Method for generating vehicle repair estimate reports based on predictive estimating

Abstract

Consumer safety of repaired vehicles can be improved by providing systems and methods for generating vehicle repair estimate reports based on predictive estimating and transmitting these reports to clients. A master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a web-based graphical user interface. Also, a master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a vehicle repair claims management user interface. The vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating may comprise repair packages and repair information relating to recommended replacement parts and quantities thereof, the part numbers for the suggested replacement parts, the price estimate for the suggested replacement parts, manufacturer-recommended repair instructions, and other relevant information.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]The present invention relates generally to the vehicle repair industry and more particularly to the vehicle repair estimating industry.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]In the vehicle repair estimating industry, repair cost estimates for a damaged vehicle can vary widely from one vehicle repair shop to another. The varying repair cost estimates often stem from the lack of any vehicle manufacturer-approved standardized protocol for evaluating a damaged vehicle. Typically, to prepare a vehicle repair estimate, vehicle repair shops access one of three graphical user interfaces serviced by independent vehicle repair claims management companies: (1) Mitchell International, (2) Audatex, and (3) CCC One. Vehicle repair shops are accustomed to using Mitchell International, Audatex, or CCC One because their estimates are often approved by major insurance companies, thereby streamlining the estimate approval and reimbursement process. However, the esti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The present invention provides an estimating approach known as predictive estimating. This predictive estimating approach is based on the concept that a more accurate vehicle repair estimate is realized when the vehicle repair estimator begins an estimate with a comprehensive listing of all the parts likely to be damaged. This comprehensive listing is prepared by the vehicle manufacturer to ensure that the proper expertise is utilized in evaluating a vehicle repair. With a comprehensive listing of all parts likely to be damaged, the vehicle repair estimator can then eliminate parts he or she deems unnecessary based on his or her expertise. Vehicle repair estimation based on elimination of parts ensures that the vehicle repair estimators do not miss key repair parts, particularly one-time use parts. By contrast, when an estimate begins essentially with a blank sheet, there is a higher likelihood that the vehicle repair estimator may miss key repair parts, thereby resulting in increased safety risks.

Problems solved by technology

By contrast, when an estimate begins essentially with a blank sheet, there is a higher likelihood that the vehicle repair estimator may miss key repair parts, thereby resulting in increased safety risks.

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