VDA

Auto Skills UK; Poole; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Mon-Fri 08:00–17:00

Permanent contract

Modern workshop

Ongoing training

Career progression

No weekend commitments

Job summary

Auto Skills UK in Poole is seeking an experienced Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) / Estimator to join a busy bodyshop. You will assess accident-damaged vehicles, prepare repair estimates, and work with technicians to ensure accurate costs and timely repairs.

The role offers a Monday–Friday 08:00–17:00 schedule, a permanent contract, and ongoing training with career development in a modern workshop. Previous VDA/Estimator experience and knowledge of estimating systems are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) or Estimator in an automotive bodyshop.
• Knowledge of vehicle damage assessment, repair methods, labour times and parts costing.
• Experience using automotive estimating systems and preparing repair estimates.
• Understanding of manufacturer repair procedures and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Assess accident-damaged vehicles and determine appropriate repair methods and processes.
• Prepare accurate estimates covering labour, parts, materials and repair times.
• Use relevant estimating systems and follow manufacturer repair procedures.
• Identify additional damage and prepare supplementary estimates as required.
• Liaise with customers, insurers, engineers and workshop teams regarding repair requirements.

Skills

VDA / Estimator experience

Estimating systems

Attention to detail

Customer/insurer liaison

Organisation

Education

IMI ATA VDA advantageous

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

EXPERIENCED VEHICLE DAMAGE ASSESSOR (VDA) / ESTIMATOR

Location: Poole

Salary: Up to £38,000 Depending on Experience

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday - Friday - 08:00 - 17:00

Looking for a role where your estimating expertise is valued, your experience is recognised, and your career can continue to progress?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) / Estimator to join a professional accident repair centre, working within a modern bodyshop environment where accuracy, technical knowledge, and quality standards are central to the repair process.

Offering a salary of up to £38,000 depending on experience, this position provides the opportunity to build on your estimating experience while enjoying a consistent Monday to Friday working pattern with no weekend commitments. You'll work alongside an experienced team of technicians and operational staff, with opportunities for ongoing training and career development in a professional environment focused on efficient repairs and customer satisfaction.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Competitive Salary - Up to £38,000 Depending on Experience
• Monday to Friday Working Pattern - 08:00-17:00
• Full-Time, Permanent Position
• Modern Workshop Environment
• Ongoing Training & Development
• Career Progression Opportunities
• No Weekend Commitments

THE ROLE

As an Experienced VDA / Estimator, you'll be responsible for assessing accident-damaged vehicles, preparing accurate repair estimates, and ensuring repair methods, labour requirements, and parts costs are identified correctly. You'll play a key role in supporting the bodyshop's workflow, liaising with relevant stakeholders, and ensuring repairs are completed efficiently in line with manufacturer procedures and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess accident-damaged vehicles and determine the appropriate repair methods and processes.
• Prepare accurate estimates covering labour, parts, materials, and repair times.
• Use relevant estimating systems and follow manufacturer repair procedures.
• Identify additional damage during the repair process and prepare supplementary estimates where required.
• Liaise with customers, insurers, engineers, and other relevant parties regarding repair requirements and authorisation.
• Work closely with Panel Technicians, MET Technicians, Paint Sprayers, and Workshop Controllers to support efficient workflow.
• Monitor repair progress and help ensure work remains within agreed estimates and timescales.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure estimates comply with quality, safety, and industry standards.

ABOUT YOU

We're looking for a detail-oriented and commercially aware VDA / Estimator with strong technical knowledge of accident repair processes and the ability to produce accurate, efficient, and cost-effective repair assessments.

• Previous experience as a Vehicle Damage Assessor, VDA, or Estimator within an automotive accident repair centre or bodyshop.
• Strong understanding of vehicle damage assessment, repair methods, labour times, and parts costing.
• Experience using automotive estimating systems and preparing accurate repair estimates.
• Knowledge of manufacturer repair procedures and current accident repair industry standards.
• Confident communication skills with the ability to liaise professionally with customers, insurers, engineers, and workshop teams.
• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage workload effectively and work to deadlines in a busy bodyshop environment.
• IMI and/or ATA VDA qualifications advantageous.
• Full UK Driving Licence preferred.

Alternative Job Titles: Vehicle Damage Assessor / VDA / Vehicle Damage Estimator / Accident Repair Estimator / Automotive Estimator / Bodyshop Estimator / Vehicle Repair Estimator / Motor Claims Estimator / Accident Damage Assessor / Automotive Damage Assessor.