Parts and labor
How parts and labor estimates really work
Understanding how shops build parts and labor lines helps you estimate an auction car more accurately and avoid the classic underestimate.
How an estimate comes together
Parts selection
OEM, aftermarket, or recycled parts each carry different prices and availability.
Labor operations
Each damaged area maps to remove, repair, or replace operations measured in hours.
Refinish time
Paint labor and materials are calculated per panel, including blends.
Sublet and calibration
Specialized work like calibration or glass is added as separate line items.
Run a body shop or buy cars for resale?
AutoRepairEstimate.ai lets collision shops and dealers add an instant preliminary estimate tool to their own website, so customers get a ballpark repair figure before they ever pick up the phone. It is built by the same team behind AutoEstimatePro.
Ready to dig into the details before you bid?
Auction Repair Estimate is the research step. AutoEstimatePro is where you pull the full report, decode the VIN, and see estimated damage and repair costs in one place.