November 2026 DEG Estimating Tips

CCCONE – Bumper Overhauls & Bonded Reflectors

While certain bumper overhaul operations may include the standard R&I/R&R labor for reflectors, this is strictly labor for installation only. Component removal, cleaning and retaping bonded reflectors for reuse is NOT an included operation.

Per MOTOR Guide to Estimating (GTE) guidelines and DEG Inquiry 42153:

“Adhesive backing removal, surface clean-up, and adhesive replacement require an on-the-spot evaluation for additional labor.”

Per Estimate Work Time Premise

“Material /consumable product costs” (cleaning solvents, adhesion promoters, double-sided tape) are separate, non-included costs.

Fitment Note: Exercise caution when reusing bonded reflectors. Standard aftermarket attachment tapes are often thicker or thinner than OEM spec, which can cause poor fitment or prevent the reflector from seating flush.

D&R Dual Battery Vehicles

Never assume a vehicle has only one 12V battery. Modern vehicles often feature auxiliary or dual-battery configurations. Researching OEM procedures is essential to identify battery count, wait times, reconnect sequences, DTC scanning and necessary re-initializations.

Disconnect/reconnect operations are not standard included times in estimating systems. End users would need to determine and appropriate ON THE SPOT evaluation for labor to complete steps outlined in the OEM service procedures.

Also note, any duplicate effort of battery D&R procedures needed multiple times in the entirety of the repair process would be an ON THE SPOT evaluation.

Solera Qapter (Audatex) – Refinish Backside

DEG Inquiry 6128, “Audatex does not provide refinish allowances for the backside of quarter panels. The refinish of the backside of the quarter panel would require a manual entry for this operation.”

Example shown is available from Honda Service Information, “Corrosion Protection for Honda Vehicle Repair.”

CCONE – Refinish & Blend Operation “Wet Bed”

Certain refinish and blend procedures require the application of a “wet bed” (color blender/bedding agent) to achieve proper metallic and pearl orientation. Per recent Guide to Estimating (GTE) revisions, wet bed application is not included in standard refinish or blend labor times. All labor and materials associated with wet bed application would be ON THE SPOT evaluation.

Want more? Check out the November 2026 issue of AASP-MN News!