Damage assessment and cooperation with insurance companies
From photo documentation to approved repair — how it fits together
Many of the cars that land at a damage and paint shop are there because insurance should cover the repair. This means the painter's work is not only about craftsmanship, but also about being able to describe, document and price the job so the insurance company can approve it.
§From damage assessment to approved repair
- 01Photo documentation of the damage from multiple angles before work begins
- 02Description of damage scope: which layers and parts are affected
- 03Assessment of whether the part should be repaired or replaced
- 04Calculation of time consumption and materials for the task
- 05Submission of the damage statement to the assessor or insurance company for approval
§Digital count systems
Today most damage assessments are prepared in digital industry programs that use standardized time standards for the individual work processes. This is also the reason why the education emphasizes that the apprentice can use IT for time estimation pricing and the execution of professional tasks — because without that competence it is difficult to make an assessment that is both accurate and can be approved quickly.
§Communication with the insurance company
| Documentation | Why it is important |
|---|---|
| Images before repair | Shows the original scope of damage if doubt arises later |
| Description of method | Justifies the choice between repair and replacement |
| Material and time consumption | Produces carbon dioxide so the dough rises |
| Images after repair | Documents the final result to the customer and company |
§When the damage is larger than it looks
Sometimes a damage turns out to be more extensive when you get started – for example if rust or previous repairs are discovered under the surface. Here it is important to contact the insurance company again with updated documentation instead of deciding to expand the task yourself. Good communication along the way saves all parties from conflicts later.
“Documentation is the painter's best friend, the day there is doubt about what was actually wrong and what was done about it.”