Question 1

What is Crash Valuations?

Accepted Answer

Crash Valuations is a virtual estimating service for auto body shops. We write collision repair estimates and supplements on behalf of body shops across the US and Canada. Instead of hiring an in-house estimator or having shop owners write estimates themselves, shops outsource that work to us. We handle the estimate, you focus on repairs.

Question 2

Do you write the estimates or is it done by AI?

Accepted Answer

Every estimate is written by a real, experienced collision estimator — not AI. Our lead estimator reviews every claim before it goes out to ensure accuracy and quality. We act as an extension of your shop, and we'll always call to walk you through the finished estimate so you can request any tweaks or revisions.

Question 3

Is this a software I have to learn?

Accepted Answer

No. We're not a software company. We're a team of estimators who write your estimates for you. You submit claim information through our simple online portal, and we send back a completed estimate. There's nothing to install and no learning curve.

Question 4

Do you negotiate with insurance companies?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't negotiate with insurance adjusters on estimates or supplements. We write thorough, accurate estimates using industry-standard software and procedures — but the negotiation is between your shop and the insurer. The exception is our total loss service, where we do negotiate on behalf of vehicle owners to get better settlement offers.

Question 5

How do I submit a claim?

Accepted Answer

Once you have an account, you log in and go to the claims portal. From there you select "Estimate Request" and fill out the claim form. You'll choose the vehicle type and service (estimate, supplement, or additional supplement), enter the VIN, provide the insurance company and claim number if applicable, upload photos of the damage, and add any notes for our estimators. That's it — we take it from there.

Question 6

What information do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

For estimates, we need the VIN, photos of all the damage, and any notes about how you'd like the estimate written. For supplements, we also need the initial estimate from the insurance company. Our VIN decoder automatically pulls up the year, make, model, and trim once you enter the VIN.

Question 7

What do I get back when the estimate is finished?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive:
- The full estimate PDF
- The REVV sheet (included free — we're a REVV partner)
- The EagleMMS paint and materials sheet (if applicable)
- For CCC users: the work file copy so you can pull it directly into your CCC system

Question 8

Do you call me when it's done?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once your estimate is complete, one of our estimators will call you to walk through the claim. If you want anything changed or revised, just let us know on that call — revisions are always free.

Question 9

How fast will I get my estimate back?

Accepted Answer

We guarantee a 24-hour turnaround for regular vehicles. In most cases, if you submit a claim before 5pm Central time, you'll have it back the same day. Specialty vehicles (exotics, classics, semi-trucks) may occasionally take a bit longer if we're waiting on parts pricing.

Question 10

What if I need it faster?

Accepted Answer

We offer an expedited turnaround add-on that moves your claim to the top of the queue. With expedited service, you'll typically receive your completed estimate within one hour.

Question 11

What estimating software do you use?

Accepted Answer

We write estimates in CCC One for US shops and Mitchell for Canadian shops. We're partnered with REVV and use REVV and ALLDATA for OEM repair procedures and calibration requirements. We use EagleMMS for paint and materials documentation.

Question 12

Can I import the estimate into my own system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For shops using CCC, we provide the work file copy so you can pull the estimate directly into your system. All shops receive the full estimate PDF regardless of what software they use.

Question 13

What types of shops do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with independent body shops of all sizes across the United States and Canada. Whether you're a one-man operation or running 50+ cars a month, we can help. Most of our clients are independently owned shops — larger chains like Gerber or Caliber typically have too much internal regulation to outsource estimating.

Question 14

Why do shops use your service?

Accepted Answer

Shops use us for a few reasons:
- Save time: Owners who are writing estimates themselves can get that time back to focus on running the shop.
- Better estimates: Smaller shops may not have access to premium estimating software like CCC, REVV, or ALLDATA. We do, and we know how to use it to maximize the estimate.
- Overflow help: Busy shops use us when they're slammed and need extra estimating capacity.
- Consistency: We write thorough, professional estimates every time using OEM procedures and proper documentation.

Question 15

What if I want something changed on the estimate?

Accepted Answer

No problem. When we call to go over the finished estimate, just let us know what you'd like adjusted. Revisions are always free.

Question 16

How do I know the estimates will be good?

Accepted Answer

Our lead estimator reviews every single claim before it goes out. We use the same software and procedures the best shops in the country use — CCC, Mitchell, REVV, ALLDATA, and EagleMMS. We're not cutting corners, we're writing estimates the way they should be written.

Question 17

Do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

If you're not completely satisfied with your first estimate, we'll make it right or give you a full refund. We stand behind our work.

Question 18

How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Visit crashvaluations.com and create an account. Once you're set up, you can submit your first claim right away through the claims portal.

Question 19

Is there a contract or commitment?

Accepted Answer

No. Most of our clients use us on a pay-per-claim basis. You only pay when you submit a claim — there's no monthly minimum, no contract, and no commitment.

Question 20

What if I just want to try it once?

Accepted Answer

That's exactly how most shops start. Submit one claim, see the quality of work we deliver, and go from there. No pressure, no commitment.

Question 21

What is your total loss service?

Accepted Answer

If a customer's vehicle has been totaled and they received a low settlement offer from the insurance company, we can review the claim and negotiate a better payout on their behalf. This is separate from our core estimating service for body shops.

Question 22

Do you negotiate with insurance on regular estimates?

Accepted Answer

No — only on total loss claims. For regular estimates and supplements, we write the documentation but your shop handles the negotiation with the adjuster.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Service

How It Works

Turnaround Time

Software & Compatibility

Who We Work With

Quality & Revisions

Getting Started

Total Loss Services