Auto Repair Estimates and Car Repair Prices - The Real Information to Avoid Car Repair Scams

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Worrying whether or not you were overcharged for your car repair is an awful feeling. There's tons of advice on how to avoid getting ripped-off, but few discuss the actual car repair prices. We really need to look at the charges on a car repair estimate or auto repair invoice to determine if we're paying too much.

The focus needs to shift from giving outdated and ineffective advice to addressing the specific charges. Are they legitimate charges? Can they be justified by industry guidelines?

Now car repair estimates can be confusing. So let's break it down to get a better idea if your auto repair shop is billing you appropriately.

First, a glossary of terms is in order, as the auto industry has a language of its own...

Aftermarket Parts: parts not made by or for the manufacturer.

MSRP: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. Manufacturer approved parts designed specifically for your vehicle.

TSBs: Technical Service Bulletins. Notes and instructions provided by the manufacturer for known and specific concerns (they are not recalls).

Flat Fees: services such as alignments that don't get broken down into parts, tax, labor

Miscellaneous Charges: these can include, but are not limited to shop supplies - rags, chemicals, hazardous waste disposal fees, waste oil ...etc.

Labor Rate: a repair center's hourly charge to service your vehicle

Labor Time: the amount of time or hours determined that it will take to fix your vehicle

Labor Description: the step-by-step written details of repairs and/or services

Ok, let's look at the Anatomy of an Auto Repair Estimate:

There are six basic components to a car repair estimate

1) Customer/Vehicle Information

2) Parts

3) Labor

4) Miscellaneous Charges

5) Flat Fees

6) Summary of Charges

Customer and Vehicle Information
Using a generic "top down" style estimate, the top portion simply contains your personal information and your vehicle's specifics: year, make, model, mileage...etc, as well as your request or concern.

We also want find the shop's labor rate. The labor rate is critical in determining if you paid too much. Most repair centers don't list the labor rate. We'll discuss why shortly.

Auto Parts
Parts are listed usually with a brief description, as well as the quantity, and the price. There are three types of parts: OEM (parts made by or for a manufacturer). These are the parts installed by a dealer, although many local shops use OEM parts too.

Aftermarket parts are non OEM parts, and there are various degrees of quality, depending on the brand and where they're made - China versus USA, for example.

Then there are Used parts purchased from a salvage yard.

To determine if you paid too much for parts, first find out what type of parts are being used. With OEM parts, you don't want to pay more than MSRP, although most people do without realizing it. Premium aftermarket parts are similarly priced across brands, although beware not to pay more than MSRP, which again, many folks do. Used parts prices are all over the place, so pick the price in the middle.

Auto Repair Labor

Labor is billed in tenths. So 1.0 equals 1 hour. 1.5 equals an hour and a half.
Labor rates range from $60 to $100 per hour at local repair shops and $80 to $140 per hour at the dealer level. Labor times are based off established industry guidelines, which are frequently abused.

If you don't see the shop's labor rate posted on the car repair invoice, ask your service center for the rate. Repair shops can manipulate the labor rate (among other things) with a labor matrix. Matrix pricing is a complicated and ethically questionable practice discussed at length in RepairTrust literature. What you need to know is that you can pay as high as $150 per hour rather than the posted labor rate of $105 per hour.

Thus, you'll want to multiply the number of hours billed (which is also often not posted) by the shop's labor rate to determine if you've been charged accordingly.

Most labor descriptions are poorly written and difficult to understand. So ask questions.

Here's a "clear" labor description for a 30,000 mile service on a Toyota Camry.

Performed 30,000 mile service per customer request, and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Changed oil and filter, installed new air filter, cabin filter and performed all necessary tests, checks, and procedures, including road test (miles 30,123 - 30,125). Performed lubrication services and confirmed proper vehicle operation. Set tire pressures, and checked fluids, belts and hoses. Note: vehicle is pulling slightly left. Needs alignment

Miscellaneous Charges

The bulk of your car repair invoice will be parts and labor, but we can't forget about Miscellaneous Charges. These charges can include, but are not limited to, shop supplies - rags, chemicals, hazardous waste, disposal fees, waste oil ...etc. The latter of these may be billed out separately in a summary at the bottom of your repair invoice.

