SGI Shop Performance Scoring in 2026: How Saskatchewan's Accredited Repair Program Tiers Collision Shops
A practical breakdown of how SGI measures accredited collision shops, what drives tier movement, and where estimating discipline shows up in the numbers.
Authors
Myles Chaput & Ali Jakvani
Published
Length
14 min read
Abstract
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) operates an Accredited Repair Program that scores collision shops on cycle time, supplement discipline, parts strategy, customer experience, and re-repair rates. Unlike MPI's published Light Vehicle Tariff and Realized Parts Savings (RPS) framework, SGI's shop-tier scoring is governed by program bulletins distributed through the SGI repair-shop channel and applied per-claim through the appraisal workflow. This paper explains what the SGI scoring model actually measures in 2026, where shops typically lose ground at write-up, and how RocketPros — independent software running alongside Mitchell Connect — surfaces completeness and program-relevance signals so the published SGI rules become mechanical at the estimator's desk.
Key findings
- 1SGI's shop performance model is multi-dimensional: cycle time (FNOL-to-vehicle-return), supplement frequency, parts strategy (alternate/recycled where appropriate), customer satisfaction, and re-repair/come-back rate all contribute to tier placement.
- 2The single largest controllable input is supplement discipline — the share of damage that is determinable at write-up but discovered later. Shops with disciplined teardowns and OEM-procedure-anchored estimates routinely run supplement frequencies well below program averages.
- 3Parts strategy under SGI mirrors the spirit of MPI's RPS: where an alternate, recycled, or aftermarket-equivalent part is appropriate and available, it is expected to be selected. Documented OEM position statements and per-VIN procedures justify deviations.
- 4Cycle time is measured against a program benchmark — Mitchell Industry Trends and CCC Crash Course both place 2024–2025 Canadian average keys-to-keys days in the 12–15 day band, with the leading shop tier consistently below that.
- 5Re-repair and customer-complaint signals carry disproportionate weight in tier reviews; a single comeback tied to a missed scan, missed calibration trigger, or undocumented OEM procedure can erase quarters of strong performance.
Body
1. What SGI shop performance scoring actually is
SGI shop performance scoring is the structured way Saskatchewan Government Insurance evaluates accredited collision repair facilities against the operational standards published in the SGI Accredited Repair Program. It is distinct from the Safe Driver Recognition (SDR) program, which scores drivers on the Safety Rating Scale — SDR is consumer-facing and has no direct bearing on shop tier. Shop scoring is governed by program bulletins and the appraisal workflow distributed through SGI's repair-shop channel, and it determines work allocation patterns, audit posture, and tier placement.
Where MPI publishes the Light Vehicle Tariff (LVT) and the Realized Parts Savings (RPS) methodology in detail, SGI's scoring model is communicated through the accredited-shop relationship: program standards, periodic performance reviews, and per-claim appraisal decisions. The underlying mechanics are familiar to any shop running a documentation-first estimating practice — cycle time, supplements, parts, quality, and customer experience.
2. The five performance dimensions SGI measures
SGI scores accredited shops across five operational dimensions, and each is a function of inputs the shop controls at write-up and during production. The relative weight shifts as the program evolves, but the dimensions themselves have been stable: cycle time, supplement discipline, parts strategy, customer experience, and quality (re-repair rate).
| Dimension | What SGI measures | Primary lever at the shop | Where it shows up at write-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle time | FNOL to vehicle return; days in shop | Production scheduling, parts ordering cadence | Complete first estimate prevents mid-repair part-wait restarts |
| Supplement discipline | Supplement frequency and dollar share vs. baseline | Teardown thoroughness; OEM procedure lookup | Damage determinable at write-up captured before authorization |
| Parts strategy | Alternate / recycled / aftermarket usage where appropriate | Sourcing workflow; OEM position-statement library | Per-VIN parts decision documented at line-item level |
| Customer experience | Survey scores, complaint ratio | Communication cadence, delivery quality | Accurate promised-completion driven by realistic estimate |
| Quality / re-repair | Comebacks, missed scans, missed calibrations | Pre/post scan discipline; OEM procedure adherence | Calibration triggers flagged on initial estimate |
3. How parts strategy is scored under SGI
Parts strategy under SGI follows the same logic that drives MPI's Realized Parts Savings: where an alternate, recycled (LKQ), or aftermarket-equivalent part is appropriate, available, and consistent with the OEM repair procedure for that VIN, it is expected to be selected. The shop is not penalized for selecting OEM when a documented OEM position statement, structural classification, or calibration dependency makes alternates inappropriate — but the documentation must exist on the file.
