What happens if more damage is found after an estimate?
A car can have more damage than anyone could see when the first estimate was written, and the estimate can change once it is found. New York's DMV says a shop may not charge more than the estimated price without your permission.
Why would an estimate change?
The California Department of Insurance says further damage is sometimes found during the repair process. That is one state agency's statement, not a New York one.
Does the shop need my permission to add work?
In New York, yes. The DMV says: "The shop may not charge more than the estimated price without your permission." If you give approval by phone, the invoice must show the date, the time and who approved.
Can taking the car apart first help?
I-CAR lists fewer supplements as one benefit of fully taking a car apart before repair starts. Whether a shop does that first is up to the shop.
What can I ask?
- Is this a first look, and what could change it once the car is taken apart?
- If more damage is found, will you tell me before doing that work, and how?
- Can I see photos of the new damage and an itemized updated estimate?
- Who approves the change, and who talks to my insurer?
- Will my approval be written on the paperwork with the date and time?
General information only. This page does not say what any iDeal shop offers. Naming a source does not mean any iDeal shop is certified by it or affiliated with it.
Request a repair estimate
Tell us what happened and where the damage is. A person at iDeal Automotive Group will try to reach you and connect you with one of our body shops.
Wondering if your estimate could change? Tell us what happened.
Use the estimate form Calls to this number are answered by iDeal Automotive Group, who connect you to one of our body shops. Ask for a specific shop if you have one.(917) 672-3726Read next
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