Very few of these "extras" are actually used during regular repairs. Miscellaneous charges are calculated off the amount of labor hours billed, not the amount of miscellaneous items used.

Flat Fees

Flat fees can be another very tricky area. Flat fees are services, such as an alignment, which don't get broken down into parts, tax and labor. This makes it difficult to determine the real and fair price. On the plus side, most flat fees are competitively priced.

Be warned however, another term for Flat Fee is called Menu Selling. In other words, you might see Tune Up: $99.99 or Transmission Flush: $89.99. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations only, not a dealer's or repair shop's menu.

For an interesting read on this topic, click
car maintenance costs

Summary of Charges

The last part of an auto repair estimate is the summary of charges. It's usually found in the bottom right hand corner of the invoice. Check it against the charges above to ensure that it all adds up mathematically, as well as logically.

This basic estimate outline may differ from your particular invoice, which may have other categories such as "Sublet" or "HazMat."

A sublet charge is added when your auto repair shop uses another vender to fix or repair your car, such as a glass company that replaces your windshield.

A HazMat charge may include waste oil or other disposal fees. Just make sure that the charges are warranted, as again, they too are often calculated off the labor time rather than actual need.

In sum, understanding the "actual" charges, asking the right questions, and breaking down your auto repair costs is the best way to avoid paying excessive car repair prices.

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Auto Repair Estimates and Car Repair Prices - The Real Information to Avoid Car Repair Scams

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Worrying whether or not you were overcharged for your car repair is an awful feeling. There's tons of advice on how to avoid getting ripped-off, but few discuss the actual car repair prices. We really need to look at the charges on a car repair estimate or auto repair invoice to determine if we're paying too much.

The focus needs to shift from giving outdated and ineffective advice to addressing the specific charges. Are they legitimate charges? Can they be justified by industry guidelines?

Now car repair estimates can be confusing. So let's break it down to get a better idea if your auto repair shop is billing you appropriately.

First, a glossary of terms is in order, as the auto industry has a language of its own...

Aftermarket Parts: parts not made by or for the manufacturer.

MSRP: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. Manufacturer approved parts designed specifically for your vehicle.

TSBs: Technical Service Bulletins. Notes and instructions provided by the manufacturer for known and specific concerns (they are not recalls).

Flat Fees: services such as alignments that don't get broken down into parts, tax, labor

Miscellaneous Charges: these can include, but are not limited to shop supplies - rags, chemicals, hazardous waste disposal fees, waste oil ...etc.

Labor Rate: a repair center's hourly charge to service your vehicle

Labor Time: the amount of time or hours determined that it will take to fix your vehicle

Labor Description: the step-by-step written details of repairs and/or services

Ok, let's look at the Anatomy of an Auto Repair Estimate:

There are six basic components to a car repair estimate

1) Customer/Vehicle Information

2) Parts

3) Labor

4) Miscellaneous Charges

5) Flat Fees

6) Summary of Charges

Customer and Vehicle Information
Using a generic "top down" style estimate, the top portion simply contains your personal information and your vehicle's specifics: year, make, model, mileage...etc, as well as your request or concern.

We also want find the shop's labor rate. The labor rate is critical in determining if you paid too much. Most repair centers don't list the labor rate. We'll discuss why shortly.

Auto Parts
Parts are listed usually with a brief description, as well as the quantity, and the price. There are three types of parts: OEM (parts made by or for a manufacturer). These are the parts installed by a dealer, although many local shops use OEM parts too.

Aftermarket parts are non OEM parts, and there are various degrees of quality, depending on the brand and where they're made - China versus USA, for example.

Then there are Used parts purchased from a salvage yard.

To determine if you paid too much for parts, first find out what type of parts are being used. With OEM parts, you don't want to pay more than MSRP, although most people do without realizing it. Premium aftermarket parts are similarly priced across brands, although beware not to pay more than MSRP, which again, many folks do. Used parts prices are all over the place, so pick the price in the middle.

Auto Repair Labor

Labor is billed in tenths. So 1.0 equals 1 hour. 1.5 equals an hour and a half.
Labor rates range from $60 to $100 per hour at local repair shops and $80 to $140 per hour at the dealer level. Labor times are based off established industry guidelines, which are frequently abused.

