While California appears to be one large state on the map, when it comes to auto body repair labor rates, average vehicle damage severity and total loss percentages, Northern California and Southern California are worlds apart.
The average auto damage appraisal severity in 2009 shows:
Northern California $2,463.00
Southern California $2,199.00 ( $264 less on average)
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The labor rates show:
Northern California $70 hr body / $71 hr frame / $74 hr mechanical / $70 hr paint / $34 hr mat.
Southern California $42 hr body / $54 hr frame / $68 hr mechanical / $42 hr paint / $30 hr mat.
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The average total loss percentage in 2009 shows:
Northern California 28.96%
Southern California 26.70% ( 2.26% less on average)
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This data is compiled from claims processed through AutoClaims Direct during 2009. The bay area of Northern California has the highest labor rates with the San Francisco/Santa Rosa area leading the way. While the severity may be higher in Northern California, it appears to be purely due to labor rate differences rather than any difference in repairs themselves. The large variance in rates between regions of the state lead to such disparity.
Data source: © 2009, AutoClaims Direct, DirectLink