Yes, in nearly all cases. Diagnostic scanning now appears on 87.7% of collision repair estimates industry-wide, and most insurers pay for it as a standard line item. At Redeemed Auto Body, we document every scan so the charge holds up if an adjuster questions it, and we submit a supplement when new findings come up mid-repair.
Key Takeaways:
- Coverage is now standard: CCC Intelligent Solutions showed scans on 87.7% of repairable DRP estimates in Q3 2025, while industry surveys found that insurers often reimburse pre- and post-repair scans, subject to procedure, documentation, insurer, and network terms.
- Calibrations get billed differently: We’ve found ADAS calibrations often require a separate supplement rather than appearing on the initial estimate, a distinction that can slow approval.
- We’re not tied to any insurer’s network: We hold zero Direct Repair Program (DRP) agreements at Redeemed Auto Body, so our recommendations on any auto collision repair aren’t shaped by insurer preference.
How Does a Post-Repair Diagnostic Scan Get Billed to an Insurance Claim?
A post-repair scan is billed as its own line item, generated through estimating software such as CCC or Mitchell. At Redeemed Auto Body, we include it on the initial estimate for every repair, so the adjuster sees the charge before work begins.
Why Some Adjusters Question the Charge
The scan itself is rarely the sticking point. What sometimes triggers a question is the diagnosis time that follows it: when we trace a fault code back to its actual cause instead of clearing it, that extra work may not have been part of the original estimate. CCC data indicates that the majority of ADAS calibration operations are added through supplements rather than included in the initial DRP estimate, meaning a second round of insurer review. We submit those supplements with the fault code details and repair notes attached, so the adjuster has what’s needed to approve it without delay.
What’s Usually Covered vs. What May Need a Supplement
| Charge | Usually on Initial Estimate | May Require a Supplement |
| Pre-repair scan | Often, when supported by OEM procedures or repair needs. | Yes, if identified later or inadequately documented. |
| Post-repair scan | May be included, | Yes, depending on repair scope and insurer procedures. |
| ADAS calibration | Sometimes | Often; CCC reports that most calibrations appear on supplements. |
| Follow-up diagnosis time | Not consistently predictable before testing. | Not consistently predictable before testing. |
What Happens If an Insurer Questions a Diagnostic Scan Charge?
- Document the scan. We attach the scan report to the repair order so the charge is tied to a specific finding rather than a bare line item.
- Reference the OEM requirement. We point to the automaker position statement establishing scanning as a required step, not an optional one, which supports the charge.
- Submit a supplement if needed. We send new findings from after the initial estimate to the adjuster with the supporting data attached.
- Follow up directly. We handle the back-and-forth with the adjuster ourselves instead of leaving you to chase down an answer.
That’s part of what we mean when we say we manage the claim for you. Insurance conversations are where collision repair services can either protect the customer or leave them negotiating on their own. It’s also what separates our West Monroe collision center from one that treats the initial estimate as final. After a wreck, anyone searching for collision repair nearby deserves a shop willing to have that conversation on their behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to pay out of pocket if my insurer denies the scan charge?
It’s uncommon, since scanning is now standard on most estimates, but if an insurer disputes it, we handle the appeal with supporting documentation before asking you to cover the cost.
Does my deductible apply to diagnostic scanning costs?
We treat diagnostic scanning as part of the overall repair cost, so it falls under your standard deductible rather than being billed as a separate charge.
Can I get an itemized breakdown of the scan charges on my estimate?
Yes. We list diagnostic charges as their own line item on the estimate, and you’re welcome to ask us to walk through any part of it before you approve the repair.
Schedule a Free Collision Repair Consultation
Getting the runaround from an insurer on a diagnostic scan charge? We manage that conversation at Redeemed Auto Body so you don’t have to. Call us at (318) 789-6675, or email us at redeemedautobody@gmail.com. We provide collision repair in West Monroe, LA, backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.