If you don't see the shop's labor rate posted on the car repair invoice, ask your service center for the rate. Repair shops can manipulate the labor rate (among other things) with a labor matrix. Matrix pricing is a complicated and ethically questionable practice discussed at length in RepairTrust literature. What you need to know is that you can pay as high as $150 per hour rather than the posted labor rate of $105 per hour.

Thus, you'll want to multiply the number of hours billed (which is also often not posted) by the shop's labor rate to determine if you've been charged accordingly.

Most labor descriptions are poorly written and difficult to understand. So ask questions.

Here's a "clear" labor description for a 30,000 mile service on a Toyota Camry.

Performed 30,000 mile service per customer request, and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Changed oil and filter, installed new air filter, cabin filter and performed all necessary tests, checks, and procedures, including road test (miles 30,123 - 30,125). Performed lubrication services and confirmed proper vehicle operation. Set tire pressures, and checked fluids, belts and hoses. Note: vehicle is pulling slightly left. Needs alignment

Miscellaneous Charges

The bulk of your car repair invoice will be parts and labor, but we can't forget about Miscellaneous Charges. These charges can include, but are not limited to, shop supplies - rags, chemicals, hazardous waste, disposal fees, waste oil ...etc. The latter of these may be billed out separately in a summary at the bottom of your repair invoice.

Very few of these "extras" are actually used during regular repairs. Miscellaneous charges are calculated off the amount of labor hours billed, not the amount of miscellaneous items used.

Flat Fees

Flat fees can be another very tricky area. Flat fees are services, such as an alignment, which don't get broken down into parts, tax and labor. This makes it difficult to determine the real and fair price. On the plus side, most flat fees are competitively priced.

Be warned however, another term for Flat Fee is called Menu Selling. In other words, you might see Tune Up: $99.99 or Transmission Flush: $89.99. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations only, not a dealer's or repair shop's menu.

For an interesting read on this topic, click
car maintenance costs

Summary of Charges

The last part of an auto repair estimate is the summary of charges. It's usually found in the bottom right hand corner of the invoice. Check it against the charges above to ensure that it all adds up mathematically, as well as logically.

This basic estimate outline may differ from your particular invoice, which may have other categories such as "Sublet" or "HazMat."

A sublet charge is added when your auto repair shop uses another vender to fix or repair your car, such as a glass company that replaces your windshield.

A HazMat charge may include waste oil or other disposal fees. Just make sure that the charges are warranted, as again, they too are often calculated off the labor time rather than actual need.

In sum, understanding the "actual" charges, asking the right questions, and breaking down your auto repair costs is the best way to avoid paying excessive car repair prices.

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Medicare & Medicaid Doctor Directory - How to Find Doctors Who Accept Medicare and Medicaid

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If you are receiving Medicare and/or Medicaid, it can often be difficult to find a doctor, be it a general practitioner or specialist, who will accept your insurance. Unfortunately the payment schedules set up by the government have resulted in many doctors opting out of the system because they simply cannot afford the substantially lower payments for Medicaid/Medicare services as well as afford to pay for the substantially greater paperwork involved in taking such patients.

Sadly, government has had a tendency to reduce reimbursement payments, not increase them, and do not seem to be interested in covering the actual cost of providing services.

Not only that, but private insurers are not longer willing to "subsidize" public patients by paying higher rates, so doctors cannot shift the ever-increasing costs to them.

As a result, at a time when more and more doctors are opting out of the system, those doctors who still take Medicare and Medicaid patients generally limit the number they will serve, so finding a doctor who will take your Medicare or Medicaid insurance is not as easy as simply opening the phone book and making a phone call. Indeed, it probably will take some real time and effort on your part.

There is not, and never has been, any requirement that doctors treat patients insured by Medicare or Medicaid. Therefore, people with Medicare or Medicaid are increasingly turning to federally funded clinics, or even to emergency rooms that cannot, by law, turn them away. Sadly, using emergency rooms for non-emergency health care is unbelievably expensive, making the lower reimbursement Medicare/Medicaid rates not financially wise in the long run.

So, how do you find a doctor that will take new Medicare/Medicaid patients?

Well, first of all, do not expect to find a doctor or, should you find one or a clinic taking Medicare/Medicaid patients, do not plan on getting an appointment quickly. Sadly, that will not happen very often. Indeed, if you need quick care, the emergency room is likely to be your only recourse.

