CAADE - Certified Automotive Appraisal and Damage Estimator Estimating Principles and Software Questions and Answers

Question 1

In collision estimating software, what does "Overlap" typically refer to?

Accepted Answer

The time deducted when a single continuous operation includes the removal of an adjacent part.

Answer

The labor time shared between two different technicians working on the same vehicle.

Answer

The additional time required to blend paint into an adjacent panel.

Answer

The time allocated for repairing a panel instead of replacing it.

Question 2

An appraiser is evaluating a vehicle with an Actual Cash Value (ACV) of $15,000. The state has a total loss threshold of 75%. The initial estimate for repairs is $11,500. Based on this information, which of the following is the most accurate assessment?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle is a total loss because the repair cost has exceeded the state's percentage threshold of the ACV.

Answer

The vehicle is not a total loss because the repair cost is less than the ACV.

Answer

The vehicle's total loss status cannot be determined without the salvage bid.

Answer

The vehicle is a total loss because the repair cost plus the projected salvage value exceeds the ACV.

Question 3

Which of the following operations is typically listed in the estimating system's procedure pages (P-pages) as "NOT INCLUDED" in the refinish time for a replacement panel?

Accepted Answer

Color sanding and buffing.

Answer

Applying the top coat of color.

Answer

Cleaning the panel prior to painting.

Answer

Application of flex additive.

Question 4

The labor times found in major collision estimating software databases (like Audatex, CCC, and Mitchell) are primarily based on:

Accepted Answer

Time studies conducted by the database provider on new, undamaged vehicles.

Answer

Surveys of average technician wages in a specific geographic area.

Answer

Manufacturer warranty repair time studies.

Answer

Government-mandated repair time standards for specific procedures.

Question 5

An estimator enters a 17-digit VIN into the estimating software. The system correctly identifies the year, make, and model, but then requires the estimator to manually select the specific trim level (e.g., LX, EX, or Touring). What is the most likely reason for this manual prompt?

Accepted Answer

The VIN does not contain information about specific optional equipment or trim packages.

Answer

The software's database is out of date for that specific model.

Answer

The VIN was entered incorrectly and is missing characters.

Answer

The vehicle has aftermarket modifications not recognized by the system.

Question 6

In the context of a collision repair estimate, what does the acronym "LKQ" stand for?

Accepted Answer

Like Kind and Quality.

Answer

Licensed and Quality-inspected.

Answer

Labor, Knowledge, and Quality.

Answer

Local Keystone Quantity.