Description

Inspects and analyzes collision damaged vehicles to create a repair plan and apply pricing. Builds relationships with vehicle owners, repairers, and insurance personnel to negotiate costs and sell work. Uses computers to write estimates and interact with other computer software. Also known as a customer service representative, stays in contact with customer during entire repair process, works to address all customer concerns, and insures satisfaction when repairs are complete.

 

Personal Characteristics and Skills

Must enjoy working with people, working around cars and trucks, and working with computer software programs. Must be able to build relationships with customers, insurance representatives, and technicians. Good communication skills are essential. Must have self-confidence, enjoy learning, and pay close attention to detail.

 

Job Outlook

As vehicle population and miles driven increase every year, the need for quality collision repair will always be here. Most collision repair businesses require at least one dedicated estimator. As the business grows, additional estimators will be needed. Insurance companies and independent appraisal companies need estimators in both field and drive-in inspections.

 

Pre-Employment Education and Experience

Math, reading, science, and computer skills are necessary to understand repairs, research information, and use computer software. A high school education is expected with post-secondary education in collision repair a plus. Industry experience and formal estimating training is preferred. A good understanding of the vehicle repair and insurance processes are necessary to communicate effectively with the customer, insurer, and repair personnel.

 

Earnings

Depending on location and pay plan, earnings may start between $30,000 and $40,000. Experienced estimators for insurance companies or in large, busy shops can easily surpass $75,000 yearly.

 

Career Path

An experienced technician is an ideal candidate from the technical side, but the position can be learned by the right person with good customer service skills. There are learning tools to get started, while much knowledge comes from on the job experience. This position can be a first step into management, sales, or education.

 

Continuing Education

Technical education is available through I-CAR. Some local technical schools have estimator training. Certification is available through ASE.

 

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