Automotive Damage Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real CAIA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Automotive Damage Assessment flashcards as text
What does the term 'like kind and quality' (LKQ) refer to in auto damage repair?
Answer: Used or aftermarket parts that match the original part's condition and function
LKQ refers to recycled (used) or aftermarket parts that are equivalent in condition, function, and quality to the original part being replaced.
A luxury sedan requires color-sanding and buffing after a blend panel is painted. This operation is typically:
Answer: A separate billable refinishing operation added to the estimate
Color-sanding and buffing is a separate refinishing operation that must be added as a line item when required to achieve an acceptable finish, especially on high-gloss luxury vehicles.
During a post-repair inspection, an adjuster finds that a replaced quarter panel has visible weld marks inconsistent with OEM specifications. This is best described as:
Answer: A quality control deficiency that may indicate improper repair technique
Visible non-OEM welds indicate the shop may not have followed manufacturer repair procedures, which can compromise structural integrity and affect safety.
What is the function of a 'three-dimensional measuring system' in structural repair?
Answer: Verifying that the vehicle's structural dimensions match factory specifications
A 3D measuring system uses reference points to compare the vehicle's actual dimensions to factory specifications, ensuring proper structural alignment after repair.
An adjuster is assessing a convertible with damage to the soft top mechanism. Which consideration is most important when estimating repairs?
Answer: The complexity of the folding mechanism and whether electronic components are damaged
Convertible soft top mechanisms can include motors, hydraulics, linkages, and sensors — all of which must be assessed to produce an accurate repair estimate.
Which factor most directly affects the cost of blending adjacent panels during a paint repair?
Answer: The number of panels required to achieve an acceptable color match
Blending cost is driven by how many adjacent panels must be partially refinished to achieve a seamless color match, as each blend panel adds labor and material costs.
A vehicle's airbag has deployed. Which statement about airbag replacement is most accurate for estimating purposes?
Answer: The entire supplemental restraint system (SRS) components may need inspection and partial replacement
A deployed airbag loss typically requires replacement of the bag, inflator, clock spring, sensors, and the SRS control module, and each must be assessed individually.