How to Tell if Your Insurance Estimate Is Too Low

Understanding what’s missing, why it matters, and how to protect your claim.

If you’ve ever looked at your insurance company’s repair estimate and thought, “That doesn’t seem right,” you’re not alone. Many drivers feel that same frustration, the total looks low, the repairs seem incomplete, and something just doesn’t add up.

The truth is, most insurance estimates are written to meet cost targets, not always to cover everything your vehicle actually needs. That’s why it’s so important to understand what’s included, what might be missing, and how to check for fairness before you agree to the repairs or cash the check.

Here’s how to spot a low or incomplete estimate and what you can do to make sure your claim reflects the real repair cost.

1. Look for Missing Repair Steps

A big red flag in any estimate is missing or incomplete repair operations.
If you see short lines with vague descriptions, like “blend panel” or “replace cover”, but no mention of calibrations, scans, or refinishing, there’s a good chance the estimate is underwritten.

Modern vehicles are built with sensors, cameras, and electronics that need calibration after even small repairs. If those steps aren’t listed, they probably aren’t being paid for.

Pro Tip: A fair estimate always includes scanning, calibration, corrosion protection, and refinishing where applicable.

2. Check for Non-OEM or Used Parts

Another common cost-cutting move is the use of “alternative” parts, often labeled as LKQ, aftermarket, or reconditioned. These parts can cost less, but they may not meet the same quality or safety standards as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts.

If your car is newer or still under warranty, non-OEM parts can even void parts of that warranty. Always review your estimate for these terms and ask why OEM replacements weren’t included.

Watch for keywords: “Aftermarket,” “recon,” “used,” or “opt OEM”, these mean your insurer may be substituting cheaper parts.

3. Compare Labor Hours and Rates

Labor rates vary by shop, area, and vehicle type.
If your estimate lists labor at $50 per hour but local body shops charge $70 or more, that difference adds up fast.

Also look for unusually short repair times, like one hour for a job that usually takes three. These shortcuts often come from outdated databases or internal cost tables that don’t reflect current market conditions.

Hint: A realistic estimate always matches your area’s going labor rate.

4. Pay Attention to the Estimate Total

If the total repair cost feels low compared to the visible damage, trust your instincts.
An average front-end collision repair often ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, but if your estimate shows $1,200 for obvious bumper and fender damage, something’s probably missing.

Small omissions add up, missing clips, fasteners, calibrations, and refinishing can easily total hundreds of dollars or more.

5. Ask Yourself: Did They See Everything?

If the adjuster wrote your estimate using photos or a drive-by inspection, they might not have seen hidden or structural damage.
Modern vehicles often hide energy-absorbing foam, sensors, or crash brackets behind panels that can’t be inspected visually.

Pro Tip: A good review compares your estimate line by line against OEM repair procedures, not just what’s visible.

6. When to Get an Independent Review

If anything in your estimate looks incomplete or confusing, that’s your signal to have it reviewed.
At EstiVerify, our certified estimators check your insurance estimate against OEM repair data and industry standards to find what’s missing and what’s undervalued.

Every EstiVerify report shows:

• Missing or incomplete repair operations

• Correct labor times and parts pricing

• The real cost difference between your estimate and a fair repair

That means you’ll know exactly where your claim stands, before you repair, negotiate, or cash the check.

7. Why This Matters

A short-written estimate doesn’t just affect cost, it affects quality and safety.
Skipping a calibration, using the wrong part, or leaving out corrosion protection can impact how your car performs in another collision.

A fair estimate isn’t about getting more money. It’s about getting your vehicle repaired the right way.

8. The Bottom Line

If your insurance estimate feels low, it probably is.
You don’t need to guess or argue with your adjuster, you just need the facts.

Upload your estimate to EstiVerify for a professional, independent review from certified experts.
We’ll show you exactly what’s missing, what it’s worth, and how to make sure your claim covers the full repair.