CAADE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CAADE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under most state laws, when must an automotive appraiser disclose to a client that they have a financial interest in a repair facility they are recommending? → Always, prior to making the recommendation
2. What does the term 'crush zone' refer to in vehicle construction? → A designated crumple region engineered to absorb collision energy
3. How do environmental factors affect vehicle repair estimates? → They can influence part availability and labor rates
4. Which of the following best describes 'overlap' in the context of collision estimating? → A labor time reduction applied when two adjacent operations share common steps
5. Which measuring system uses a vehicle-specific datum plane and dedicated fixtures to verify structural alignment after a collision repair? → Three-dimensional computerized measuring system
6. What is the first step in estimating repair costs for a vehicle? → Inspecting the vehicle to assess damage
7. Why is it important to classify the type of vehicle damage? → To accurately determine the extent of the damage and repair costs.
8. What role do industry standards play in vehicle maintenance? → They ensure vehicles are serviced effectively and safely
9. Which term describes damage that is visible only after disassembly of a component or panel? → Hidden damage
10. Which database is most commonly used by appraisers to establish OEM parts prices in a damage estimate? → CCC ONE, Mitchell, or Audatex
11. A customer insists a pre-existing dent must be included in the current claim estimate. How should the appraiser handle this? → Document the pre-existing damage separately and explain what the current claim covers
12. What is the primary purpose of adhering to legal and ethical standards in automotive appraisal? → To maintain fairness, integrity, and trust
13. A state-licensed vehicle appraiser operates across state lines in a neighboring state without that state's license. This practice is: → A violation of the neighboring state's licensing laws
14. When assessing damage to a vehicle's door, what is the term for the structural beam inside the door that provides side-impact protection? → Side impact beam or intrusion bar
15. Waterborne basecoat systems differ from solvent-borne systems in that they: → Use water as the primary carrier and require forced air or IR drying between coats
16. What is the role of transparency in the legal aspects of automotive appraisal? → It ensures clarity and legal compliance
17. When estimating paint refinish time for a bumper cover that has been removed for repair, which step should NOT be included in the R&I labor? → Spraying the complete bumper cover with color and clear
18. Which ADAS feature relies on radar sensors typically located in the front bumper fascia? → Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning
19. When a vehicle sustains a moderate frontal impact, which component most commonly absorbs initial energy before the structural rails? → Bumper energy absorber (foam or plastic)
20. Which of the following paint defects is most commonly associated with collision repair that used improper heat during curing? → Blistering
21. When a total loss vehicle has a loan or lease balance that exceeds the ACV settlement, the gap is typically covered by: → GAP insurance or a GAP waiver product
22. If a supplement includes a request for a rental car extension due to the additional repair time, who typically authorizes this extension? → The insurance claims adjuster or appraiser handling the file
23. Why is it important for technicians to be familiar with automotive repair standards? → To provide accurate repairs that comply with regulations
24. Which condition describes inward buckling of the firewall or front floor pan caused by a severe frontal collision? → Mash
25. When performing a structural repair estimate on a unibody vehicle, which dimension is most critical to verify? → Datum plane, centerline, and height dimensions
26. Which element is considered the foundation of a legally defensible damage appraisal report? → Accurate, itemized, and source-supported documentation of all damage and repair procedures
27. The doctrine of 'privity of contract' traditionally limited appraiser liability to: → Only the parties directly named in the appraisal agreement
28. During arbitration of a disputed vehicle value, an appraiser serving as an umpire must: → Remain impartial and base decisions solely on evidence presented
29. During a preliminary damage inspection, which of the following steps is essential to perform before conducting a detailed analysis of individual parts? → Check for fluid leaks and note the odometer reading.
30. Why is it important to track repair costs over time? → To analyze trends and refine future estimates