Body shop charges
Body shop charges are the itemized fees auto repair facilities bill for labor, parts, paint, and materials required to restore a damaged vehicle. Insurance companies use standardized estimating systems like CCC ONE or Mitchell to validate these charges against regional averages.
Labor rates in 2023 averaged $60–$120 per hour across cities such as Dallas and Los Angeles. Body shops calculate paint costs based on square footage and brand, with PPG or BASF paints costing $30–$70 per panel.
Insurers scrutinize line items for markups on OEM versus aftermarket parts; for example, an OEM bumper may cost $500 while an aftermarket version is $250. Diagnostic scan fees typically range from $100–$200 per session at shops using tools like Snap-on or Autel scanners.
Storage fees accrue daily–averaging $40–$75 in states including Florida and Illinois–if vehicles remain unclaimed after repairs complete. Dismantling charges appear when insurers request detailed teardown reports before approving supplemental payments, per YourInsurance.info (Your Insurance Info).
Administrative fees sometimes cover hazardous waste disposal or documentation processing, usually totaling under $50 per claim according to AAA data.
Do body shops charge more if you have insurance?
Yes, in some cases body shops may charge more if you have insurance. This is due to the fact that body shops are compensated differently from insurers for labor and materials used for a repair job. For example, many body shops must use specific parts or materials when dealing with an insurer which can lead…
See also Body shop licensing, and Boiler coverage.