Why is the insurance estimate so much lower than the body shop's estimate?
Insurance companies write initial estimates based on visual damage only, often using photos from an app, which completely misses hidden structural and mechanical issues. Their goal is to write the lowest possible initial estimate to limit their financial exposure, frequently specifying cheap aftermarket parts and cutting corners on labor times. An independent body shop, on the other hand, performs a complete teardown to identify all underlying damage, including compromised structural frames and misaligned ADAS sensors.
How does the supplement process cover the difference in repair costs?
The supplement process is how a body shop submits documentation of hidden damage and actual parts costs to the insurance company to secure additional payment. Once our technicians disassemble your vehicle, we document every piece of hidden damage, photograph the proof, and submit a supplemental invoice directly to the insurer. Because Airpark Auto Collision works for you—not the insurance company—we refuse to cut corners and will fight to ensure the insurer pays for every necessary repair step.
If you received a lowball estimate from an insurance adjuster, bring your vehicle to Airpark Auto Collision at 22039 N 24th Ave Ste A, Phoenix, AZ or call us at (602) 600-7825. We will handle the supplemental claim process from start to finish to ensure your vehicle is repaired safely and correctly.
Can an insurance company force me to use a shop that accepts their low estimate?
No, Arizona law prevents insurance companies from steering you to a specific repair facility or forcing you to use their preferred network shops. You have the absolute right to choose any independent collision repair shop you trust. While insurance direct repair program (DRP) shops might agree to the insurer's cheap repair methods to keep their contract, an independent shop like ours advocates solely for your safety and vehicle value.
- We document all hidden structural damage missed by the initial photo estimate.
- We advocate for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts over cheap aftermarket alternatives.
- We perform necessary ADAS safety calibrations that insurers often try to omit.
- We handle all negotiations and paperwork with the insurance adjuster directly.