Can I Get My Own Body Shop Estimate?
Yes, you usually can. After a collision, dent, bumper hit, paint scrape, or glass damage, you can ask a body shop for its own written estimate. That estimate is the shop’s view of what repairs may be needed and what they typically cost.
This is a smart step if you are unsure about the damage, if your insurer gave you a number that feels low, or if you want to compare repair options. CollisionLane is a free matching and information service. We are not a body shop, insurer, or law firm. We help you find a trusted local shop and understand the process. You can also read more about how CollisionLane works or get matched with a trusted auto body shop.
The short answer
Yes. Getting your own estimate is common, and it can be helpful.
A few important points:
- An estimate is not the final bill. If the shop finds hidden damage later, the price can change. That later change is often called a supplement, which is an updated estimate.
- A written estimate is usually just that, an estimate. It is not a guarantee.
- You can ask for more than one estimate. Many drivers compare shops before choosing where to go.
- You should always confirm the price before work starts.
If you want a simple overview of what a repair estimate includes, see How to read an auto body repair estimate.
Steps to take
If you want your own estimate, keep it simple.
1. Take clear photos.
Get wide shots and close-ups. Include the whole car and the damaged area.
2. Contact a few body shops.
Ask for a written estimate and ask whether they can inspect the car in person.
3. Bring the same information to each shop.
Share the accident details, any insurance claim number, and photos if you have them.
4. Ask what is included.
Ask about labor, parts, paint, glass, alignment, diagnostics, and recalibration if needed.
5. Compare more than price.
Look at the shop’s communication, warranty, repair plan, and whether they explain things clearly.
6. Confirm before work starts.
Make sure you understand the estimate, the deductible if there is one, and what may change the final price.
If you are still early in the process, our after-an-accident checklist can help you stay organized. If you are filing a claim, how the auto body insurance claim process works may also help.
Common mistakes
A few mistakes can make this process harder than it needs to be.
- Choosing a shop without seeing the estimate in writing.
- Comparing only the total price and not what is included.
- Assuming the first number is final.
- Ignoring hidden damage, which may show up after teardown, the careful disassembly used to inspect damage.
- Skipping questions about parts, paint match, or safety-related repairs.
- Starting work before you understand who is paying and what you may owe.
If a number seems very low, that can be a warning sign. If a number seems high, ask the shop to explain why. You are allowed to compare and choose. If you want help spotting red flags, see How to spot a bad auto body shop and Questions to ask before you pick a body shop.
Get matched with a shop
If you want a local shop that can inspect the damage and give you a written estimate, CollisionLane can help. We match drivers with trusted auto body shops near them, and the service is free.
That can be helpful if you are stressed, new to the US, or just want a clearer next step. Start here: Get matched with a trusted auto body shop.
If you need more general help after a crash, you can also visit our quick answers after an accident or guides for drivers after an accident.
Common questions
Can I get my own estimate if my insurance already gave me one?
Usually yes. Many drivers get a second written estimate from a body shop so they can compare repair plans and costs. The insurer’s number and the shop’s number do not always match.
Will the body shop estimate be the final price?
Not always. A written estimate is a starting point. If the shop finds hidden damage later, the price may change. Ask for updates in writing and confirm before work begins.
Can I get more than one estimate?
Yes. It is common to compare a few shops. Look at the written details, not just the total. The cheapest estimate is not always the best if important repairs are missing.