- A/M: Acronym for after market parts. Parts that are manufactured by companies other than the original equipment manufacturer.
- Camber: The angle between the plane of a wheel's circumference and a vertical line, measured in degrees and minutes. The tops of a car's wheels tilt inward when the camber is negative and outward when it is positive.
- Corrosion: Degradation of the metal substrate by oxidation. That is the formation of an oxide layer on the metal surface. This process requires that the metal surface be exposed to oxygen, and is favored in the presence of water. Like rusting.
- Sublet: When services are contracted to be performed by an outside company.
- Diminished Value: The value established by comparing the pre-accident value of a vehicle, the amount of damage done to a vehicle, and the post-repair value of the vehicle.
- R&I: Acronym for remove and install. When a part is removed from the customer's damaged vehicle to be saved and re-installed after the repair has been completed.
- R&R: Acronym for remove and replace. When a part is removed from the customer's damaged vehicle that cannot be acceptably repaired, it is then replaced with a new part.
- DRP: Acronym for direct repair program. These often involve a contractual agreement between an auto body shop and an insurance company. They set rules for repair and standardized procedures such as warranties, billing practices and record keeping.
- Repair Authorization: A piece of paper that the customer signs, allowing us to begin repair to their vehicle.Sometimes this involves insurance payment approval.
- Supplement: A change to a pre-existing estimate. Supplements occur after a vehicle has been torn down and more underlying damage has been found. It is in addition to the repairs on the pre-existing estimate.
- Betterment: A charge in addition to a repair that improves the vehicle beyond the condition it was in before the accident. Betterment can be charged as a percentage or a dollar value.
- Unibody: A type of body construction that doesn't require a separate frame to provide structural support for the vehicle's mechanical components.
- Frame: The square, rectangular or tubular steel undercarriage of a vehicle that has the suspension, drive train, engine and body bolted to it.
- Hazardous Waste: Material from the repair/painting process that can't be disposed of through normal means. This material is potentially harmful to the environment. It requires special handling and professional disposal.
- Blending: A paint spraying technique that tapers the finish or color, so slight differences cannot be distinguished.
- Custom Painting: A custom paint job is a unique paint job. Often times they have special effects or designs. This can be designed by the owner of the vehicle, or by the person painting the vehicle.
- CAPA: A consumer advocates group, located in Washington D.C. , that certifies aftermarket parts.