After a collision, once you’ve handled the immediate steps at the scene, most people get one estimate and move forward. Some get two or three, hoping to find a better price or to validate what the first shop told them. Both approaches can make sense. It depends on the situation.
Here’s when a second estimate is worth your time and when it isn’t.
When one estimate is enough
If you already have a shop you trust, one that’s done good work for you before, has a strong warranty, and communicates clearly, a second estimate may not tell you anything useful.
Collision repair estimates aren’t like contractor quotes for a kitchen renovation, where pricing varies widely based on approach. Body shop estimates use standardized labour times from industry databases (Mitchell, Audatex, CCC). The same repair at two reputable shops should produce similar line items and similar totals.
The differences you’ll see between two honest estimates are usually minor:
- Slightly different labour rates (varies by shop and region)
- One shop may recommend OEM parts where another defaults to aftermarket
- One may include ADAS recalibration upfront while another adds it as a supplement
These differences are worth discussing but don’t necessarily mean one shop is better than the other.
When a second estimate makes sense
The estimate feels too high
If the total seems disproportionate to the visible damage, a second opinion can clarify whether the first shop identified damage you can’t see or whether they’re padding the estimate. Keep in mind that modern vehicles are expensive to repair, what looks like minor bumper damage can easily be $3,000 to $5,000 once you factor in sensors, brackets, and paint blending.
The estimate feels too low
This is actually the more concerning scenario. An unusually low estimate might mean the shop:
- Missed hidden damage (that’ll show up as a supplement later)
- Is using the cheapest aftermarket parts available
- Isn’t including ADAS scanning or recalibration
- Is cutting corners on primer, seam sealer, or corrosion protection
A low estimate that sounds too good to be true usually is.
You don’t know the shop
If your insurer recommended a shop you’ve never heard of, getting a second estimate from a shop you’ve researched gives you a comparison point. Remember, you choose the shop in Alberta, not your insurer.
The damage is major
For significant structural damage, frame work, or anything involving the vehicle’s safety systems, a second opinion from another qualified shop can confirm the repair approach. Different shops may have different capabilities with frame straightening or aluminum repair.
You’re considering a total loss dispute
If your insurer is close to writing off your vehicle and you disagree, a second estimate documenting a lower repair cost could support your case for keeping the vehicle.
What to compare between estimates
Don’t just compare the bottom line. Look at:
| Line item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Parts | OEM vs. aftermarket vs. used, are both shops using the same type? |
| Labour hours | Should be similar if both are using the same database |
| Labour rate | Regional variation is normal; large differences suggest different shop tiers |
| Paint and materials | Methodology should be comparable |
| ADAS scanning | Both should include pre-scan and post-scan on modern vehicles |
| Sublet operations | Alignment, recalibration, these should appear on both |
| Supplements | Ask each shop: “Do you expect to find more damage during teardown?” |
Our guide on how to read a collision repair estimate breaks down every line item.
What NOT to do
Don’t shop purely on price
The cheapest estimate is rarely the best repair. A shop that undercuts everyone is either missing damage, cutting corners, or using the lowest-quality parts available. You’ll pay the difference later in poor colour match, rust, or a warranty that doesn’t cover anything.
Don’t delay too long
Getting multiple estimates takes time, each one requires booking an appointment, driving the vehicle in, and waiting for the write-up. If the vehicle has exposed metal or compromised seals, every day of delay in Alberta’s climate is a day rust gets a head start.
Don’t let the insurer choose for you
Some adjusters will write their own estimate and pressure you to use a specific shop. Their estimate is a starting point, not a ceiling. Your chosen shop will write their own estimate and negotiate directly with the insurer.
The bottom line
One estimate from a trusted shop is usually enough. A second estimate makes sense when you don’t know the shop, the numbers seem off, or the damage is significant enough to warrant a second pair of eyes.
In either case, choose a shop based on their work quality, warranty, and communication, not on who gave you the lowest number. Our list of questions to ask before choosing a collision shop can help you evaluate any shop you’re considering.
Confirm all repair details and processes with your chosen shop. This guide is educational.