In the collision repair business, profit margins can be razor-thin, and every dollar matters. Yet, many body shops unknowingly leave substantial money on the table because of missed manual lines and overlooked guidelines in repair estimates. These errors can cost thousands of dollars monthly, making it critical for shop owners and estimators to understand and address this issue.
The Financial Cost of Missed Manual Lines
Statistics show that the average repair estimate leaves 5-10% of its potential value unclaimed due to missed manual lines and insurer-specific guideline requirements. For a shop processing 100 claims per month with an average ticket of $3,000 per repair, this could amount to $15,000 to $30,000 of lost revenue monthly.
Some of the most commonly overlooked items include:
Sublet repairs (e.g., ADAS recalibrations or tire replacements)
Consumables (paints, adhesives, and specialty materials)
Labor for non-standard repairs (corrosion protection, weld-through primers)
Documented operational variances required by specific insurers
These omissions are not just mistakes—they’re missed opportunities to recover costs for legitimate work performed. Over a year, this can mean upwards of $360,000 in unclaimed revenue, money that could be reinvested into staff training, equipment, or facility improvements.
Why Manual Lines Are Missed
The complexity of insurer-specific guidelines is a significant challenge:
Inconsistencies Across Insurers:Â Each insurer has unique requirements, with some demanding additional documentation, photos, or specific terms to approve repairs.
Estimator Overload:Â Estimators are often stretched thin, juggling multiple claims daily while trying to keep up with varying insurer protocols.
Lack of Automation:Â Many estimation platforms require manual input for insurer-specific lines, leaving room for human error or oversight.
Knowledge Gaps:Â Estimators may not fully understand all insurer guidelines, especially if they frequently change or if the estimator is new to the role.
How Trueclaim Solves the Problem
Trueclaim's AI-driven platform is designed to help body shops capture every dollar they deserve by addressing these challenges head-on. Here’s how it works:
Post-Estimate Audit: After an initial estimate is created, Trueclaim runs a post-estimate audit to identify potentially missed manual lines based on the insurer’s specific guidelines. This feature highlights discrepancies, ensuring nothing is overlooked before submission.
Guideline Integration: Trueclaim integrates insurer rules into its system, providing real-time suggestions for manual lines and additional documentation. For example:
Notifying the user to add ADAS calibration if the damaged parts include sensors.
Flagging the need for corrosion protection applications where applicable.
Streamlined Workflow: Trueclaim reduces the administrative burden, saving time and enabling estimators to focus on accuracy without slowing down the repair process.
Real Results: Savings in Action
Body shops using Trueclaim report significant improvements in capturing billable items. Even a modest 10% increase in revenue per repair order could translate to an additional $30,000 per month or $360,000 annually for a shop processing 100 claims monthly, assuming an average ticket of $3,000. For shops achieving greater improvements, the financial impact could be even more substantial.
Empowering Body Shops for Success
By leveraging Trueclaim, body shops can eliminate the guesswork and ensure every claim meets insurer standards while capturing all billable items. This is not just about recovering costs—it’s about staying competitive in an industry where efficiency and profitability are paramount.
Conclusion
Missed manual lines and guidelines are hidden profit killers that no body shop can afford to ignore. With Trueclaim's intelligent post-estimate audit and guideline integration, shops can recover lost revenue, save time, and improve accuracy. Don’t leave money on the table—invest in tools that empower your estimators and protect your bottom line.
Want to see how Trueclaim can transform your estimating process? Request a demo today and start reclaiming the profits you’ve been missing.