You got an estimate, dropped off your car, and a few days later the number went up. It’s one of the most common calls we get, and it’s usually a good sign that the shop is doing the job right.
The first estimate only sees the outside
Insurance estimates are often written from photos or a quick walk-around. Bumper covers and fenders hide the parts that absorb the crash: reinforcements, brackets, energy absorbers, radiator supports, wiring, and sensors.
What a supplement is
When we take the damaged area apart and find more damage, we photograph it, look up the manufacturer’s repair procedure, and send your insurer a supplement: an added estimate for the damage that couldn’t be seen before. The insurer reviews it, and the repair continues.
What it means for you
- Your deductible doesn’t change because of a supplement.
- We call you before doing any work beyond what you authorized.
- You get a vehicle that’s repaired completely, not just on the surface.
If a shop never supplements, ask what happened to the parts behind the bumper.
Been in an accident? Start here.
We work with every insurance company. We work for you.