Automotive Estimator

Job Overview

Summary/Objective
The Estimator is responsible for the accurate evaluation and appraisal of vehicle damage to determine cost of repair for insurance claim settlement.

Essential Functions

• Examines damaged vehicle to determine extent of structural, body, mechanical, or interior damage.
• Estimates cost of labor and parts to repair or replace each damaged item
• Reviews repair cost estimates with Service Manager, Body Shop Manager or Body Shop Supervisor
• Reconciles disagreements in repair cost between the Estimator and supervisor and will escalate as needed
• Determines feasibility of repair versus replacement of parts, such as bumpers, fenders, and doors
• Evaluates practicality of repair as opposed to payment of vehicle market value before accident
• Determines salvage value on total vehicle loss
• Prepares insurance forms to indicate repair cost estimates and recommendations
• Estimates cost of repainting, converting to special purposes, or customizing undamaged vehicles
• Provides estimates to insurance adjusters and claims personnel
• Provides estimates and options to customers
• Handles all customer complaints promptly and in accordance with company policies
• Ensures efficient processing of estimates for customers, insurance companies and internal dealership staff
• Maintains accurate daily, weekly, monthly, and on demand reporting that reflects activities associated with the program and provides reports to supervisors, management, and insurance companies
• Understands the federal, state, and local laws that govern repair of vehicles for insurance claims
• Maintains reporting systems required by general management, insurance companies, and the manufacturer
• Ensures work areas and customer waiting areas are kept clean
• Follows all attendance and punctuality standards with adherences to timekeeping standards
• Follows the Company Code of Business Ethics and Conduct
• Understands and follows all work rules and procedures and follows lawful directions from Supervisors
• Upholds the company's non-disclosure and confidentiality policies and agreements
• Maintains a professional appearance for self in accordance with company policy
• Attends pertinent training on request
• Assist with organizing and attends special events held at dealership or in the community
• Attends company meetings as required
• Other duties as assigned

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement
The Company is committed to hiring a diverse and qualified workforce. We will not consider any characteristic or category protected by state or federal law in hiring or employment decisions, including but not limited to race, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, status as a parent, or genetic information.

Requirements

Competencies

• Ability to quickly and accurately assess the value of vehicle and the required repairs or the practicality of repair as opposed to payment of vehicle market value before accident
• Ability to determines salvage value on total vehicle loss
• Ability to effectively communicate repair options to insurance companies, customer, and dealership personnel
• Ability to use empathy, technical expertise, and understanding of generally accepted practices and dealership policies to provide accurate estimates
• Ability to understand, keeps abreast of, and comply with federal, state, and local regulations that impact retail automotive sales
• Computer proficiency
• Good communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate via face-to-face, phone, or by other means of communication
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to process data and organize it for management analysis
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, and commissions
• Ability to understand and follow work rules and procedures
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices
• Ability to interact well with others and be a positive influence on morale of department, dealership, and organization

Work Environment/Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Light Work- lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time and/or frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds
This position requires a good deal of walking or standing, from time to time this position may have periods of sitting with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls
This position requires the ability to push, pull, climb, stoop, kneel, reach, grasp, and walk on a regular basis
This position involves repetitive motion
This position requires the ability to talk and hear
This position works typically works in a covered area but may be exposed to noise, extreme cold and heat

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Work evening, weekend and holiday hours as required.

Required Education and Experience
Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent; and two to three year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of one year's experience in retail automotive service.

Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree ( or or equivalent; and two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications (Certification/Licenses/Registrations)
Damage Analysis and Estimating Certification for Collision Repair
Mechanical and Electrical Components Certification for Collision Repair
Non-Structural Analysis and Damage Repair Certification for Collision Repair
Painting and Refinishing Certification for Collision Repair
Structural Analysis and Damage Repair Certification for Collision Repair
I-CAR Certificate of Advanced Training
Valid Driver's License