Estimating support when your body shop needs capacity

Keep estimating work organized when your repair team is busy. California United Appraisals helps body shops with initial damage estimates and supplement preparation using the photographs, vehicle information and repair documentation supplied for the assignment.

Send an initial file or an existing estimate

For an initial estimate, provide vehicle details and clear damage photographs. For a supplement, include the original estimate and supporting evidence for the additional repairs. Tell us what work has already been performed and what the new documentation shows.

We review the request and confirm the scope. If information is missing or damage is concealed, we may need more photographs, measurements or shop findings before preparing the estimate. Photo-based estimating does not replace the repair facility’s inspection and technical responsibilities.

Make the handoff useful

Good documentation helps keep follow-up questions focused on the actual repair file.

  • Use a consistent claim or shop reference number.

  • Include overall views as well as clear close-ups.

  • Identify additional damage separately from the original estimate.

  • Provide relevant measurements, diagnostics, invoices and repair documentation when available.

  • Name the shop contact who can answer questions about the file.

Straightforward standard rates

Regular auto and truck estimates are $200. If a supplement is required for a standard assignment, the additional charge is $75. Estimates for 18-wheelers, tractors and trailers are $450.

Insurance-company contract pricing is negotiated separately. Other specialty work and additional scope are confirmed before acceptance. Preparing an estimate or supplement does not guarantee insurer approval, payment or a particular repair authorization.

Questions from repair facilities

Can you help while our estimator is overloaded?

Yes, send an inquiry describing the type and number of files. We confirm available capacity and the assignment requirements before accepting work; no volume commitment is implied by submitting a request.

Can I send only the insurer’s initial estimate?

It is a useful starting document, but supplement preparation also needs evidence supporting the additional requested work. We will identify missing documentation after reviewing the request.

Begin with an inquiry. We will confirm a suitable method for sharing private claim documents.

Submit an assignment inquiry · Discuss your assignment · View standard rates