Two ways to get an estimate
A drive-in estimate is the more accurate of the two, because an estimator can see the panel from several angles, check the gaps, and press on the areas around the impact. It takes about twenty minutes for most vehicles. No appointment is needed. Bring the vehicle to 10939 Harrison St in La Vista during business hours and someone will look at it while you wait.
An online photo estimate is the faster of the two, and it is useful when the vehicle is not drivable, when you are still deciding whether to file a claim, or when you simply want a number before you rearrange your day. You send photographs, we review them, and you receive a preliminary figure.
A photo estimate is a starting point, not a final quote. Nobody can see behind a bumper cover in a photograph. Every online estimate is confirmed in person before any work is scheduled, and the in-person figure is the one that governs the repair.
How to photograph the damage
Better photos produce a closer preliminary number and fewer follow-up questions. Six shots are usually enough.
- The whole vehicle from about ten feet back, at a three-quarter angle, so we can identify the model and see which panels are involved
- The damaged area straight on, filling most of the frame
- The same area from each side at a shallow angle, which is what reveals how far a dent actually extends
- A close shot of any crease, tear, or paint break
- The panel gaps around the damage, including the ones that look normal
- The VIN plate at the base of the windshield, or a photo of your registration
Shoot outside in daylight if you can, and avoid direct sun on the panel. Overcast light shows dents far better than a bright afternoon does.
What the estimate document actually contains
An estimate is a repair plan with prices attached, not a single number. It lists each operation the vehicle needs, the parts required, the labor hours assigned to each operation, the paint and materials, and any sublet work such as glass or alignment.
Parts are itemized by type, because the choice matters to both the cost and the result. Original equipment parts come from the vehicle manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are made by someone else to fit the same place. Recycled parts come from another vehicle of the same model. Your policy may specify which the insurer will pay for, and we will tell you which the estimate assumes.
Labor is separated into body, paint, frame, and mechanical, because each is billed at a different rate and each is checked against published repair times for that specific vehicle rather than guessed at.
You are welcome to take the estimate away, ask questions about any line on it, or get another opinion. A shop that will not explain a line item is telling you something.
Why the final cost can change
The estimate reflects what can be seen. Once panels and trim come off, the picture sometimes changes, and that is normal rather than a sign that something went wrong.
When we find damage that was hidden behind a panel, we document it and submit a supplement to your insurer. That is a formal request to add the newly found work to the approved scope. It can shift both the cost and the completion date, so we tell you at the same time we tell the carrier rather than leaving you to discover it later.
Nothing is repaired without your approval. If a supplement changes the plan, you hear the reason, the revised figure, and the revised timeline before work continues.
Body labor performed by Gateway Auto is backed by a lifetime service warranty for as long as you own the vehicle.
Body labor and paint are guaranteed against defects in workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle.
Questions & answers
Is the estimate really free?
Yes. There is no charge for a drive-in or an online photo estimate, and no obligation to have the work done here.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Drive in during business hours at 10939 Harrison St in La Vista and an estimator will look at the vehicle while you wait. Most take about twenty minutes.
How many estimates should I get?
You are not required to get more than one. Some drivers prefer to compare, which is reasonable. If you do compare, read the line items rather than only the totals, because two estimates can differ simply because one includes an operation the other left out.
Will an online estimate be the final price?
No. A photo estimate is preliminary. It cannot account for damage behind a panel or for structural measurements. We confirm every online estimate in person before scheduling work.
Do I have to use the shop my insurer recommends?
No. Your carrier may recommend one, and you are free to use a different shop without affecting your coverage. Gateway Auto works with all insurance companies.
What should I bring?
Your claim number if you have already filed, and your registration or insurance card. Remove personal belongings from the damaged area so the estimator can see it. Photos of the scene help provide context but do not replace the inspection.
What if my vehicle cannot be driven?
Send photos for a preliminary estimate, then call us. Gateway Auto works with Arrow Towing in Omaha to help transport vehicles that cannot be safely driven.
