The Most Vital Step to Profitability and Control: Shift from Estimates to Repair Plans

The auto body industry has long operated under a system that benefits insurers—not shops or customers. Writing traditional estimates is part of that broken system. These quick assessments, often written with limited disassembly, allow insurers to dictate what will or won’t be paid for, regardless of what the repair actually requires.

That ends now.

A professional repair plan changes everything. It is the difference between being a service provider and being the authority on proper vehicle repair. It protects your shop, your customer, and your profit margins.

Why the Traditional Estimate Fails:

• Missed Damage: Without a full teardown, critical structural and mechanical issues are often missed.

• Insurer Leverage: Estimates are treated as negotiable suggestions instead of repair blueprints.

• Supplement Chaos: Initial underestimation leads to disruptive and delayed supplements.

What Is a Repair Plan? A repair plan is a comprehensive, itemized document created after a complete disassembly of the vehicle. It includes all damage, OEM-mandated procedures, photos, labor operations, parts needs, ADAS calibrations, pre- and post-repair scan data, and relevant documentation to justify each operation.

It is not a guess. It is your professional judgment, and it’s backed by evidence.

The Repair Plan Workflow:

1. Schedule a Repair Planning Appointment – Let customers know you don’t write estimates. You schedule disassembly-based planning sessions.

2. Perform a Full Teardown – Remove all outer panels to expose damage, safety systems, and structural elements.

3. Photograph and Document Everything – Include notes on severity, location, and safety relevance.

4. Research OEM Procedures – Include printouts or citations directly in your plan.

5. Include Pre-repair Scan Results – Document codes and calibrations needed.

6. Build the Full Plan – Add all line items, procedures, and notes for the insurer.

7. Review with the Customer – Get approval and explain why this approach ensures proper repairs.

8. Submit the Repair Plan (Not an Estimate) – Send it to the insurer with documentation attached.

Team Training and Implementation:

• Train the front office to explain the repair plan process.

• Assign roles: Disassembly Tech, Repair Planner, Insurance Liaison.

• Use branded templates to maintain consistency.

• Replace signage that says “Free Estimates” with “Professional Repair Planning Available by Appointment.”

Sample Script for Customers: “We don’t guess about repairs. We take the time to fully disassemble your vehicle and create a proper repair plan. This ensures your car is fixed right the first time, following all OEM guidelines. You deserve that peace of mind.”

Why This Matters to Your Bottom Line:

• Average RO values increase with complete repairs

• Supplements decrease

• Insurer short-pays become easier to dispute

• Labor operations reflect actual time and OEM demands

• You gain customer trust and long-term referrals

Ready to Take Control of Your Repairs? Download our free repair plan template or schedule a 1-on-1 consult to get your shop trained today.

Nexus Claim Services LLCClaim Resolution Simplified.www.nexus-claims.comMitch Buhr | (254) 441-7826 | mitch@nexus-claims.com