Looking for an auto body repair in Melrose Park? Unfamiliar with the world of auto body repair?  If so, you should start out by learning a few key terms. Understanding auto body vocabulary will set you on the path to understanding auto body repair as a whole.

To help you get started, we’re going to review some of the most common auto body terms below. Ready to get started? Read below!

Betterment

When you go to get parts of your car fixed, in many cases, your insurance company will cover much of the cost. Unfortunately, it might not cover the entirety of the cost. Why? “Betterment” is the reason.

Insurance companies cite betterment to justify paying only a portion of the total. Their argument is that the vehicle was actually improved by the repairs, and that they shouldn’t have to pay for the improvement. They’ll often refer to this cost as betterment fee.

Exclusion

Another insurance term you should know is exclusion. An exclusion is any repair that’s not covered by your insurance policy. If you’re forced to pay for your repair out-of-pocket, an exclusion will be cited.

LKQ

LKQ is an acronym standing for “Like, Kind, and Quality”. An insurance term, it describes a policyholder’s right to obtain either OEM parts or comparable used or aftermarket versions. It prevents insurance companies from shortchanging their policyholders and forcing them to buy poorly made parts.

DRP

DRP is an acronym standing for “Direct Repair Program”. This is a program existing between a specific insurance company and a specific auto body shop wherein the insurance company will recommend the shop to its policyholders. By taking advantage of a DRP, your claim will be sorted out more quickly, thus leading to a faster repair.

Make note, however, that you are not required to utilize a DRP. Legally, you can use whatever auto body repair shop you choose. Your insurance company is required to honor your policy, regardless of where the repair takes place.

OEM Parts

OEM parts are Original Equipment Manufacturer parts. These are replacement parts created by the original manufacturer of the vehicle. In most cases, they are the ideal parts to use in a repair.

Why are they ideal? Because they’re designed to the exact specifications of the vehicle. Note, however, that they can be a little more expensive than alternative options.

Aftermarket Parts

The alternative to OEM parts are aftermarket parts. These parts are created by independent manufacturers, and they aren’t necessarily designed to fit perfectly with specific vehicles.

Aftermarket parts are generally cheaper than OEM parts, and, in some cases, are the more viable option. Note, however, that their quality varies greatly.

Appraisal

An appraisal is an assessment of a vehicle that takes place after an accident. Appraisals are performed by both insurance companies and auto body repair shops to determine the overall cost of repairs.

Blue Book Value

Blue book value describes a vehicle’s monetary value in its current state, taking into account accidents, age, mileage, and a variety of other characteristics. It comes from the Kelley Blue Book, which is designed to track such metrics.

For example, while you might have bought your vehicle for $10,000 2 years ago, it’s current blue book value could be $7,500.

Do You Require Auto Body Repair in Melrose Park?

If you’re reading this article, you might be in need of auto body repair. If so, and if you’re looking for auto body repair in Melrose Park, Illinois, Lombard Body & Fender is the company to call.

Whether you’re in need of dent repair, a new paint job, a frame realignment, or some other auto body service, our team can accommodate you.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!