Those of us who work in the auto body industry take for granted our familiarity with often-used terms. But for the rest of the world, the definitions for words used in collision repair may prove more elusive. For that reason, we have assembled a list with brief definitions, so you will feel comfortable the next time you take your car in for auto body repair. You’re welcome.
Auto Body Dictionary
Adjuster (AKA Claims Adjuster)
The person employed by an insurance company who investigatesand settles claims. An adjuster evaluates each claim brought by policyholders or claimantsand then recommends payment based on the coverage available under the insurance policy.
Aftermarket Parts
Replacement parts made by someone other than the original equipment manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are a cost-effective alternative to OEM parts. There are many different levels of quality concerning aftermarket partsand some suffer poor workmanshipand lack fitment or structure. If A/M parts are called for by a guest or insurance company at DG Collision Center, we always call for CAPA certified. CAPA certified means that the parts meet industry standards for qualityand fitmentand while not manufactured by the Original vehicle maker they are the closest comparison.
Appraiser
An appraiser inspects a damaged vehicle. They determine the repairsand replacement parts required to restore a vehicle to pre-accident condition. This could also be referred to as an “estimator.”
Air Drying
Okay, admittedly, this one is a little easy since you probably refer to it when you dry your own hair while foregoing the blow dryer. In auto body talk, this means the same thing it does relative to your hair. It means the car is left to sit without any temperature intervention. This can take several days.
At-Fault 
The party that is legally liable for the damages in an accident. In nearly every case, you will be happy if your insurance company decides the other party, instead of you, was at fault in the accident that brings youand your car into our shop.
Baking
When a newly painted car or truck is placed in a high-heat area. Typically, this occurs in a bake type spray bootand temps go as high as 160 degrees.
Base Coat
Base Coat is the color is the paintjob. It is laid out over a primer/surfacerand then covered over with a high solids catalyzed clear coat. Think of it as the smooth layer at the base of a manicure!
Body Filler
A common auto body term, this refers to a material commonly used on bare substrate auto body parts, to fill dents. In some cases, we can use this to minimize the appearance of damage.
Coverage
Protectionand benefits provided in an insurance policy. When you buy insurance, if you’re tempted to opt for a high deductible, remember how you will feel if you have to file a claimand are left to pay a high deductible. See Deductible.
Crap
What you will likely say if you hear the unwelcome sound of another car crashing into yours.
Curing
The process of polymerizing the paint. The molecules that make up the paint bond together during this process, making them stronger. Soft paint is paint which is dry but has not yet cured. At this stage, the finish is easy to damage. Paint is cured when all of the solvent has dissipated from the pigment, leaving only the coating on the substrate of the vehicle we paint. Cure time is significantly longer than drying time.
Deductible 
Once you’ve paid the deductible, the insurance company pays the rest of the costs, up to the amount specified in your policy. If possible, opt for a low deductible when you purchase a policy, so you won’t have a high out-of-pocket expense if your car is damaged. See coverage.
Detailing
This refers to the final cleaning done both insideand outside of the vehicle. It also includes the application of pinstripes, removal of overspray from under the hood, trunk lids etc., as well as polishing. At DG Collision Center, we offer great spring deals on detailing. Call today to book a detailing job to help restore your vehicle this spring.
Estimate 
Made by an appraiser or estimator, a written estimate is done after inspection of the damaged vehicle. It pertains to the cost required to restore the vehicle to the condition it was in immediately prior to the loss. Sometimes, hidden damages come to light once the vehicle is disassembled. When this occurs, at DG Collision, we update the estimate to include additional work needed to complete the repair. We document these in a supplement. Insurance companies expect this to happen, so they allow for this type of documentationand adjustment.
Force Dry
This is when an auto body repairman or woman places a vehicle in a heated area, shortening the cure time to a couple of days.
Frame
In auto body terms this refers to the tubular steel, rectangular, or square steel under-carriage, to which the body, drive train, engine,and suspension are attached.
Happy
How you’ll feel if you bring your damaged vehicle to DG Collision Center for auto body repair. Look at what some of our satisfied customers are saying!
Liability
Legal responsibility or obligation for the injury or damage suffered by another person.
Liability Insurance
In most states, including California, where DG Collision Center is located, drivers are legally required to carry a minimum of liability insurance. This is intended to restore the other driver, passengersand vehicle to their pre-accident condition.
Preferred Auto Body Shop
This is the shop that your insurance rep may try to direct you to use. But know that you have the option to choose your own auto body shop. And “preferred” shops save money for the insurance company. So, it’s in their best interest to direct customers to use these collision centers. Wouldn’t you rather use a shop that has your best interests in mind?
Primer
Think about shades of greyand black. Much like what you would do when you are painting the walls inside a house, painters use primer to prep surfaces for painting. Applying base or clear coat on a metal surface without covering it with a primer will result in a poor paint bond or sticky consistency. This why you see flakingand chipping on inferior paint jobs. Primer is often considered the binding layer.
Related Prior Damage
This refers to damage that the vehicle sustained prior to the current loss. Because these parts were not in their original condition prior to the current loss, an estimator deducts a determined amount from the cost to repair or replace that part. If you opt to repair such prior damage, you would be responsible to cover the associated cost.
Repair Order (RO)
The document we use to keep track of the time spent, expendable materials consumed (such as paints, etc.)and parts used to repair a collision-damaged vehicle. This is also sometimes called a Work Order.
Total Loss
In auto body terms, this refers to a situation when the repair costs will exceed the value of the repaired vehicle. Unless you hate your car, you probably don’t want to hear that the accident resulted in this type of catastrophic damage.
Undercoat
This is the coating applied below the top color coat. The purpose is to help with adhesionand corrosion resistance.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage 
Pays (up to the coverage limit) for injuries to youand other passengers in your vehicle. It also covers property damage caused by a hit-and-run driver or a motorist without liability insurance. It will also pay when your medicaland vehicle repair bills are higher than the other driver´s liability coverage.
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
This unique number identifies your vehicle. This number also often contains important information concerning the equipmentand options that were installed on your vehicle at the factory. This information allows repair centers to order the correct parts for your automobile. Any professional estimate or repair order will have this number on it.
About DG Collision Center in Covina, California
If your vehicle was damaged in a car accident, DG Collision Center in Covina, California, can repair it for you. We are your one-stop-shop in Covina for auto body repair after car accidentsand auto restorations. Our highly trained team includes specialized technicians. We work directly with all insurance companies. This enables our customers to file a claim without even needing to be present. Additionally, if you don’t want to leave your home in Covina right after the accident, you can request an online estimate for auto body repairs or any other auto restorations. We have a smartphone app that allows us to provide estimates without coming to your home or place of business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent service.