ASE B6 Damage Analysis & Estimating key terms

Physical harm caused to a part by the force of the collision itself, such as a crushed fender or bent bumper. It is distinguished from harm that appears later in connected components.

Harm to parts that were not struck directly but were affected by the collision's force, such as a misaligned hinge, cracked mount, or stressed bearing near the impact point.

The force a moving vehicle carries into a collision, determined by its mass and speed. Higher energy generally produces deeper and more widespread damage across the body and structure.

The area of a panel or structural member that has been permanently deformed by impact. Measuring its depth and extent helps an estimator judge how far force traveled through the vehicle.

A pattern in which collision force travels diagonally through a unitized body, often showing misalignment at opposite corners of the vehicle rather than only at the impact area.

A 17-character code stamped on the vehicle that identifies its manufacturer, model, engine, and production details. Estimators use it to confirm the exact vehicle and order correct parts.

The process of reading each section of the vehicle identification number to determine make, model, body style, engine, and other build details needed for accurate parts selection and estimating.

The month and year the vehicle was built, usually shown on a door jamb label. It matters because manufacturers sometimes change parts mid-year, so the build date affects which components fit.

A diagnostic check of the vehicle's electronic systems performed before any repair work begins. It records existing faults so the shop can document pre-existing conditions and identify hidden damage.

The organized record of a vehicle's condition, including photographs, measurements, notes, and scan results, used to support the estimate and any later supplement or claim discussion.

A set of dated, clearly framed photographs showing the vehicle before, during, and after repair. Good images include overview shots, close-ups of damage, and identification details.

The uniform space between adjacent body panels, such as a door and fender. Uneven or widened gaps often reveal misalignment or structural movement that is not obvious from surface damage.

Comparing panel spacing at several points around the vehicle against factory specifications to detect body shift or frame movement caused by a collision.

The adjustment of hinges, latches, and mounting points so doors, hoods, and other panels fit evenly with consistent gaps and flush surfaces after repair or replacement.

A tool that measures the coating depth on a panel. It helps an estimator find prior bodywork, hidden filler, or repainted areas that affect repair planning and value.

A spreadable compound used to smooth minor dents and imperfections before painting. Excessive or poorly applied filler can crack and is a sign of past repair quality issues.

A vehicle construction style in which the body panels and structural rails are welded into one integrated shell. Damage to one area can transfer stress to distant points on the same structure.

A construction design in which a separate body sits on a strong ladder-type frame. The frame carries the loads, so structural inspection focuses on the frame rails and crossmembers.

A main longitudinal structural beam running front to rear on a vehicle. Rails carry crash forces and must be measured and straightened or replaced when bent.

A set of gauges, targets, or electronic tools used to compare a vehicle's structural control points against factory dimensions and confirm the body is square and correctly aligned.

A specific reference location on the vehicle structure, such as a hole or bracket, whose factory position is published. Measurements at control points reveal whether the structure has moved.

Cutting and joining a replacement portion of a structural or outer panel at a manufacturer-approved location. It is used when full replacement is impractical but requires careful weld and corrosion protection.

The inflation of a supplemental restraint during a collision. Its occurrence signals significant impact force and requires inspection or replacement of airbags, clocksprings, sensors, and related modules.

The vehicle's airbag and seatbelt pretensioner network, controlled by sensors and a module. Collision damage to this system must be diagnosed and documented before and after repair.

A stored code set by a vehicle computer when it detects a fault. Scanning before and after repair documents existing faults and confirms that systems function correctly when work is complete.

A diagnostic check performed after body and mechanical work to confirm that all electronic systems operate correctly and that no new faults were introduced during the repair.

The decision whether to restore a damaged part or install a new one, based on damage severity, safety, cost, manufacturer guidance, and whether the part can be returned to pre-loss condition.

A manufacturer-published set of steps describing approved methods for restoring a specific panel or component. Following it protects structural integrity, warranties, and occupant safety.

A published reference listing the standard hours required for specific repair and refinish operations. Estimators use it to build consistent labor charges for a job.

The hourly charge applied to repair, body, paint, and mechanical work. It varies by operation type and region and is a key input when building an estimate.

The labor allowance for preparing, masking, applying color, and clearing a panel. It is calculated separately from body labor and depends on panel size and the required blend area.

An adjacent panel that receives color and clear to make a repaired area match the rest of the vehicle. Blending is often needed when a direct color match at the panel edge is not possible.

A component produced by or for the vehicle maker to its original specifications. OEM parts generally fit and perform as designed but usually cost more than alternatives.

A component made by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer. Quality and fit vary widely, so estimators must consider customer approval, warranty, and safety implications.

A used component removed from another vehicle, often a total loss. It can reduce cost but requires inspection for hidden damage, wear, and correct interchange before installation.

An additional estimate submitted when hidden or additional damage is discovered after the original estimate was written. It documents added parts, labor, and materials for approval.

A determination that repair cost exceeds a set percentage of the vehicle's actual cash value, or that the vehicle cannot be safely repaired. The vehicle is then settled as a loss rather than repaired.

The market value of a vehicle immediately before the loss, based on its age, condition, mileage, and local sales data. It is the benchmark used in total loss and claim settlements.

The reduction in a vehicle's market worth after it has been damaged and repaired, even when the work is done properly. It reflects buyer reluctance toward vehicles with a damage history.