Need the details of construction

In a nutshell, Design Based Repairs means you must know how the vehicle was constructed and be aware of any special materials or systems that might impact how that vehicle should be repaired as well as where those materials are located on the vehicle. Most OEMs do a good job of providing this detailed information. The problem is in educating technicians and estimators to include this step in their repair plan process; knowing where to find the data specific to the vehicle needing repairs; and then having the correct tools and equipment available to make those repairs.

        As more of these newer vehicles are involved in collisions, smart shops will learn to address and resolve these issues and will purchase the tools and data required to properly repair these vehicles as per OEM recommendations. Additionally, these shops discover that having this information at hand will go a long way towards simplifying their lives because a tremendous side benefit is that this OEM repair data is extremely effective in justifying repair plans to insurance providers. Once an adjuster sees a plan based on a recommended OEM repair procedure, the debate over the estimate total is typically over.

New profit centers

Proactive shops recognize that Design Based Repairs creates additional profit opportunities as well. Typically, when new vehicle systems are damaged in a collision they need to be replaced. And there are a lot more systems in new vehicles than there ever were in the past. Components such as Oxygen Sensors, Height Sensors, Accelerometers, Cruise Control Proximity Modules and even headlights that follow the path of the vehicle are just a few of the myriad of systems and gadgets that must be checked, repaired or replaced if they are involved in a collision.

        In the past, most shops would farm out these services to other repair providers – and usually at a higher hourly rate. However, proactive shops have now begun to hire qualified technicians and have established dedicated service bays equipped to check, analyze and repair these various systems. As a result, they make more money on parts, they improve the shop throughout and, perhaps most importantly, they maintain total control of the vehicle throughout the repair cycle.

        Finally, Design Based Repairs can also help reverse the trend towards more vehicle totals. Using Design Based Repair methods enables shops to fix vehicles faster, better and be able to validate the results of their efforts. All of these factors contribute not only to higher quality repairs, but lower overall repair costs and a reduction in vehicle totals.

        Design Based Repairs. Get comfortable with the phrase because it’s destined to be the future of the collision industry for many years to come.

        Written by Randy Gard, president of Chief Automotive Technologies, and Steve Frisbie, Chief Automotive Technologies Marketing Manager.