Frequently Asked Questions
Collision Consultants of North America (CCNA) provides independent automotive damage consulting services for consumers, repair facilities, attorneys, fleets, and insurance professionals. Our services include collision damage estimates, supplement preparation and review, post-repair inspections, OEM repair procedure research, total loss evaluations, diminished value assessments, right-to-appraisal (RTA) services, repairability analysis, ADAS and safety system documentation, expert witness services, and collision claim consulting. Our goal is to help ensure vehicles are properly evaluated, repaired according to manufacturer requirements, and fairly valued throughout the claims process.
A collision estimate is a detailed assessment of a vehicle's damage, the repairs required to restore it, and the associated repair costs. A thorough estimate helps identify all necessary repairs, supports proper repair planning, promotes compliance with manufacturer (OEM) procedures, and provides transparency throughout the repair process. It also helps ensure that vehicle owners receive fair consideration from their insurance company and understand the true scope and cost of repairs.
A supplement is an additional repair estimate prepared after the repair process begins and previously hidden or unrelated damage is discovered. Supplements are common because not all damage can be identified during the initial inspection. We help ensure that all necessary repairs, parts, procedures, and related costs are properly documented and submitted for consideration so the vehicle can be repaired safely and completely.
A post-repair inspection (PRI) is a comprehensive evaluation performed after collision repairs are completed to verify that the vehicle was repaired correctly, safely, and in accordance with manufacturer (OEM) procedures and accepted industry standards. The inspection may include a review of repair quality, structural repairs, replacement parts, safety systems, ADAS components, and supporting documentation to identify any deficiencies, improper repairs, or missed operations.
Not all collision repairs are performed correctly, and some issues may not be visible to the vehicle owner. A professional post-repair inspection helps verify that repairs were completed safely, properly, and in accordance with manufacturer (OEM) procedures. It can identify missed repairs, improper parts usage, structural concerns, safety system issues, and documentation deficiencies that may affect the vehicle's safety, performance, value, or crashworthiness.
A total loss evaluation is an independent review of your vehicle's damage, repair costs, market value, and applicable state regulations to determine whether the vehicle may qualify as a total loss. We also analyze the insurance company's valuation and supporting documentation to help ensure the settlement offer accurately reflects the vehicle's actual cash value and all applicable allowances.
A vehicle that has been involved in an accident may lose market value even after proper repairs are completed. We perform an independent diminished value analysis using vehicle history, repair documentation, market data, and comparable vehicle sales to determine the loss in value. We then provide a detailed report to support your diminished value claim and help you pursue fair compensation for that loss.
Collision consulting is the process of providing independent expert guidance on collision-related matters, including vehicle repairs, insurance claims, total loss evaluations, diminished value claims, repair quality concerns, and OEM repair procedures. We help consumers, repair facilities, attorneys, and fleet operators understand their options, protect their interests, and make informed decisions throughout the claims and repair process.
Right to Appraisal (RTA) is a provision found in many automobile insurance policies that allows policyholders and insurers to resolve disputes regarding repair costs, actual cash value, diminished value, or total loss settlements without litigation. During the appraisal process, each party selects an independent appraiser, and if the appraisers cannot agree, an impartial umpire may be appointed to make a final determination regarding the amount of the loss. This process can help achieve a fair and efficient resolution when settlement disputes arise.
You should consider invoking the Right to Appraisal (RTA) when you disagree with your insurance company's assessment of the amount of loss. This may include disputes involving repair costs, total loss valuations, actual cash value (ACV), diminished value, or other settlement amounts. The appraisal process can provide an independent method of resolving valuation disputes without the need for litigation.
No. If you believe your insurance company's estimate does not fully address the damage to your vehicle or the cost of proper repairs, you have the right to question it and seek an independent opinion. We can review the estimate and help determine whether additional repairs, procedures, or costs should be considered.
We provide independent, unbiased evaluations and professional documentation to help ensure all accident-related damage, repair requirements, and associated costs are properly identified and supported. Our goal is to help consumers obtain a fair and accurate resolution while promoting safe and proper vehicle repairs.
Yes. Collision Consultants of North America works independently and is not affiliated with any insurance company. We assist vehicle owners, repair facilities, attorneys, and fleet operators regardless of the insurer involved. Our role is to provide objective evaluations, accurate documentation, and expert guidance throughout the claims and repair process..
Our services are designed for vehicle owners, repair facilities, attorneys, fleet operators, and anyone involved in a collision-related dispute or insurance claim. Whether you need help with repair estimates, supplements, post-repair inspections, total loss evaluations, diminished value claims, or the appraisal process, we provide independent expertise to help ensure accurate documentation, fair claim handling, and proper vehicle repairs.
Collision Consultants of North America combines decades of collision repair, damage analysis, and insurance claims experience with a commitment to independent, fact-based evaluations. We focus on proper repairs, manufacturer (OEM) procedures, accurate documentation, and consumer education. Whether you are dealing with a repair estimate, total loss claim, diminished value dispute, or post-repair concern, our goal is to help you make informed decisions and achieve a fair and accurate outcome.
