Frame and Structural Repair / In shop only
Structural Damage Assessment in Yorba Linda
Structural damage assessment produces a documented, measured determination of whether a vehicle has structural damage and how far it extends. It is used for insurance disputes, pre purchase decisions, and verifying previous repair work. The written report includes dimensional data and photographs.
People come to us for an assessment in three situations. A carrier says there is no structural damage and the owner does not believe it. A buyer is about to spend serious money on a coach with an unclear history. Or a repair was done somewhere else and something still is not right.
All three need the same thing: measurement, documentation, and a written report that stands up when someone else reads it.
What does a structural assessment include?
A full dimensional survey against published factory specification at every accessible datum point, photographic documentation of every finding, moisture and tap testing on laminated structures, visual and where necessary access based inspection of the subframe, and a written report stating findings against tolerance.
What it does not include is a repair estimate presented as a finding. The assessment establishes condition. Repair scope is a separate document, and keeping those two separate is what makes the assessment credible.
How do you find damage that is not visible?
Four methods, layered.
Dimensional measurement catches anything that moved, whether or not you can see it. Tap testing on laminated panels reveals debonded areas by acoustic change long before delamination is visible. Moisture metering identifies water intrusion behind intact skin. And targeted access, meaning removing a belly pan or an interior panel, confirms what the other three suggested.
The order matters. Measure first because it is non destructive and it tells you where to look with the other methods.
- Dimensional survey against factory datum specification
- Acoustic tap testing across laminated panels
- Moisture metering at seams, penetrations and low points
- Targeted access inspection at indicated locations
- Weld and fastener inspection at structural joints
Using an assessment in an insurance dispute
An adjuster works from what they can document. An assessment gives them something to document.
The reports we produce are factual and they cite measurements against published tolerance. They do not argue and they do not advocate, because a report that reads as advocacy gets discounted. It states what was measured and what the specification says, and it lets those two numbers make the argument.
We are a repair facility, not public adjusters. We do not negotiate settlements. We produce evidence.
What Is Included
- 01Full dimensional survey at every accessible datum point
- 02Photographic record of all findings with reference locations
- 03Tap testing and moisture metering on laminated structures
- 04Targeted access inspection where indicated
- 05Written report stating findings against published tolerance
- 06Digital copy of all measurement data and photographs
Our Process and Timeline
Shop hours and calendar days are different things. These are the stages and the realistic duration of each.
- 01Same day
Intake and history
Vehicle history, prior repairs and the reason for assessment recorded so the survey targets the right questions.
- 021 day
Dimensional survey
Non destructive measurement at every accessible datum point, compared to factory specification.
- 031 day
Non destructive testing
Tap testing and moisture metering across laminated structures and around all penetrations.
- 041 to 2 days
Targeted access
Belly pan or panel removal only where the previous steps indicate it is warranted.
- 052 to 3 days
Report
Written report with measurement data, photographs and findings against tolerance, delivered digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a structural assessment cost?
It is billed at the $285 per hour diagnostic rate with a one hour minimum, refundable as a credit against an authorized repair. A full RV structural survey typically runs three to six hours.
Can I use the report against my insurance company?
You can supply it to your carrier. It is a factual measured report, which is what carriers respond to. We produce evidence rather than negotiate on your behalf.
Do you assess vehicles you did not repair?
Yes. Independent assessment is a large part of this service, including verifying work done by other shops.
Will an assessment find hidden water damage?
Moisture metering and tap testing find most of it behind intact skin. Confirming extent sometimes requires targeted access, which we recommend rather than perform without approval.
Is the assessment fee credited if I have the repair done here?
Yes. Diagnostic time is refundable as a credit against an authorized repair.
Vehicles We Perform This On
Related Services
We Can Help. Contact Us Today.
Bring the vehicle to our Yorba Linda facility and we will document the damage properly, work directly with your carrier, and give you a written figure built from published rates and real labor hours.
All work is performed at our Yorba Linda facility. We do not offer mobile, roadside or fleet route service.