To track down Medicare/Medicaid providers, you can contact your local health department or social service agencies to find out more information and there are a number of Medicare and Medicaid doctor directories online. While they cannot guarantee you an appointment, they do have access to information about current providers.

You can also go to the Medicare website at Medicare.gov or call them at 800-633-4227 (TTY 877-486-2048) to find Medicare providers in your area, although there is no guarantee they will be accepting new patients. It is worth a try, though.

Also, managed care is probably a better bet than private practice. HMOs organized by private insurers have a practical interest in having HMO doctors taking government-insured patients, while Prepaid Health Plans (PHPs) are generally run by hospitals or medical schools, and often only accept Medicaid patients.

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Cheap Auto Insurance in Alabama at Your Fingertips

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Even with 4.6 million residents as of 2006, you can find cheap auto insurance rates in Alabama whether you have a great driving record or a not-so-great one. With a ranking of 23rd in population, this southern U.S. state has several popular nicknames such as "The Yellowhammer State" and "The Cotton State." But "Heart of Dixie" is the most familiar. Since the late 20th century and even today, Alabama's economy thrives due to aerospace, biotechnology and automotive jobs. These along with the major industries of agriculture, mining and steel-making have managed to put a lot of motorists on the highways of Alabama every day.

If you are one of these motorists and would like to obtain cheap car insurance, you should find this to be an easy task with the 128 auto insurance companies in Alabama. Among these are Liberty Mutual, Geico and Progressive. Just be aware that every insurance company is not licensed and authorized in each state, so be sure the company you choose is licensed to serve drivers in Alabama.

Things You Need to Know about Car Insurance in Alabama

As of 2009, the average auto insurance premium for residents in Alabama was $1,420 and the national average was $1,735. All drivers are required to carry liability insurance when driving a vehicle. The minimum requirement of the state of Alabama is a $25,000/$50,000 limit in Bodily Injury Liability coverage and a $25,000 limit in Property Damage Liability coverage. You have the option to choose whether you want to carry car insurance or put up a bond or deposit of $50,000. You must have proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times while driving in Alabama. If you are driving without the proof and get stopped by a police officer, your car registration will be suspended.

A Tort system is followed in the state of Alabama. This means a person must be found to be at fault for causing the accident and along with their insurance provider, will be held responsible for all damages. Find out the details of the Tort system in your area, because it varies from state to state.

Factors that Affect Your Car Insurance Rate

If you are looking for a cheap car insurance premium, here are some major factors that companies will consider to help determine your premiums. They'll consider the number of miles you drive every year, your driving distance to work, driving experience, theft protection devices in your vehicle, multiple cars and drivers in your household, and whether or not you currently have auto insurance. Other factors that providers will consider include your age, gender, marital status, driving violations, vehicle type, accident claims, credit rating and occupation. Carefully take a look at these factors before you talk to a company about cheap auto insurance coverage. Some of these factors can't be changed, but some can...and you can potentially save hundreds of dollars per year!

Searching Online for Cheap Car Insurance in the State of Alabama

If you are having trouble finding cheap car insurance in Alabama or just don't have the time to make all those phone calls, now you can get free car insurance quotes online any time you want in just a few minutes. When receiving quotes from most providers, you'll be offered the option of choosing the package that suits your particular need.

You'll find that searching for cheap auto insurance online is as easy as the click of a mouse if you prepare before shopping online with necessary paperwork on hand, get rid of all distractions, stay alert and know your priorities. Now, all you have to do is enjoy the convenience of sitting back and clicking away to purchase your cheap Alabama car insurance.

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Cheap Auto Insurance in Alabama at Your Fingertips

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Even with 4.6 million residents as of 2006, you can find cheap auto insurance rates in Alabama whether you have a great driving record or a not-so-great one. With a ranking of 23rd in population, this southern U.S. state has several popular nicknames such as "The Yellowhammer State" and "The Cotton State." But "Heart of Dixie" is the most familiar. Since the late 20th century and even today, Alabama's economy thrives due to aerospace, biotechnology and automotive jobs. These along with the major industries of agriculture, mining and steel-making have managed to put a lot of motorists on the highways of Alabama every day.

