Does my excess change if the repair cost goes up?

No. Your excess is fixed by your policy. Any extra hidden damage approved by the insurer is covered by them, not you.

What if the insurer rejects the supplementary quote?

We revise the quote or supply extra evidence until the insurer is satisfied. No additional work is carried out without written approval.

Can I track the additions to my quote?

Yes. HJ Bosch & Sons sends every supplementary authorisation to you via WhatsApp or email so you can see the running total in real time.

Why Your Car-Repair Quote Can Change (And Why That’s Totally Normal)

MC Bosch
1 hour ago
2 min read

HJ Bosch & Sons technician in Pretoria checks hidden damage behind a stripped bumper while updating an Audatex quote on a tablet.

Let’s be honest—insurance jargon can feel like a lekker head-spin. One day your insurer emails an authorisation for R35 000, the next your panel beater says the total climbed to R42 000. “But you already approved it, bru!” Here’s why that happens and how the money trail really works.

1. The First Estimate: What the Assessor Can See

We start with a digital Audatex quote based on photos or a quick drive-in inspection. That quote only covers visible damage: panels, lights, paintwork—all line-itemed for your insurer to inspect. Once the insurer’s assessor is happy, they issue the initial authorisation so we can book your wheels in. rosschampiongroup.co.za

2. Strip & Discover: Where Hidden Damage Pops Up

As soon as we strip the bumper, we often find bent brackets, cracked radiators or wiring gremlins nobody could see before. South African insurers expect this; we draft a supplementary quote (sometimes called “additionals”) and send it back to the assessor. No extra work—or cost—is done until that second green light arrives. rosschampiongroup.co.za

3. Parts Prices & Paint Codes Can Shift

OEM part prices go up, suppliers run promos, exchange rates dance. If a headlight suddenly costs R1 200 more than last week, we update the line-item and get it stamped by your insurer again. Same story if the factory paint bulletin changes the formula for that fancy pearl white.

4. Quality Control & Sign-Off

When repairs are finished, the assessor (or sometimes a reinspector) checks the vehicle matches the final approved scope. Only then do we raise the final invoice to the insurer. You still owe one thing only: your excess—nothing more, nothing less. Prime South Africa

5. The Money Flow at a Glance

Step	Who Approves	What Can Change?
Initial quote	Assessor & insurer	Visible damage only
Supplementary quote(s)	Same assessor & insurer	Hidden damage, parts price shifts
Final invoice	Assessor (sign-off) & insurer	Mirrors last authorised total

FAQs

Does my excess change if the cost goes up?

Nope. Your excess is fixed by your policy. Extra damage is paid by the insurer once authorised. Prime South Africa

What if the insurer rejects the supplementaries?

We’ll revise the quote or show extra photos until all parties agree—nothing is fitted or sprayed without sign-off.

Can I track the additions?

Yes. We WhatsApp or email every supplementary authorisation so you can see the running total in real time.

Take-Away

If your repair cost shifts after the first go-ahead, it’s not a sneaky upsell—it’s the system protecting your pocket and your insurer’s. HJ Bosch & Sons will never bolt on extras without the insurer’s written “yes.” That’s how we keep your claim clean, your warranty intact, and your ride looking brand-new—no bull, just Bosch.