Auto Body Supplement Letter Template: Copy-Paste Examples That Get Approved

The fastest way to write a supplement letter that gets approved is to start with a template that's already been tested against real adjusters. These templates are based on the language patterns that consistently get approved — specific, technical, citation-backed, and professional. Copy them, customize the details, and send.

Template 1: Structural Damage (Unibody/Frame)

RE: Supplement Request — Structural Damage — $[AMOUNT] — Claim #[CLAIM NUMBER] Dear [ADJUSTER NAME], Upon teardown of the [YEAR MAKE MODEL] (VIN: [VIN]), our technicians identified structural damage to the [SPECIFIC COMPONENT] that was not included in the original estimate. The damage is as follows: [COMPONENT]: [DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGE]. Measurement: [MEASUREMENT]. This exceeds the [OEM/I-CAR] replacement threshold of [THRESHOLD] per [SPECIFIC REFERENCE]. Repair procedure required: [SPECIFIC PROCEDURE] per [OEM REPAIR MANUAL SECTION]. This operation requires [LABOR HOURS] additional labor hours at the shop's posted rate of $[RATE]/hour. Total supplement: $[AMOUNT] We respectfully request approval within 5 business days. Documentation is attached. Sincerely, [SHOP NAME]

Template 2: ADAS Calibration

RE: Supplement Request — ADAS Calibration Required — $[AMOUNT] — Claim #[CLAIM NUMBER] Dear [ADJUSTER NAME], This vehicle ([YEAR MAKE MODEL], VIN: [VIN]) is equipped with [SPECIFIC ADAS SYSTEM]. Per [OEM TSB/REPAIR PROCEDURE REFERENCE], calibration of the [SPECIFIC SENSOR/CAMERA] is mandatory following any repair to [SPECIFIC COMPONENT]. The original estimate did not include ADAS calibration. This is a required operation — not an optional one — per the manufacturer's repair procedure. Performing the repair without calibration would leave the safety system in an unknown state. Calibration type required: [STATIC/DYNAMIC/BOTH] Estimated cost: $[AMOUNT] We respectfully request approval within 5 business days. Sincerely, [SHOP NAME]

Template 3: OEM Parts Required

RE: Supplement Request — OEM Parts Required — $[AMOUNT] — Claim #[CLAIM NUMBER] Dear [ADJUSTER NAME], The original estimate specified aftermarket/LKQ parts for the [SPECIFIC PARTS]. We are requesting OEM parts for the following reasons: 1. [VEHICLE] is within the manufacturer's warranty period. Per the [MANUFACTURER] warranty terms, use of non-OEM parts may void the warranty. 2. [SPECIFIC PART] is a structural/safety-critical component. [OEM POSITION STATEMENT] specifies that only OEM parts may be used for this application. OEM part cost: $[AMOUNT] | Aftermarket cost: $[AMOUNT] | Difference: $[AMOUNT] We respectfully request approval within 5 business days. Sincerely, [SHOP NAME]

Template 4: Hidden Damage Found During Teardown

RE: Supplement Request — Hidden Damage Discovered During Teardown — $[AMOUNT] — Claim #[CLAIM NUMBER] Dear [ADJUSTER NAME], During teardown of the [YEAR MAKE MODEL] (Claim #[CLAIM NUMBER]), our technicians discovered additional damage not visible during the initial inspection. This is a standard occurrence in collision repair — hidden damage is by definition not visible until the vehicle is disassembled. Additional damage found: — [COMPONENT]: [DESCRIPTION]. Repair/replacement required: [OPERATION]. Cost: $[AMOUNT] Photographic documentation of all discovered damage is attached. We are available for a re-inspection at your convenience. Total supplement: $[AMOUNT] Sincerely, [SHOP NAME]

Template 5: Corrosion Protection

RE: Supplement Request — Corrosion Protection — $[AMOUNT] — Claim #[CLAIM NUMBER] Dear [ADJUSTER NAME], The original estimate did not include corrosion protection for the [SPECIFIC PANELS/AREAS]. Per [OEM REPAIR PROCEDURE SECTION] and I-CAR Corrosion Protection course (COR03), corrosion protection is a mandatory operation following any repair to [SPECIFIC AREA]. Corrosion protection operations required: — [OPERATION]: [QUANTITY] × $[RATE] = $[AMOUNT] Total: $[AMOUNT] We respectfully request approval within 5 business days. Sincerely, [SHOP NAME]

How to Customize These Templates

The key to making these templates work is specificity. Replace every bracket with the exact detail from your claim: the specific OEM reference, the exact measurement, the precise Xactimate code. Generic language gets denied. Specific, documented language gets approved.

The most important customization is the citation. Every supplement letter should cite at least one: an OEM repair procedure section number, an I-CAR standard reference, a P-page citation, or a manufacturer TSB number. Without a citation, your supplement is an opinion. With a citation, it's a requirement.

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Instead of filling in templates manually, Supplement Tool generates a complete, customized supplement letter for your specific claim — with the correct OEM citations, professional language, and line-item breakdown — in under 90 seconds. Try 3 free letters — no card required. See also: How to Write a Supplement Letter and OEM Parts Supplement Guide.