CCC last month tweaked its P-pages with references to official automaker repair procedures and using an OEM-approved scan tool.

The new language appeared following a request for such changes from the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and Alliance of Automotive Service Providers.

“The times reported in this publication are to be used as a GUIDE ONLY,” the estimating service’s Labor Time Premise now opens. “MOTOR recommends a review of the OE service information at the time of estimate preparation to confirm the OE manufacturer repair procedure(s). MOTOR assumes the repair facility is equipped with the necessary tools, equipment, and training to complete any given repair following published vehicle manufacturer repair procedures.” (Emphasis added to new text.)

The second sentence recommending a body shop review and confirm OEM repair procedures while drafting an estimate is completely new. The last part of the third sentence — the assumption that the shop will follow OEM procedures — is also brand new. Previously, CCC had only described an assumption that the shop was qualified “to complete any given repair.”

The information provider’s January 2021 revision also expanded the explanation for why CCC doesn’t publish a scanning labor time.

“Due to the variety of vehicle manufacturer approved scan tools, both OEM and aftermarket, as well as the variation from vehicle to vehicle and repair to repair, MOTOR is unable to develop a time that accounts for these different scenarios,” the new MOTOR Guide to Estimating states. “Therefore, MOTOR recommends an on-the-spot evaluation to determine an appropriate estimated time to perform diagnostic scans for each repair.” (Emphasis added to new text.)

The previous version of the labor time premise didn’t specify scan tools which were “vehicle manufacturer approved.”

CCC had requested that SCRS and AASP submit this request through an inquiry on the Database Enhancement Gateway. The free industry resource allows auto body shops and insurers to solicit P-pages changes or clarification from the three estimating services.

A Nov. 18, 2020, inquiry made the case for the trade groups.

“The labor time premise has always been under the auspices of new parts on new vehicles, but there is very little in the premise that addresses the recognition of OEM processes and procedures,” the inquiry stated. “We request language that recognizes the basis of OEM procedures, the assumption that the shop is capable of following them, and that changes can and do occur that require the industry to be reliant, first and foremost, on the most current researched procedure, as it has the potential to change. There are OEM procedures that are not identified within the system with a time or recognition. The lack of a time within the database does not signify that the OEM procedure is unnecessary, or otherwise included. Safety inspections may serve as relevant example.”

The inquiry argued that the 2018 Ford F-150 demonstrated why such language was needed, describing CCC’s reproduction of the repair procedures as lagging behind the Ford originals on the automaker’s official service information site Motorcraft.com.

“The Pickup Box Outer Side panel had a procedure revision date of 09/14/2020,” the inquiry states. “As of 11/10/2020, CCC methods still showed the outdated procedure as the published procedure. When looking at FORD motor craft OEM Site, the procedure updated in September 2020 now allows SPRS to be used in the wheel house area.”

Ford’s OEM procedures ran 26 pages, while CCC’s third-party version of it spanned 44 pages, according to the inquiry.

The language suggested in the inquiry is essentially what CCC adopted.

“Based on your feedback, MOTOR will be updating the Labor Time Premise to add;

“. A recommendation that the user review published OEM repair procedures at the time of estimate preparation

“. Clarification that MOTOR’s assumption around tools/equipment is relative to published OEM repair procedures

“. Clarification to the scan tool statement that it is relative to OEM approved scan tools,” CCC responded.

CCC planned to incorporate the changes in a Feb. 1, 2021, release. The changes in the digital CCC P-pages are dated January 2021.

More information:

CCC MOTOR Guide to Estimating digital P-pages

Database Enhancement Gateway inquiry database

Submit a DEG inquiry

Featured image: The CCC logo is shown in its SEMA 2018 booth. (John Huetter/Repairer Driven News)