In response to a request from the Automotive Service Association (ASA), AudaExplore – a Solera company – has provided never-before-shared information about its database and, more specifically, its field and time study observations on the breakdown of refinish times.

“We appreciate the leadership position that AudaExplore has taken to assist the industry in resolving the long-standing issue of arbitrarily reducing refinish times on repaired panels,” said Risley. “This is more commonly referred to as blend within a panel or zone refinish.”

Rick Tuuri, vice president of industry relations for AudaExplore, added, “Over the years, we have had requests from insurers and repairers alike regarding the breakdown of real-world refinish times. AudaExplore has probably conducted more refinish studies than any other entity, except possibly the paint companies themselves, as the result of both our North American studies as well as those conducted in our global markets. We are happy to be able to shed some much-needed light on this topic for the benefit of everyone in the industry.”

Risley said the information AudaExplore is providing will be instrumental in educating repairers and insurers as to the amount of time that is required to properly refinish a repaired panel when using AudaExplore’s estimating system. The following is an excerpt from the response provided by AudaExplore (to obtain a copy of the entire letter, click HERE):

In AudaExplore Refinish studies, the following percentage values were observed:

• 19.1 percent – administrative tasks (review of job, vehicle and parts handling, gathering materials, booth operations, move and deliver vehicle)
• 43.6 percent- prep (sanding, pre-cleaning, masking, cover car, protect from overspray)
• 6.6 percent – mix (paint, one tint, primers, clear)
• 8.6 percent – application (primer, color, clear)
• 5.9 percent – flash (primer, color, clear)
• 16.1 percent – final steps/cleanup

“This is invaluable information to the industry,” Risley said. “When collision repairers or insurance companies are presented with negotiating the refinish times on a repaired panel (blend within a panel/zone refinish), we hope this information is used to accurately and fairly negotiate the claim.”

Risley reiterated what he said this past October when announcing ASA’s quest for a solution to the blend within/zone refinish issue: “This is a call to action for the entire industry. It presents the perfect opportunity for all the industry stakeholders to work together because it is the right thing to do. Repair facilities should be reimbursed for the labor and materials necessary to complete a safe, proper and quality repair.

“Reducing the refinish times (blend within/zone refinish) on repaired panels without any supporting documentation is arbitrary and likely is a result of lack of knowledge and information. Although it’s prevalent throughout the United States, ASA doesn’t believe all insurance carriers arbitrarily reduce refinish times. To substantiate that assumption, letters were sent to the top 10 insurance carriers. They were asked if they reduced refinish times on repaired panels, and, if so, what information they used to negotiate those claims. We also requested each company’s participation in creating a solution.

“Research has shown insurance companies’ reductions in what they would pay for such work has ranged from 5 percent to 70 percent. The irony of this situation is that it actually requires more labor and materials to properly refinish a repaired panel (blend within a panel/zone refinish) when you account for feather, edge, prime and block.”