The practical consequence is that parts decisions are per-VIN, not per-shop-policy. A 2024 model-year vehicle with bonded structural components or ADAS-tied closures will frequently route to OEM with a position-statement citation; a non-structural fender on an out-of-warranty vehicle with a verified LKQ match will not. Shops that treat parts strategy as a per-claim documentation exercise — rather than a default — score predictably well.
| Component class | Typical default | Documentation that justifies deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic exterior (bumper cover, fender, hood on older vehicles) | Alternate / recycled where matched | OEM position statement; ADAS sensor mounting; warranty status |
| Structural (rails, apron, B-pillar, reinforcements) | OEM | Verified used-structural where OEM procedure permits |
| Glass with ADAS (windshield with camera bracket) | OEM or OEM-equivalent with calibration | Calibration capability of equivalent part documented |
| Mechanical / suspension | OEM where safety-critical; recycled where appropriate | Component history; OEM bulletin coverage |
| Trim, clips, fasteners | OEM (single-use fastener rules) | Single-use fastener requirements per OEM procedure |
4. Cycle time and supplement frequency: the two biggest swing factors
Cycle time and supplement frequency are the two scoring inputs that move tier placement most quickly, because both are measured continuously and both are highly sensitive to write-up quality. A complete first estimate — anchored to the OEM procedure for that VIN, with calibration triggers, single-use fasteners, and refinish allowances captured before authorization — collapses the supplement count and shortens FNOL-to-vehicle-return at the same time.
| Metric | Industry mid-band | Top-tier band | Primary driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keys-to-keys days (drivable, light hit) | 9–12 days | 6–8 days | Estimate completeness; parts-order cadence |
| Keys-to-keys days (non-drivable) | 18–24 days | 12–16 days | Teardown speed; supplement discipline |
| Supplement frequency (% of claims) | 55–70% | 30–40% | Teardown thoroughness at write-up |
| Supplement dollar share of total severity | 20–30% | 10–15% | OEM procedure capture before authorization |
| Re-repair / comeback rate | 1.5–2.5% | <0.8% | Pre/post scan discipline; calibration confirmation |
5. Where shops typically lose ground on SGI scoring
Shops typically lose ground in five repeatable, avoidable places — and none of them are about effort. They are about whether the estimating workflow forces a per-VIN check against the published rules before the file is locked.
- Calibration triggers missed on the initial estimate — windshield replacement on an ADAS-equipped vehicle, bumper R&I on a vehicle with rear radar, or mirror replacement on a blind-spot-monitored car. The calibration line is added later as a supplement, inflating supplement frequency and cycle time simultaneously.
- Pre- and post-repair scans not documented on the file even when performed. The work was done; the score reflects only what the file shows.
- OEM single-use fastener and bonded-component requirements not pulled into the estimate, leading to mid-repair stops and supplements for parts that were determinable at teardown.
- Parts-strategy decisions made by habit rather than per-VIN. Defaulting to OEM where a documented alternate is appropriate, or defaulting to alternate where an OEM position statement requires OEM, both create scoring drag.
- Refinish allowances, clear-coat, and edge/jamb operations under-captured at write-up — small per-claim gaps that aggregate into a measurable supplement-share signal across a quarter.
6. How RocketPros aligns to SGI shop performance scoring
RocketPros is independent software that runs alongside the shop's existing Mitchell Connect setup. It is not an SGI partner product, it does not replace SGI's appraisal workflow, and it does not reinterpret program rules. What it does is surface estimate-completeness and program-relevance signals at write-up so that the inputs SGI scores against are addressed before the file is sent — not after the supplement clock has already started.
- Per-VIN OEM procedure pull-through — calibration triggers, single-use fasteners, bonded-component requirements, and refinish notes flagged against the line items on the estimate before authorization.
- Completeness checks against the patterns SGI scoring is sensitive to: scan documentation, calibration line presence where ADAS components are touched, refinish allowances, and parts-decision documentation per line.
- Claim-level metrics reported back to the shop — supplement frequency, supplement dollar share, calibration-line capture rate, scan-documentation rate, and cycle-time bands — so management can see scoring drift before it shows up in an SGI performance review.
- Documentation-first defaults that make the OEM position-statement citation, the per-VIN procedure trail, and the parts-decision rationale part of the estimate file rather than a separate folder.
The framing is intentional: the published SGI program is the source of truth. RocketPros makes compliance with that program mechanical at the estimator's desk, so tier placement reflects how the shop actually repairs vehicles rather than how well it remembers to document.
