How to Supplement for Pre- and Post-Repair Structural Scanning
Scanning is now required by most OEMs on every collision repair. Here's the documentation strategy that gets scan charges approved — and why skipping it exposes your shop to liability.
Why Scanning Has Become Non-Negotiable
Five years ago, pre- and post-repair scanning was a specialty operation performed on high-end vehicles. Today it is a standard requirement on virtually every vehicle manufactured after 2018. Modern vehicles contain dozens of electronic control modules (ECMs) that monitor and control everything from engine management to safety systems. A collision — even a minor one — can set fault codes in these modules that are invisible without a diagnostic scan.
The consequences of skipping the scan are serious. A vehicle with undetected fault codes in its ADAS system may appear to function normally but fail at a critical moment. The liability for that failure falls on the shop that released the vehicle without scanning. And increasingly, that liability is being tested in court.
OEM Scanning Requirements
The following OEMs have published explicit requirements for pre- and post-repair scanning on collision repairs:
- Toyota/Lexus: Requires pre- and post-repair scanning on all collision repairs. TSB 0274-21 specifically mandates scanning for any repair that may affect ADAS systems.
- Honda/Acura: Honda's Body Repair Manual requires pre- and post-repair scanning on all vehicles equipped with Honda Sensing. This includes virtually all Honda models manufactured after 2016.
- Ford/Lincoln: Ford's Workshop Manual requires scanning before and after any collision repair to identify and clear fault codes.
- GM (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac): GM's Collision Repair Guide requires pre- and post-repair scanning on all collision repairs involving airbag deployment or structural damage.
- Stellantis (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram): Stellantis requires scanning on all vehicles equipped with FCA Safety Group features.
- Hyundai/Kia: Requires pre- and post-repair scanning on all vehicles equipped with Hyundai SmartSense or Kia Drive Wise.
The list is not exhaustive — virtually every major OEM now has a scanning requirement. The question is not whether to scan; it is how to document the scan in a way that gets the supplement approved.
The Scanning Supplement: What to Include
A scanning supplement letter must include four elements to be effective:
1. The OEM Requirement Citation
Cite the specific OEM document that requires scanning. Include the manufacturer name, document title, and section number. For example: "Toyota Body Repair Manual, Section 2-1-3 requires pre-repair scanning of all electronic control modules prior to beginning collision repairs and post-repair scanning to verify all fault codes have been resolved."
2. The Pre-Repair Scan Report
Include the actual pre-repair scan report showing any fault codes that were present before repairs began. This serves two purposes: it documents the condition of the vehicle when it arrived, and it provides evidence that the scan was actually performed. A scan report from a recognized scan tool (Autel, Snap-on, Bosch, or OEM dealer scan tool) carries the most weight.
3. The Post-Repair Scan Report
Include the post-repair scan report showing that all fault codes have been resolved. This proves the scan was performed after repairs and that the vehicle's electronic systems are functioning correctly.
4. The Liability Statement
Include a statement that releasing the vehicle without scanning would expose the shop to liability for any subsequent failure of the vehicle's electronic systems. This is not a threat — it is a factual statement of the legal and professional standard of care that applies to collision repairs.
What to Charge for Scanning
Pre- and post-repair scanning is typically billed as a flat fee per scan, ranging from $45 to $150 depending on the vehicle and the scan tool used. Some shops bill a single fee for the pre/post scan pair; others bill separately. Either approach is acceptable as long as the billing is consistent and documented.
If the scan reveals fault codes that require additional diagnostic work or calibration, those operations are billed separately. The scan fee covers the scan itself — not the remediation of any issues found.
When Adjusters Deny Scanning Charges
The most common denial reason for scanning charges is "included in labor time." It is not. Scanning is a separate diagnostic operation that requires specialized equipment and training. The P-pages of CCC, Mitchell, and Audatex all list scanning as a separate, non-included operation. Cite the relevant P-page in your supplement letter and include the scan reports as supporting documentation.