How to Bill for Setup Time on Structural Repairs (And Get It Approved)

What Is Setup Time?

Setup time is the labor required to prepare a vehicle for structural repair on a frame rack. It includes positioning the vehicle on the rack, attaching pulling chains and clamps to the structural components being repaired, installing the measuring system, and documenting the initial measurements before any pulling begins.

Setup time is distinct from the structural repair time itself. The repair time covers the actual pulling, straightening, and measuring operations. Setup time covers everything that must happen before the first pull can be made.

Why Setup Time Is Not Included in Structural Repair Time

The most common adjuster denial for setup time is "included in structural repair time." This is incorrect, and the P-pages say so explicitly.

CCC's P-pages state: "Frame/structural setup time is not included in the structural repair time. Setup includes positioning the vehicle, attaching anchoring equipment, and installing the measuring system. This time must be estimated separately based on the extent of the structural damage and the equipment required."

Mitchell's P-pages contain similar language, noting that setup time varies based on the number of pull points required and the complexity of the structural damage.

Audatex's procedure pages likewise list setup as a separate, non-included operation for structural repairs.

How to Calculate Setup Time

Setup time is typically calculated based on the number of pull points and the complexity of the structural damage:

• Single pull point (minor structural damage): 1.0–1.5 hours
• Two to three pull points (moderate structural damage): 1.5–2.5 hours
• Four or more pull points (severe structural damage): 2.5–4.0 hours
• Full frame replacement or sectioning: 3.0–5.0 hours

These are guidelines, not fixed rates. The actual setup time depends on the specific vehicle, the type of frame rack being used, and the extent of the structural damage. Document your actual setup time and be prepared to justify it if questioned.

Writing the Setup Time Supplement

Your setup time supplement should include:

1. The number of pull points required and why
2. The frame rack equipment used (manufacturer and model)
3. The measuring system used and the initial measurement readings
4. The P-page citation confirming setup time is non-included
5. The hours claimed and the basis for the calculation

Example supplement language: "Setup time for structural repair is a non-included operation per CCC P-pages. This repair requires [X] pull points to address structural damage to the [specific components]. Setup includes positioning the vehicle on the [rack model], attaching [X] pulling chains and clamps, and installing the [measuring system] to document pre-repair measurements. Setup time: [X] hours at $[rate]/hour = $[total]."

Setup Time for Unibody vs. Body-on-Frame Vehicles

Setup time calculations differ slightly between unibody and body-on-frame vehicles. Unibody vehicles require pinch weld clamps and specific anchoring points that vary by vehicle model. Body-on-frame vehicles use frame clamps that are generally more straightforward to attach but may require additional time for larger trucks and SUVs.

Note the vehicle type and the specific anchoring method in your supplement letter. This level of detail demonstrates expertise and makes the supplement harder to dispute.

Don't Leave Setup Time on the Table

Setup time is one of the most consistently under-billed operations in structural repair. On a typical structural repair requiring 2 pull points, setup time at $65/hour represents $97.50–$162.50 in revenue. On a severe structural repair requiring 4+ pull points, setup time can represent $195–$325 or more. Across 20 structural repairs per month, that's $2,000–$6,500 in revenue that most shops are leaving on the table.

Supplement Tool automatically includes setup time as a line item in structural repair supplements, with the appropriate P-page citation. You enter the number of pull points; the AI writes the justification.