What should an appraiser prioritize when determining repair costs?

When determining repair costs, prioritizing standard repair procedures is critical because these procedures provide a systematic approach to assessing damages and estimating the costs involved in repairing a vehicle. Standard repair procedures are established practices within the automotive repair industry that help ensure consistency, accuracy, and adherence to safety standards. This methodology allows appraisers to reference accepted norms and guidelines, ensuring that the appraisal reflects realistic repair costs based on industry benchmarks.

By aligning the appraiser's assessment with recognized procedures, it becomes easier to identify the necessary repairs and the materials needed, leading to a more accurate estimate for the vehicle's repair. This approach also provides a solid foundation for justifying the costs to both the vehicle owner and insurance companies, as it relies on widely accepted practices rather than subjective opinions or assumptions.

Other factors such as market trends, the owner's opinion, or manuals and guidelines may play a role in the overall evaluation, but they do not hold the same priority as standard repair procedures in the context of formulating a precise and reliable repair cost estimate.