If you are one of these motorists and would like to obtain cheap car insurance, you should find this to be an easy task with the 128 auto insurance companies in Alabama. Among these are Liberty Mutual, Geico and Progressive. Just be aware that every insurance company is not licensed and authorized in each state, so be sure the company you choose is licensed to serve drivers in Alabama.

Things You Need to Know about Car Insurance in Alabama

As of 2009, the average auto insurance premium for residents in Alabama was $1,420 and the national average was $1,735. All drivers are required to carry liability insurance when driving a vehicle. The minimum requirement of the state of Alabama is a $25,000/$50,000 limit in Bodily Injury Liability coverage and a $25,000 limit in Property Damage Liability coverage. You have the option to choose whether you want to carry car insurance or put up a bond or deposit of $50,000. You must have proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times while driving in Alabama. If you are driving without the proof and get stopped by a police officer, your car registration will be suspended.

A Tort system is followed in the state of Alabama. This means a person must be found to be at fault for causing the accident and along with their insurance provider, will be held responsible for all damages. Find out the details of the Tort system in your area, because it varies from state to state.

Factors that Affect Your Car Insurance Rate

If you are looking for a cheap car insurance premium, here are some major factors that companies will consider to help determine your premiums. They'll consider the number of miles you drive every year, your driving distance to work, driving experience, theft protection devices in your vehicle, multiple cars and drivers in your household, and whether or not you currently have auto insurance. Other factors that providers will consider include your age, gender, marital status, driving violations, vehicle type, accident claims, credit rating and occupation. Carefully take a look at these factors before you talk to a company about cheap auto insurance coverage. Some of these factors can't be changed, but some can...and you can potentially save hundreds of dollars per year!

Searching Online for Cheap Car Insurance in the State of Alabama

If you are having trouble finding cheap car insurance in Alabama or just don't have the time to make all those phone calls, now you can get free car insurance quotes online any time you want in just a few minutes. When receiving quotes from most providers, you'll be offered the option of choosing the package that suits your particular need.

You'll find that searching for cheap auto insurance online is as easy as the click of a mouse if you prepare before shopping online with necessary paperwork on hand, get rid of all distractions, stay alert and know your priorities. Now, all you have to do is enjoy the convenience of sitting back and clicking away to purchase your cheap Alabama car insurance.

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Lead And Prospect Generation - How To Be A Successful Insurance Agent!

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It is difficult enough to sell a visible product or service; it is even more difficult to sell a concept or convincing a customer to pay in advance for some eventuality which may occur sometime in the future. Though insurance is an excellent safeguard against mishaps it is often difficult to get people to believe in it to the extent of investing their money.

Under these circumstances, to see your insurance business grow, it is very important to go about marketing various products offered by you in the right direction and be successful and adept in lead and prospect generation. Any business requires extensive advertising. Making your product or service visible to as many people as possible is one of the most important aspect of business.

Today, we are lucky to have the powerful medium of the internet to explain about our products or services whatever the case may be to a large number of people all over the world. Here we have a host of sites offering promises of enhanced business opportunities on payment of a minimal amount. With the amount of competition on the internet, it often becomes difficult to distinguish between a genuine and a bogus claim.

It is also impossible to call so many clients on the telephone, explaining various insurance products on offer on a continuous basis. You may have excellent products and schemes but may not have the time to make hundreds of phone calls.

Choosing an effective advertising medium is sure to make your insurance business grow leaps and bounds. You could target the right customers and generate a huge volume of business. Lead and prospect generation has never been easier. The auto recruiter software is an innovative voice broadcasting lead generation system which actually brings customers to your doorstep. You do not have to chase your clients. All you have to do is to become a member of this incredible system, sit back, relax and wait for your customers to come searching for you.

Just as there are a lot of insurance companies looking for the right customer, there are a lot of customers looking for the right insurance agents. To bring both in contact is what the auto recruiter system does. You need to just pay a negligible amount for a voice broadcast offering information on your service which will call a huge database of prospects.

Customers who are looking for insurance companies are sure to then contact you. All the auto recruiter system does is to bring the right buyer and the right seller in contact. Lead and prospect generation becomes as easy and effortless as this. This is a great opportunity to take off on your insurance business.

So, what are you waiting for? You could be one of the most successful insurance agent or company....join this incredible system and wait for your phone to keep ringing asking you for your insurance solutions...

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