Question about the actual cost of aluminum repair work

I was looking at some insurance claim data from last year and saw that the average repair cost for aluminum panels is about 65% higher than for steel. I found this in a report from a big industry group. It surprised me because I knew it was more, but not that much more. The extra cost comes from needing special tools, training, and slower work times. It makes you think about how shops price these jobs. How do you all handle quoting for aluminum repairs to make sure you're covered?

2 comments

2 Comments

oliviabarnes1mo ago

Wait, does that 65% figure include the cost of the shop having to set up a whole separate clean area for aluminum work? I heard that's a huge deal to avoid contamination. My cousin's shop had to basically build a sealed room with special air filters, and the upfront cost was insane. They said they have to charge way more per hour just to make that back over time.

the_eva1mo ago

Yeah, but @oliviabarnes, that sealed room thing is kind of a myth for most shops.