Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for reducing the time to estimate and repair a vehicle damaged in a collision. The system comprises a computer network where at least one component of the network is a portable computing device installed with software for speech activated data entry whereby an outside adjuster makes the estimate by speaking into the device. The method combines speech activated data entry with an iterative and incremental process resulting in real-time comparison of a first estimate to actual repair data for same or similar vehicles suffering same or similar damage under same or similar circumstances. The actual repair data, in the form of the parts and labor hours for the repair, provides a benchmark against which the outside adjuster can compare the first estimate and make an immediate update in the form of a final estimate. The resulting accuracy of the final estimate shortens the time for repair by reducing, or even eliminating, the need for supplemental estimates.