“Do You Offer Mobile Estimates or Do I Have to Bring the Truck In?”

Your driver just called in a damage report, you snapped a few photos, and now you’re wondering: “Can you come to me for an estimate, or do I need to drag this box truck to your shop?” The honest answer is: it depends on the damage, your location, and how accurate you need that first number to be. This guide explains when a mobile/virtual estimate makes sense, when an in‑shop inspection is mandatory, how insurance carriers view each, and how to keep the whole process fast and painless.

Quick Takeaways

Many commercial repair facilities now offer virtual/photo-based estimates and limited mobile inspections for triage—especially for fleets.
Anything involving frame, subframe, or hidden structural damage must be measured on a rack in the shop to get a dependable quote.
Insurers will often accept a preliminary estimate from photos, but final approval usually follows an in‑person teardown.
You can speed things up by sending high-quality photos/video, VIN/body info, and damage notes immediately so parts can be pre-ordered.
Mobile estimates may have radius limits, fees, or minimum damage thresholds. Ask up front so you’re not surprised.

First Questions to Ask Yourself (and Your Shop)

Is the truck safe/legal to drive? Lights, brakes, doors, and structural integrity intact? If not, towing in is safer and often required.
How deep is the damage? A scraped panel vs. a crushed corner and bent roof rail are different animals.
Do I need a paper estimate for insurance right now, or a full repair plan? The former can often be virtual; the latter likely needs teardown.
Where is the truck located? If it’s within the shop’s service radius, mobile may be possible; if not, virtual photos do the job.
Am I okay with a “range” estimate? Mobile/virtual quotes are best for ballpark numbers. Exact pricing needs measuring and disassembly.

Option 1: Virtual / Photo-Based Estimates

How It Works

You send detailed photos/video from multiple angles (more on that checklist below).
Estimator reviews, may call with follow-up questions.
You receive a preliminary estimate or repair range—good enough to start an insurance claim or internal budgeting.

Pros

Fastest turnaround (often same day).
Zero downtime—truck stays in service if it’s safe.
No travel/tow cost.

Cons

Hidden damage (bent posts, roof bow shifts, leaks) can’t be confirmed.
Insurers may require a supplemental estimate after teardown.
Not ideal for frame or structural hits.

Photo/Video Checklist for Best Accuracy

Overall shots: Front, back, both sides, roof if accessible.
Close-ups: Tears, wrinkles, punctures, bent rails, damaged tracks/seals, kinked frame flanges.
Interior views: Matching area inside the box—look for daylight, bowed plywood, shifted e‑track.
Undercarriage/Frame: If possible, show the rails, crossmembers, suspension mounts.
Lights & Wiring: Marker/clearance lights, harness damage.
Roll-up Door/Liftgate: Tracks, hinges, springs, cables.
Measurement Aids: Tape measure in photos to show dent size.

Pro Tip: Shoot in good light, hold the phone steady, and avoid reflections that hide wrinkles. A short video walk‑around describing the incident helps the estimator spot issues.

Option 2: Mobile / On-Site Estimates

When Shops Typically Roll Out the Truck

Fleet accounts with multiple units damaged or regular volume.
Severely damaged but undrivable trucks where a mobile visit speeds decisions before towing.
Remote job sites where photos aren’t feasible (poor connectivity, complex damage).

What a Mobile Estimator Can (and Can’t) Do

Can: Visually inspect, take measurements, check door operation, verify leaks, write a more confident estimate than photos allow.
Can’t: Put your truck on a frame rack, pull panels for hidden damage, or guarantee final cost without teardown.

Typical Mobile Limitations

Service Radius: 25–50 miles commonly; farther may incur travel fees.
Minimum Damage or Fee: Some shops only roll if estimate exceeds a threshold or charge a call-out fee credited to the repair.
Scheduling Lag: Techs must be pulled from shop; next-day visits are common, same-day is rare.

Option 3: Bring It In (Tow or Drive)

When In-Shop Is Non-Negotiable

Suspected frame or subframe damage: needs rack measurements.
Roof/floor displacement: hidden fasteners and structure must be exposed.
Reefer bodies with possible insulation/vapor barrier breach: requires interior teardown.
Insurance demanding full teardown before approval.

Pros

Accurate, final estimate with fewer supplements.
Immediate start on teardown/parts ordering.
Access to all tools: frame rack, paint booth, liftgate stands, etc.

Cons

Downtime starts as soon as it’s dropped off.
Tow cost if undrivable.
If you’re “just shopping estimates,” it ties up shop space.

Insurance Perspective: What Will They Accept?

Preliminary Photo Estimate: Many carriers greenlight initial repairs or authorize teardown based on photos.
Virtual Adjuster Meetings: Shops can walk adjusters through damage via video to speed approval.
Supplements Are Normal: Once the truck is opened up, hidden damage is added. Quick adjuster response keeps work moving.
Some Policies Require Physical Inspection: Especially for large claims or when fraud prevention triggers.

Tip: Ask your adjuster up front: “Will you accept a photo-based estimate to get started, or do you need an on-site visit?” Knowing their workflow saves days.

How to Speed the Process—No Matter Which Route You Choose

Send Info Immediately: VIN, body brand (Morgan/Wabash/Utilimaster/etc.), door brand (Whiting/Todco), liftgate model, claim number.
Greenlight Teardown: If you can’t get a final estimate without it, authorize it early—don’t let the truck sit waiting for permission.
Pre-Authorize Common Parts: Sealants, rivets, fasteners—let the shop order while adjusters review the big-ticket items.
Decide on Upgrades Fast: LED lights, heavier rails, new wrap—if you want them, say so day one.
Respond Quickly: Every approval lag adds days. Assign one internal contact who can answer the shop and insurer ASAP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you give me a firm price from photos alone?
We can give a range or preliminary estimate. Firm pricing follows in-shop measurement and teardown for hidden damage.

If you come out for a mobile estimate, is there a fee?
Often yes, especially outside our normal radius. Many shops credit that fee back if you authorize the repair.

Can I just FaceTime/Zoom you from the truck?
Absolutely. Live video helps us direct what to show (“pan up to the roof rail,” “open that door fully”) and speeds triage.

Will my insurance accept a virtual estimate?
Most will to start, but expect a supplement after teardown. Ask your adjuster what they require.

What if the truck isn’t safe to drive?
Don’t risk it. We can coordinate a tow. Driving a compromised truck can worsen damage and risk denial.

Do you need to see the truck to order parts?
High-res photos and VIN/body info are usually enough to pre-order common parts, but exact measurements may wait for in-shop verification.

How long will a mobile estimate take on-site?
Typically 30–60 minutes depending on complexity. Add travel time and scheduling.

Can you start repairs on-site?
Minor seal-ups (tarping, temporary roof patches) sometimes, but real structural or panel work needs shop equipment.

What if I’m outside your mobile area?
We’ll do a virtual estimate or refer you to a trusted partner closer to you.

Can you give me a "not to exceed" number without teardown?
We can provide a high-side estimate, but if hidden damage is found, there will still be a supplement.

Final Word: Use the Fastest Path That Still Gets It Right

A mobile or virtual estimate is a great tool to get the ball rolling, especially when downtime costs you money. But don’t confuse speed with certainty—serious damage needs in-shop measurement to avoid surprise costs and repeat trips. Work with a shop that’s flexible: virtual to start, mobile when it makes sense, and in-shop when precision matters.

Need help now? Send clear photos, VIN, body make/model, and your claim info. We’ll tell you in minutes whether a mobile/virtual estimate will work—or if it’s smarter to bring (or tow) the truck straight in.

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