Selecting the right collision estimating software is crucial in any auto body repair shop. The software should help to increase the efficiency of the shop and improve overall profitability. When selecting an estimating software, there are several factors to consider. Finding the right auto body collision estimating software for your shop can be difficult. It's easy to just jump in and select any software. But it is advisable that you give it careful consideration.
If you write less Than 10 estimates a week, Do you have enough business to pay for estimating software? What about the months when business does get slow? Will choosing a certain estimating system guarantee that you will get more work? These are questions that only you can answer. If you are in doubt, you should select the lowest priced software as shown below.
Now, if you average more than 10 estimates a week, then you should consider the number of estimates you write each month verses the monthly cost of software. Too many shops have signed a contract for expensive estimating software without giving it much thought. Often they anticipate that it will increase their business only to find out later that the software is much more than what they actually needed and now they're strapped with monthly payments. However, if you have enough shop volume, then having a fully automated estimating system will save you time in the office, then you should go for it.
Below are the 4 major estimating software programs and some basic information to help you in your decision making:
ABF Auto Body Estimator 35
If you don't write that many estimates or if you're just starting a business - and price is a factor then this is the one. The Auto Body Estimator 35 is the lowest priced estimating system available at $420 per year. This is ideal for small shops who do not write a lot of estimates or for shops who are starting a business and want to keep their expenses low. The ABF Auto Body Estimator produces great looking estimates to impress your customers and adjusters. Labor, refinish and PDR data are included in the ABF database. As a bonus, you can add additional labor when required. What's more, the program also provides users with the latest part prices from the web by using the ABF part price links. In addition, the software allows users to display their custom logo on printed estimates and also on PDF files. And best of all, it keeps your estimate files safe on your computer.
Price: $420 us
Free User Demo: Yes - 30 Days
Contract Required: No
Audatex Estimating
Audatex was the first computerized estimating system available in North America. First introduced the mid 1970s, they offer a very technically advanced system. They offer powerful parts graphics and intelligent database for estimating. This product is used by many shops and insurance companies throughout the United States and Canada.
Price: prices vary depending on selected options - contact vendor
Free User Demo: No
Contract Required: Yes
CCC One Estimating
CCC Estimating is one of the leading body shop estimating software companies for collision repairs estimates. The program conects more insurers with collision repairers in comparison to any other network. It also offers a responsive interface and seamless navigation helping users create accurate and faster estimates. This is the most popular with body shops and insurance companies.
Price: prices vary depending on selected options - contact vendor
Free User Demo: No
Contract Required: Yes
Mitchell Cloud Estimating
Michell is one of the oldest data providers of collision estimating data in North America that dates back 75 years with printed estimating manuals that shops and insurance companies relied on. Today with Mitchell Cloud Estimating (formerly known as UltraMate) provides the industry with modern and up-to-date estimating software and the parts-labor database for more accurate appraisals. Widely used by both shops and insurance companies. Their new cloud-estimating system has been given high marks from both insurance companies and collision repair shops.
Price: prices vary depending on selected options - contact vendor
Free User Demo: No
Contract Required: Yes