VDA

Auto Skills UK; West of England; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Modern workshop

Training & development

Career progression

No weekend commitments

Job summary

Auto Skills UK in Bristol is seeking an experienced Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) / Estimator to join a professional bodyshop team. The role focuses on accurate repair estimates, manufacturer-aligned procedures, and ensuring repairs are commercially viable.

You will work closely with customers, insurers and workshop staff, progressing from initial assessment to completion with a Monday–Friday, 08:00–17:00 schedule and a salary up to £48,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Vehicle Damage Assessor, Estimator or VDA within an automotive accident repair centre or bodyshop.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle damage assessment, repair methods, labour times and parts pricing.
• Experience using industry-standard estimating systems and preparing repair estimates and supplements.
• Understanding of manufacturer repair methods and current accident repair standards.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and commercial awareness.
• Confident communicating with customers, insurers, engineers and workshop personnel.
• Ability to manage a varied workload while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Inspect accident-damaged vehicles and assess the extent of damage using appropriate assessment methods.
• Prepare accurate repair estimates covering labour, parts, repair methods and associated costs.
• Use industry-standard estimating systems to produce estimates and manage repair documentation.
• Identify additional damage during the repair process and prepare supplements where required.
• Liaise with customers, insurers, engineers and other relevant parties to discuss estimates and obtain repair authorisation.
• Work closely with Panel Technicians, MET Technicians, Paint Sprayers and Workshop Controllers to support efficient repair planning and workflow.
• Monitor repair progress and help resolve estimating queries or issues that may delay completion.
• Ensure estimates and repair procedures comply with manufacturer guidelines, quality standards and relevant Health & Safety requirements.

Skills

Vehicle damage assessment

Estimating

Attention to detail

Customer communication

Time management

Education

IMI, ATA or equivalent qualification

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

EXPERIENCED VEHICLE DAMAGE ASSESSOR (VDA) / ESTIMATOR

Location: Bristol

Salary: Up to £48,000 Depending on Experience

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

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

Looking for a role where your estimating expertise is recognised, your earning potential is rewarded, 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 workshop environment where technical knowledge, accuracy and quality are valued.

Offering a competitive salary of up to £48,000 depending on experience, this position provides the opportunity to build on your estimating skills while working alongside an experienced bodyshop team. Enjoy a consistent Monday-to-Friday working pattern with no weekend commitments, a professional working environment and opportunities for ongoing training and career development.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Competitive Salary - Up to £48,000 Depending on Experience
• Monday to Friday Working Pattern - 08:00-17:00
• Full-Time, Permanent Position
• Modern Workshop Environment
• Ongoing Training and Development
• Career Progression Opportunities
• No Weekend Commitments

THE ROLE

As an Experienced VDA / Estimator, you will be responsible for assessing accident-damaged vehicles, preparing accurate repair estimates and ensuring all proposed repairs are commercially viable and completed to the required manufacturer and industry standards.

Working closely with customers, insurers and the workshop team, you will help ensure repair work is authorised, accurately documented and progressed efficiently from initial assessment through to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect accident-damaged vehicles and assess the extent of damage using appropriate assessment methods.
• Prepare accurate repair estimates covering labour, parts, repair methods and associated costs.
• Use industry-standard estimating systems to produce estimates and manage repair documentation.
• Identify additional damage during the repair process and prepare supplements where required.
• Liaise with customers, insurers, engineers and other relevant parties to discuss estimates and obtain repair authorisation.
• Work closely with Panel Technicians, MET Technicians, Paint Sprayers and Workshop Controllers to support efficient repair planning and workflow.
• Monitor repair progress and help resolve estimating queries or issues that may delay completion.
• Ensure estimates and repair procedures comply with manufacturer guidelines, quality standards and relevant Health & Safety requirements.

ABOUT YOU

We're looking for an experienced, technically capable and detail-focused VDA / Estimator who understands accident repair processes and takes pride in producing accurate, commercially sound estimates.

• Previous experience as a Vehicle Damage Assessor, Estimator or VDA within an automotive accident repair centre or bodyshop.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle damage assessment, repair methods, labour times and parts pricing.
• Experience using industry-standard estimating systems and preparing repair estimates and supplements.
• Understanding of manufacturer repair methods and current accident repair standards.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and commercial awareness.
• Confident communicating with customers, insurers, engineers and workshop personnel.
• Ability to manage a varied workload while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• IMI, ATA or another relevant accident repair qualification would be advantageous.
• A full UK driving licence is preferred.

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