Expert: Mark Haben - 11/21/2006

Question
I was estimated some body work on my car and in the middle of the work being done, I was informed that a part quoted in the original estimate had gone up in price - am I liable for that increase or should the body shop stick to the original estimate?

Answer
Meg-

I know it can be frustrating but what we call PPI's or parts price increases are unfortunately part of the deal in "estimating". The companies that produce the software for the estimating systems usually lag behind the manufacturers data for parts prices. The differences are almost always minor- sometimes a few pennies, or a few dollars. If the difference is more significant, it is more likely that the estimator chose the wrong part on the original estimate for your specific vehicle. There are at times some huge differences in certain parts for certain vehicles. A SE model bumper cover vs. a LX or GT for instance. Options come in to play as well. The shop should not be responsible for the difference, it is after all an "Estimate". Good Luck. Mark