Auto Body Glossary

Corrosion Protection - All metals on new vehicles are electro-coated with zinc galvanization and then etched and epoxy primed. Once this magical coating has been removed (whether by age or the damage repair process), it must be replaced by a suitable corrosion protection or the exposed metal will rust away. It is too impractical for any shop to re-galvanize metal for the sake of a small repair area and carry the equipment for such a procedure. One process favored by us is to use a self-etching primer on the bare metal and follow it with an epoxy sealer. This is considered the "next best thing" to the original zinc coating.

Frame - On certain vehicles (mostly trucks), a frame is used as the primary structure to which the body is attached with bolts. All other mechanical components are attached to the frame.

I-CAR - Formed by the collision industry in 1979, I-CAR is an international, not-for-profit organization that develops and delivers technical training programs to professionals in all areas of the collision industry.

Insurance Policy - This is a contract between the insurance company and insured owner seldom read by policyholders (mostly because it is just plain boring). In this contract is where you will find what will happen in the event of a claim to your vehicle. You may have signed the option to have aftermarket parts or recycled parts used on your vehicle. Betterments may be put in place on the damage estimate. Certain items may not be covered at all (custom rims, stereo equipment, cosmetic add-ons, etc.).

Insurance Steering - Antisteering laws limit an insurer's or other institution's ability to recommend or direct you to a specific repair facility. Steering is regarded as restraint of trade and business interference. 

No insurer shall require a claimant to travel an unreasonable distance to inspect a replacement automobile, to obtain a repair estimate, or to have the automobile repaired at a specific repair shop. The reasonableness of the distance shall be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the particular facts and circumstances involved.

 

Every insurer that elects to repair a vehicle and designates a specific repair shop for vehicle repairs shall cause the damaged vehicle to be restored to its physical condition prior to the loss at no additional cost to the claimant, other than as stated in the policy. Every insurer shall. if partial losses are settled on the basis of a written estimate prepared by or for the insurer, supply the insured a copy of the estimate upon which the settlement is based. The estimate prepared by or for the insurer shall be reasonable, in an amount which will allow for repairs to be made in a workmanlike manner, in accordance with applicable policy provisions. 

Refinish - The term used for the application of paint to a vehicle.

Repair - Almost always measured in an hourly rate. This covers any work done to a vehicle that involves getting a part ready for the refinish process.

Rust - Who needs the definition for this one? Rust is the result of a galvanic reaction between metal and water. It is an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. Many vehicles have flat out disappeared off the face of the planet when attacked by this monster. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Rust-proofing - A coating which is petroleum or wax based. It is applied with special equipment and must be replaced if removed. Typically this coating is designed to last three years.

Sub-frame - On some vehicles, there is a combination of frame and unibody design. The subframe usually is the front or rear (or both) where the suspension and motor is attached and then the subframe bolted to the vehicle.

Unibody - Body and frame are welded together as one unit.