Who writes them, what they cover, and why the number sometimes changes.
An auto claims estimate is the itemized cost projection for repairing your vehicle after an accident — but the process behind that number surprises a lot of drivers. Here's how estimates actually get written in Maryland, why insurance and shop numbers sometimes differ, and what happens when a supplement is needed.
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You can get an estimate from the body shop you choose, from an insurance company's staff appraiser, or from an independent appraiser. Maryland law does not require you to use the insurance company's estimate — you're entitled to have your chosen shop write its own, and if there's a meaningful gap between the two, that gap is negotiated between the shop and the insurer, not something you have to resolve yourself.
A proper written estimate itemizes labor hours by repair type (body, paint, mechanical, frame), parts (with OEM, aftermarket, or LKQ designation and price), paint materials, and any sublet work like glass replacement or ADAS calibration. Estimating software (commonly CCC, Mitchell, or Audatex) standardizes labor times across the industry, but shops can and do adjust for damage not visible until disassembly.
Initial estimates are written from a visual inspection before disassembly. Once a technician removes bumper covers, panels, or trim, hidden damage — bent brackets, cracked mounts, damaged wiring — often surfaces. This triggers a supplemental estimate, submitted to your insurer for approval before that additional work proceeds. Supplements are routine, not a sign of overbilling; a shop that never finds supplemental damage on collision repairs is more likely under-inspecting than perfectly accurate the first time.
You're not required to accept a lowball estimate. Ask your shop to provide a written estimate directly to the insurer with photos and line-item justification for any discrepancy — most gaps get resolved through this direct shop-to-adjuster negotiation. If a disagreement persists, Maryland policies typically include an appraisal clause allowing each side to select an appraiser, with a neutral umpire resolving remaining disputes.
No. You can have your chosen body shop write its own estimate. If it differs meaningfully from the insurer's number, the shop and the insurance company negotiate the difference directly, backed by photos and line-item documentation.
It's an updated estimate submitted after a shop finds additional damage once the vehicle is disassembled — very common on collision repairs since hidden damage (bent brackets, cracked mounts) isn't visible from a walk-around inspection.
Typically 24-72 hours, though it can take longer if the adjuster needs to schedule a re-inspection. We push proactively on supplement approvals to avoid unnecessary repair delays.
Yes. You're entitled to an estimate from any licensed shop or appraiser of your choosing — you are not limited to your insurance company's number.
Most Maryland auto policies include an appraisal clause: each side selects an appraiser, and if they disagree, a neutral umpire resolves the difference. This is a formal process available if direct negotiation stalls.
It should, if your vehicle requires them. These are standard, billable line items in a modern estimate — if they're missing from a lowball quote, ask why.