Collision Repair Terminology

Aftermarket Parts

Automotive replacement parts that were not made by the original equipment manufacturer. Also known as Quality Replacement Parts, Generic Parts, C.A.P.A. Certified Parts

Basecoat ( BC ) / Clear

A paint system in which the colour effect is given by a highly pigmented basecoat. Gloss and durability are given by a subsequent clearcoat

Bench

A heavy metal platform used to restore a vehicle's structural geometry to factory specifications. This is done by securing a portion of the vehicle to the platform, then pulling appropriate areas of the vehicle into place using special clamps, chains and hydraulic winches.
Aternate Term(s): Frame Rack, Frame Machine

Betterment

Term used to describe an item replaced due to an accident that has some wear. The practice is often applied to tires and batteries that are several years old. If a battery has used up 3/4 of its life, the Insurance company will pro-rate the item's cost and in this case will pay 1/4 of the cost to replace the battery and will ask the insured or claimant to pay the remaining 3/4. The premise being that the Insurance Company is only obligated to return the vehicle to its pre-accident condition

Clear or Clear coat

The clearcoat imparts gloss and protection to a basecoat clearcoat system. It is essentially a pigment-free paint.

Detailing

Final cleaning both inside and outside of vehicle, application of pinstripes, removal of overspray from underhood, trunk lids etc. as well as polishing

DRP

Acronym for Direct Repair Program. These programs often involve a contractual agreement between an Autobody Repair Center and an Insurance Company. For the most part, the agreements set the rules of repair and standardized procedures such as warranties, billing practices and record keeping.

Hazardous Waste

Any unusable by-product derived from the repair and/or painting process that cannot be disposed of through normal waste disposal streams. These products can be potentially harmful to the environment and require special handling as well as professional disposal. Federal, State and Local laws apply and may differ in their scope.

LKQ

Acronym for Like Kind and Quality. Refers to a used part salvaged from another vehicle. It is inspected by the seller and re-inspected by the shop upon receipt and accepted if it is deemed appropriate

Metallic

A term used for finishes incorporating fine metallic particles, usually aluminium, in the paint

R&I

Acronym for Remove and Install. Refers to a part removed from the customer's damaged vehicle to be saved and reinstalled after the repair has been completed.

R&R

Acronym for Remove and Replace. Refers to a part removed from the customer's damaged vehicle that cannot be acceptably repaired. It is replaced with a new part.

Repair Authorization

The point at which a Consumer authorizes the repair to their vehicle (and in some cases contingent upon the Insurance Company settlement process).

Supplement

Additional repairs needed to complete the repair that were not identified on the original estimate.

Tint and Blend

The process of mixing toners to match the existing paint finish, then blending or overlapping the color into the adjacent panel to avoid color match problems

Unibody

The structural support found in most late model vehicles

VIN

Acronym for Vehicle Identification Number. This is a unique number that identifies your vehicle. Although its primary purpose is to identify your vehicle, it often contains important information concerning the equipment and options that were installed on your vehicle at the factory. This information allows the Repair Center to order the correct parts for your vehicle. Any professional estimate or Repair Order will have this number on it.