ultimately YOUR money to give away.

  • I don’t know what Labour Rate to charge?

    That’s OK, in most cases we can advise retail labour rates for your area, based on vehicle make/type and insurer/accident management company.

  • How long before I receive Authority from an Insurer?

    We would normally expect a reply within 5-7 working days after an estimate has been networked, but this is out of our control.

    We will help to progress the authority process and assist/advise.

  • Can I use WhatsApp to send you my images?

    Yes, whatever is easier for you. We prefer the use of our Estimate Request Portal but can accept estimate requests by  WhatsApp, Text, Email and Messenger .

  • Will the car be a Total Loss?

    Seems like a very simple question, and a question we often get asked – BUT a question that has so many answers due to the number of variables that determine an accurate answer…


    VALUATION: Audatex has an in-built valuation tool that bases a vehicle’s pre-accident value (PAV) on Mileage and Accident Date – the valuation uses CAPS HPi data.

    We have recently found inaccuracies with valuations, which could be based on the incorrect vehicle identification, previous Total Loss categories, vehicle condition or modifications.

    We would always advise seeking a professional valuation or wait until the insurer comes back with their own valuation.


    TOTAL LOSS THRESHOLD: most insurers authorise repairs up to their own total loss threshold, unfortunately that total loss threshold can vary wildly.  

    We have experienced total loss thresholds from 50% PAV to 100% PAV – which makes it impossible to determine a total loss decision.


    NEGOTIATING REPAIR COSTS: you should never make a total loss decision based on Estimated Repair Costs, as repair costs are subject to opinion and negotiation.  

    If repair costs are reduced, this could help avoid a total loss situation.


    ESTIMATE ACCURACY: if repair costs increase due to missed or hidden damage, additional parts or specialist work, this could affect a total loss decision – are you sure everything is included in your estimate, parts priced correctly (Audatex parts prices should always be checked with your parts supplier for inaccuracies) and confirmed specialist cost prices such as ADAS Calibration, Signwriting/Wrapping/Decals, Wheel Alignment, Ceramic Paint Protection… etc.

    PARTS AVAILABILITY: increasingly, we hear of parts going on back order or not available for whatever reason, whilst this shouldn’t affect a total loss decision it can affect the total claim costs if a non-fault customer is in credit hire.  

    Some insurers will constructively total loss a vehicle if hire costs exceed the value of their vehicle.


    CUSTOMERS CHOICE: some customers won’t want their vehicle back and may encourage a total loss decision, you should really consider forcing a repair on a customer if this is the situation – it tends to end badly!


    Conclusion: for all the reasons above, we will struggle to give a definitive answer to the “question” and advise using your own judgement in such matters – we will always act on your instructions and pass on any comments or concerns you may have to an insurer, on your behalf. 


Why Use Audatex ?
 A. Do you always get a good price for the jobs you carry out or do you feel you might be missing out?

If the answer to that question is: “I’m not sure?” or “Could I have got more?”

An Audatex Estimate will go some way to answering your doubts.

By breaking down the repair process into each individual task and using recognised repair times and methods, you will be able to see if you’ve missed anything. The ability to produce a vehicle damage estimate on the same system as an insurer, allows you to compare “like for like” making the playing field much more level.

Every Audatex Estimate we generate allows you to review, scrutinise and make changes if necessary, until you have the estimate that best matches the repair method required.

Whilst work is being carried out, you can add additional damage images, extra repair time or parts that may have been hidden during your initial inspection – we will adjust the estimate accordingly and submit for authority, meaning you don’t miss out on Supplementary work.

Audatex can personalise the “Extras” you want to charge, at a price that suits you. Extras like: EPA Charges, Pre/Post System Checks, Seam Sealer, Car Care Kits, Sound Pads, Door Foils, Air Condenser Re-Gas …etc. You can add as many Extras to your list as you require.

Put simply, an Audatex estimate gives more clarity and control over your repairs and should generate additional income for your business.

Disclaimer:


Estimate Solutions Ltd always base repair estimates on the information and images provided by our Repairer clients, it is the responsibility of our Repairer client to check the content, repair method and parts list within the Estimate Report they have been provided by Estimate Solutions Ltd. 


Estimate Solutions Ltd accept no responsibility for the repairs carried out by their Repairer clients during the repair process. It is assumed all repairs, methods, specialist work and parts fitted are carried out as per the Authorised Estimate provided by Estimate Solutions Ltd.


Estimate Solutions Ltd accepts no liability regarding non-payment issues with repair invoices that may arise with the Repairer, it is the responsibility of the Repairer to either accept or reject an Authority issued by an insurer/work provider.


By using Estimate Solutions Ltd you confirm that you have provided information and images that are a true representation of the damage sustained to the vehicle.


Estimate Solutions Ltd uses software to produce estimates and accepts no liability for any failure on your part to provide accurate information or images which may become apparent at any stage of the claim process.


Estimate Solutions Ltd does not tolerate fraudulent behaviour, suspicion of fraudulent behaviour will always be reported.

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