Collision Repair Terminology
Aftermarket Parts
Automotive replacement parts that were
not made by the original equipment manufacturer.
Also known as Quality Replacement Parts, Generic
Parts, C.A.P.A. Certified Parts
Base coat ( BC ) / Clear
A paint system in which the color effect
is given by a highly pigmented base coat. Gloss
and durability are given by a subsequent clear coat
Bench
A heavy metal platform used to restore
a vehicle's structural geometry to factory specifications.
This is done by securing a portion of the vehicle
to the platform, then pulling appropriate areas
of the vehicle into place using special clamps,
chains and hydraulic winches. Alternate Term(s):
Frame Rack, Frame Machine
Betterment
Term used to describe an item replaced
due to an accident that has some wear. The practice
is often applied to tires and batteries that are
several years old. If a battery has used up 3/4
of its life, the Insurance company will pro-rate
the item’s cost and in this case will pay
1/4 of the cost to replace the battery and will
ask the insured or claimant to pay the remaining
3/4. The premise being that the Insurance Company
is only obligated to return the vehicle to its
pre-accident condition
Clear or Clear coat
The clear coat imparts gloss and protection
to a base coat clear coat system. It is essentially
a pigment-free paint.
Detailing
Final cleaning both inside and outside
of vehicle, application of pinstripes, removal
of over spray from underthe hood, trunk lids etc. as
well as polishing
DRP
Acronym for Direct Repair Program. These
programs often involve a contractual agreement
between an Auto Body Repair Center and an Insurance
Company. For the most part, the agreements set
the rules of repair and standardized procedures
such as warranties, billing practices and record
keeping.
Hazardous Waste
Any unusable by-product derived from
the repair and/or painting process that cannot
be disposed of through normal waste disposal streams.
These products can be potentially harmful to the
environment and require special handling as well
as professional disposal. Federal, State and Local
laws apply and may differ in their scope.
LKQ
Acronym for Like Kind and Quality. Refers
to a used part salvaged from another vehicle.
It is inspected by the seller and re-inspected
by the shop upon receipt and accepted if it is
deemed appropriate
Metallic
A term used for finishes incorporating
fine metallic particles, usually aluminum, in
the paint
R&I
Acronym for Remove and Install. Refers
to a part removed from the customer's damaged
vehicle to be saved and reinstalled after the
repair has been completed.
R&R
Acronym for Remove and Replace. Refers
to a part removed from the customer's damaged
vehicle that cannot be acceptably repaired. It
is replaced with a new part.
Repair Authorization
The point at which a Consumer authorizes
the repair to their vehicle (and in some cases
contingent upon the Insurance Company settlement
process).
Supplement
Additional repairs needed to complete
the repair that were not identified on the original
estimate.
Tint and Blend
The process of mixing toners to match
the existing paint finish, then blending or overlapping
the color into the adjacent panel to avoid color
match problems.
Unibody
The structural support found in most
late model vehicles.
VIN
Acronym for Vehicle Identification Number.
This is a unique number that identifies your vehicle.
Although its primary purpose is to identify your
vehicle, it often contains important information
concerning the equipment and options that were
installed on your vehicle at the factory. This
information allows the Repair Center to order
the correct parts for your vehicle. Any professional
estimate or Repair Order will have this number
on it.