7. The SGI carrier perspective: why scoring exists
From SGI's program-management vantage point, shop scoring exists to align repair-network behaviour with three measurable outcomes: severity discipline (claims are repaired completely the first time, at fair cost), cycle-time discipline (vehicles return to customers quickly, reducing rental and inconvenience exposure), and quality discipline (re-repairs and missed safety-system calibrations are minimized). Each scoring dimension maps directly to one of those outcomes.
For SGI adjusters and program managers, the operational implication is that tier placement is a leading indicator, not a lagging one. Supplement frequency and calibration-line capture observed in a given quarter reflect estimating workflow that will continue to produce the same pattern next quarter unless the shop's write-up process changes. Shops with rising supplement-share trends usually have a workflow gap, not an effort gap — and the gap is usually closeable with better tooling at the estimator's desk.
| Scoring dimension | Program outcome served | Adjuster signal |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle time | Customer return-to-road; rental severity | Trend across quarters at the shop level |
| Supplement discipline | Severity predictability; authorization workload | Supplement frequency and dollar share |
| Parts strategy | Cost discipline aligned to OEM-appropriate sourcing | Per-VIN parts-decision documentation |
| Customer experience | Network reputation; complaint volume | Survey scores; escalations |
| Quality / re-repair | Safety-system integrity; liability exposure | Comebacks; missed calibrations on audit |
8. Putting it together: a write-up checklist that protects tier
Tier placement under SGI is the cumulative result of write-up decisions. The following checklist captures the items that, when handled at write-up rather than mid-repair, produce the largest, most consistent improvement in scoring inputs.
- 1Pull the OEM repair procedure for the VIN before the estimate is locked. Capture single-use fasteners, bonded-component requirements, and refinish notes as line items.
- 2Identify every ADAS component touched by the repair plan and add the calibration line on the initial estimate, not on supplement.
- 3Document the pre-repair scan on the file. Plan the post-repair scan and confirm it on the file at delivery.
- 4Make the parts decision per-VIN, per-line-item. Where an alternate or recycled part is selected, the matched part is documented; where OEM is selected, the position statement or procedural reason is cited.
- 5Capture refinish allowances, clear-coat, and edge/jamb operations completely at write-up. Small under-captures aggregate into a supplement-share signal.
- 6Set a realistic promised-completion date driven by the complete estimate and the parts-arrival cadence — not by an optimistic default.
Implications
For shop owners and estimators
- Treat SGI scoring as a write-up problem, not a production problem. The largest controllable input is the share of damage determinable at write-up but discovered later.
- Build the OEM-procedure pull into the estimating workflow itself. Calibration triggers, single-use fasteners, and bonded-component requirements should appear on the first estimate, not on supplement.
- Make parts decisions per-VIN with documentation. Default policies — always OEM, always alternate — both create scoring drag in different directions.
- Track your own internal metrics monthly: supplement frequency, supplement dollar share, calibration-line capture rate, scan-documentation rate, and cycle-time bands. Do not wait for the SGI performance review.
- Tie customer-promise dates to the complete estimate, not to optimism. A realistic, hit promise outperforms an aggressive, missed one on the customer-experience dimension.
For insurance carriers
- Shop tier movement is a leading indicator: supplement-frequency and calibration-line-capture trends in a given quarter usually persist absent a workflow change.
- The largest performance gaps in the network are typically tooling and workflow gaps at write-up, not effort or skill gaps in production.
- Per-VIN documentation — OEM procedure citations, parts-decision rationale, scan and calibration confirmations on the file — is the audit signal that distinguishes a disciplined shop from one that produces the same outcome inconsistently.
- Supplement frequency and dollar share, viewed together with re-repair rate, give a more reliable picture of write-up discipline than any single metric in isolation.
Frequently asked
Is SGI's shop scoring the same as MPI's Realized Parts Savings (RPS)?+
No. RPS is MPI's specifically published parts-savings methodology under the Light Vehicle Tariff and applies to Manitoba claims. SGI's shop performance model is multi-dimensional and is governed by program bulletins distributed through the SGI Accredited Repair Program. The spirit is similar — parts decisions should be per-VIN and OEM-appropriate, supplements should reflect genuine post-teardown discovery, and quality should be measurable — but the published methodology, weights, and reporting cadence are different. Shops operating in both provinces should treat the two programs as related but distinct.
