Dealing with an auto accident is stressful enough, but what happens when your insurance estimate doesn’t cover the full cost of repairs? Many drivers assume they have to accept whatever their insurer offers, but that’s not the case.
At Solon Collision, we frequently see initial insurance estimates that undervalue the actual cost of repairs. The good news? There’s a process in place to make sure your vehicle is properly repaired—and it’s called a supplement.
Here’s everything you need to know about why insurance estimates are often too low, how supplements work, and how to make sure your car gets repaired correctly.
Why Are Insurance Estimates Often Too Low?
When you get an estimate from your insurance company, it’s often based on:
Photos you submitted through an insurance app.
A quick in-person inspection at an insurance drive-through.
An incomplete assessment without removing panels or inspecting hidden damage.
Since insurers typically base their estimates on visible damage only, they often miss:
Internal damage to structural components.
Advanced safety system recalibrations (ADAS).
The need for OEM parts and manufacturer-required procedures.
At Solon Collision, we work with insurance companies daily to correct low estimates and make sure the right repairs are approved.
What Is a Supplement in Auto Repair?
A supplement is an additional request for repair costs that weren’t included in the original estimate.
How Supplements Work:
Your Car Arrives at the Shop – Once we start disassembling the damaged area, we often find hidden damage not included in the insurance estimate.
We Document the Additional Repairs Needed – We take photos, scan for advanced system errors, and reference OEM repair procedures to ensure the repairs are done correctly.
We Submit the Supplement to the Insurance Company – Our team communicates directly with your insurance provider to get the additional costs approved.
Approval & Additional Repairs – Once the supplement is approved, repairs continue without delays.
This process ensures your car is repaired to factory standards rather than being patched up with an incomplete estimate.
What You Should Do If Your Insurance Estimate Is Too Low
1. Bring Your Vehicle to a Trusted Auto Body Shop
If you receive an insurance estimate that seems too low, don’t panic—bring your vehicle to a certified repair facility like Solon Collision for a professional assessment. We’ll inspect the car thoroughly and compare the estimate to OEM repair procedures to determine if anything was missed.
2. Request a Supplement
If additional damage is found, we handle the supplement process for you by submitting detailed documentation to the insurance company. This ensures that:✅ All necessary repairs are covered✅ OEM parts are used whenever possible✅ Your vehicle is restored to pre-accident condition
3. Don’t Accept Aftermarket Parts Without Knowing Your Rights
Many insurance companies try to cut costs by using aftermarket or recycled parts instead of OEM parts. However, many manufacturers issue OEM position statements stating that only original parts should be used for safety and performance reasons.
At Solon Collision, we advocate for the use of OEM parts whenever possible, and we’ll communicate with your insurance company to make sure your car is repaired the right way.
4. Trust the Process – Supplements Are Normal
Many customers worry that a supplement means delays, but this is a standard part of the repair process. Insurance companies expect supplements, and handling them correctly ensures your car is fully repaired, not just partially fixed.
Final Thoughts
A low insurance estimate doesn’t mean you have to pay out of pocket or accept subpar repairs. By working with Solon Collision, you can ensure that your car gets the repairs it truly needs—without the stress.
Need help with an insurance supplement? Contact us today!
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