A collision repair estimate is the document that drives the entire claim. Your insurer uses it to approve the work, your shop uses it to order parts, and you sign off on it before anything starts. Getting an estimate is one of the first steps after a collision. But most people have never read one before and don’t know what they’re looking at.

Here’s how to read it without needing a body shop background.

The header

The top of the estimate identifies:

  • Your vehicle: year, make, model, VIN, mileage, colour code
  • The shop writing the estimate
  • The insurance claim number (if one exists)
  • Date written

Check that the VIN and vehicle details are correct. Mistakes here can delay parts orders and approvals.

Line items: the four categories

Every line on the estimate falls into one of four categories:

1. Labour

Labour is measured in hours, and each operation has a time value set by industry databases (Mitchell, Audatex, or CCC). These aren’t guesses. They’re standardized times that every insurer and shop references.

You’ll see entries like:

  • R&I (remove and install): taking a part off and putting it back on
  • R&R (remove and replace): taking a part off and replacing it with a new one
  • Repair: fixing a panel rather than replacing it (straightening, filling, sanding)
  • Blend: painting an adjacent panel so the colour match is seamless

Labour rates vary by shop and region. In the Sherwood Park and Edmonton area, body labour rates typically range from $70 to $100+ per hour depending on the shop and the type of work.

2. Parts

Each replacement part is listed with a part number, description, and price. You’ll see designations like:

  • OEM: original equipment manufacturer (same as what came on the car)
  • OE: equivalent to OEM
  • A/M: aftermarket (made by a third party, usually cheaper)
  • LKQ or Used: recycled part from a salvage vehicle
  • Reconditioned: a used part that’s been refurbished

Your insurer may default to aftermarket or used parts to save costs. You have the right to discuss this with your shop, read more in our OEM vs. aftermarket parts guide.

3. Paint and materials

Paint is usually listed as a separate line item. It covers:

  • Paint materials (primer, base coat, clear coat)
  • Colour matching (spectrophotometer scan of your existing paint)
  • Hazardous materials disposal

Some shops use a flat-rate paint calculation; others itemize by panel.

4. Sublet operations

These are jobs the body shop sends to a specialist:

  • ADAS recalibration: camera and sensor calibration after windshield or bumper work
  • Wheel alignment: after any suspension or structural repair
  • Mechanical work: engine, transmission, or drivetrain repairs
  • Glass replacement: sometimes done by a dedicated glass installer

Sublet items are billed at the specialist’s rate and appear as their own line items.

Supplements (hidden damage)

The initial estimate is based on what the estimator can see from the outside. Once the vehicle is taken apart (teardown), the shop almost always finds additional damage underneath.

This triggers a supplement: an updated estimate sent to the insurer for approval. Supplements are normal and expected on anything beyond a minor repair, and understanding the difference between adjuster and shop estimates helps you follow this process. A good shop documents supplemental damage with photos before proceeding.

Betterment

If a worn part is replaced with a brand-new one, some insurers apply a betterment deduction. For example, if your five-year-old tires are damaged and replaced with new ones, the insurer may only pay a percentage based on remaining tread life.

Betterment is legal in Alberta but not common on most collision claims. If it appears on your estimate, ask your adjuster to explain the calculation.

What to check before signing

  • Vehicle details are correct (VIN, colour, mileage)
  • Parts type matches what you discussed (OEM vs. aftermarket)
  • ADAS scans are included if your vehicle has safety systems
  • The shop’s warranty is noted
  • Your deductible amount is listed

The bottom line

An estimate isn’t a mystery document. It’s a parts-and-labour breakdown, same as any other trade. Now that you know what the abbreviations mean and what each section covers, you can have an informed conversation with your shop and your adjuster.

A good local shop will walk you through the estimate line by line. If they won’t, that tells you something.

Always confirm details with your chosen shop and insurer. This guide is educational and may not reflect your specific claim.