Does the Safe Driver Recognition (SDR) program affect my shop's tier?+
No. SDR is the consumer-facing driver-rating program that uses a point-based Safety Rating Scale to determine a driver's safety rating and discount level. It applies to drivers, not collision shops. Shop tier under the SGI Accredited Repair Program is determined by operational performance — cycle time, supplement discipline, parts strategy, customer experience, and re-repair rate — not by anything in the SDR framework. Confusion arises because both programs are SGI-administered and both involve scoring, but the populations and mechanics are entirely separate.
What is the single biggest controllable input to SGI shop scoring?+
Supplement discipline — specifically, the share of damage that is determinable at write-up but is captured only after authorization. When teardowns are thorough, OEM procedures are pulled per-VIN, and calibration triggers, single-use fasteners, and refinish allowances are on the first estimate, supplement frequency drops, cycle time shortens, customer-promise accuracy improves, and re-repair risk declines. One workflow change at write-up improves four scoring dimensions simultaneously. This is why estimating tooling — not production tooling — is usually the highest-leverage investment for tier movement.
How does RocketPros report SGI-relevant metrics back to the shop?+
RocketPros runs alongside Mitchell Connect and reports claim-level metrics that map to SGI scoring inputs: supplement frequency, supplement dollar share, calibration-line capture rate at initial estimate, scan-documentation rate, and cycle-time bands. The reports are internal management tools, not SGI submissions. The point is to give shop owners and production managers visibility into scoring drift before it appears in an SGI performance review, so write-up workflow can be adjusted while the trend is still small.
Are recycled or aftermarket parts penalized under SGI?+
No, not when selected appropriately. SGI's parts-strategy expectation is that where an alternate, recycled, or aftermarket-equivalent part is appropriate for the VIN, available, and consistent with the OEM repair procedure, it should be considered. Shops are not penalized for selecting OEM when a documented OEM position statement, structural classification, or calibration dependency makes alternates inappropriate — but the file must show the reasoning. The scoring drag comes from default policies applied without per-VIN documentation, in either direction.
How quickly can a shop change its SGI tier placement?+
Faster than most shops expect, because the scoring inputs are write-up-driven and write-up changes take effect on the very next estimate. A shop that introduces per-VIN OEM-procedure pulls, calibration-line capture on initial estimate, and documented parts-decision rationale will typically see supplement-frequency and cycle-time movement within a quarter. Quality and customer-experience signals lag slightly because they reflect completed claims. Realistically, a disciplined workflow change in a high-volume shop can show measurable tier improvement within two to three quarters.
Citations
- [1]SGI — Auto body repair program for accredited shops (program documents, bulletins, accreditation framework, Auto Body Repair Standards distribution).https://sgi.sk.ca
- [2]SGI — Annual Report (Saskatchewan Auto Fund). Claims volume, repair-program statistics, and customer-experience reporting.https://sgi.sk.ca/annual-reports
- [3]Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), Auto Insurance in Canada — provincial program structure and Canadian severity benchmarks.https://www.ibc.ca
- [4]Statistics Canada, Consumer Price Index — vehicle parts, maintenance and repairs (Table 18-10-0004-01).https://www150.statcan.gc.ca
- [5]CCC Intelligent Solutions, Crash Course Report, 2024 Edition — Canadian keys-to-keys cycle time benchmarks.https://cccis.com
- [6]I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) database — OEM-procedure citation source applicable across the Saskatchewan parc.https://rts.i-car.com
- [7]OEM1Stop.com — consortium repair-procedure portal aggregating OEM position statements applicable to Saskatchewan vehicles.https://www.oem1stop.com
What this looks like inside RocketPros
The audit logic, scoring, and documentation patterns in this paper map directly to four RocketPros modules. If you want this applied to your shop's real estimates, start with the module that fits the workflow you're trying to fix.
- RPS ComplianceTrack MPI, SGI, and DRP program risk before it affects scorecards.
- Estimate AnalysisCatch missed labor, materials, parts, and documentation gaps before submission.
- AutomationRead saved Mitchell, CCC, and Audatex files without manual upload.
- ADAS CalibrationSurface calibration triggers tied to sensors and OEM procedures.
Figures cited from CCC Crash Course, Mitchell Industry Trends, IIHS-HLDI, AAA Foundation, BLS, Statistics Canada, IBC, and provincial insurer reports are sourced from those organizations' published materials. Where RocketPros corpus analysis is referenced, it reflects aggregated estimate data across the platform's customer base and is presented for directional accuracy. Nothing in this paper constitutes legal, regulatory, or coverage advice. RocketPros is independent software and is not endorsed by or affiliated with MPI, SGI, ICBC, SAAQ, or any private auto insurer.