Glossary of terms

Our objective is to remove the jargon and to explain the terms associated with accident repairs, including pictures as available.

	Audatex – Computerised estimating system. Calculates repair costs. Links to insurance company.
	Air Bag – An explosive bag / cushion which 'blows up' in the event of a large impact.
	Air Conditioning – During some vehicle repairs the vehicles air conditioning system needs to be drained and renewed.
	Assessor – The insurance company representative who inspects the damage to the car and agrees repair costs.
	Blend Panel – Panels which are undamaged are also painted to ensure colour match.
	Bodymaster – A computerised estimating system.
	Bonnet – A panel that covers the engine.
	Bumper – Usually plastic , located front and rear lower of vehicle, deigned to absorb minor impacts.
	Claim Form – Form filled in by the insured to notify the insurance company of the claim.
	Chassis – Major structural part of vehicle.
	Courtesy Car – Car provided whilst customers car is being repaired. Owned and provided by repairer. Grade A size car ie. Corsa, Micra etc. It may be possible to upgrade your courtesy car at no cost. Please discuss this with our staff.
	Collection Note – A form which the customer signs to say that they have collected the vehicle which is sent to the insurance company.
	Colour Match – All paint is mixed uniquely for your car to ensure colour match.
	Door Shell – Complete door panel.
	Door Skin – Outer skin to the door panel.
	Engineer – A representative of the insurance company who will inspect the damaged vehicle and authorise repairs.
	Estimate – the estimated repair costs prior to stripping car for repair (not a quote). Estimate frequently changes during repair.
	Excess – An amount to be paid to the repairer which is stated in the insured’s’ insurance policy which is subsequently subtracted from the final repair bill to the Insurance company.
	Fraudulent Claim – False information given to insurance companies in order to obtain vehicle repair authorisation.
	Geometry Check – Computierised equipment checks whether the chassis is straight.
	Glassmatix – A computerised estimating system. Calculate repair costs, links to insurance companies.
	Images – Digital photograph of the damaged vehicle that are networked to the insurance companies.
	Jig – specialist equipment used to straighten vehicle chassis.
	Near Side – Kerb side/passenger side.
	Off Side – Drivers side/road side.
	Oven – A carefully controlled heated room used to dry vehicles after they have been painted.
	Ramp – Equipment that is used to lift a vehicle in order to inspect the underside.
	Recovery – To collect a vehicle because it is not roadworthy and deliver to the repairing garage.
	Registration document – vehicle log book.
	Salvage – Total loss vehicles which can be recycled.
	Satisfaction note – see Collection Note.
	S.R.S. – Safety Restraint System - Similar to air bags, it detects large impacts and fires off seat belts to lock and fasten.
	Total Loss – A vehicle that is beyond economical repair.
	Valet – Cars are valeted to the level of power wash, leather and hoover after repairs (not to the level if a problem / valet for which you would pay £75 plus).
	Wheel Alignment – A computerised check check to compare the steering / wheel alignment.
	Wing – Panel that covers wheel .
	Write Off – A vehicle which is beyond economical repair.