Estimator

bonnellscollisioncenter; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bonnell's Collision Center in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking an Estimator who determines repair costs and timelines for damaged vehicles, negotiates insurance payments, and communicates costs to customers.

You will inspect vehicles, prepare repair cost estimates, draft work orders, and maintain records. Strong knowledge of collision repair and vehicle structures, attention to detail, and good negotiation and customer-service skills are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–3 years of experience in collision repair.
• Knowledge of vehicle structure and repair methods.
• Ability to safely handle lifting up to 70 pounds.
• Effective communication with customers and insurers.
• Ability to draft precise repair estimates and insurance forms.
• Capable of working in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Examines all parts of vehicle that appear to be damaged that require repair, replacement, or repainting.
• Assess vehicle damage through inspections.
• Estimates the cost of labor and car parts to repair damage on the vehicle.
• Prepare insurance forms to show repair cost estimate.
• Communicates to customer in a professional manner the damage of vehicle and answers any questions about vehicle, costs, and insurance.
• Draft work order with required repair and enter it into CollisionRight’s system.
• Keep a record of all repairs in company file.

Skills

Collision repair knowledge

Vehicle structure knowledge

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Negotiation skills

Customer service

Physical stamina

Ability to follow instructions

Job description

Title: Estimator

Status: Exempt

Created/Revised: November 2020

SUMMARY

The Estimator is primarily responsible for determining the approximate cost associated with the vehicle’s damages and determining the timeline by which the repairs can be made. The Estimator is also in charge of negotiating insurance payment and communicating costs to customer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Examines all parts of vehicle that appear to be damaged that require repair, replacement, or repainting
• Assess vehicle damage though inspections
• Estimates the cost of labor and car part to repair damage on the vehicle
• Prepare insurance forms to show repair cost estimate
• Communicates to customer in a professional manner the damage of vehicle and answers any questions that the customer may have about vehicle, costs, and insurance
• Draft work order with required repair and enter it into CollisionRight’s system
• Keep a record of all repairs in company file

QUALIFICATIONS

• Solid working knowledge of the processes, techniques and materials used in repairing automotive equipment with a minimum of 1-3 years of experience working in the collision repair arena
• Possess extensive knowledge of vehicle structure to remove and replace damaged components, such as doors, windscreens and fenders
• Demonstration of safety precautions required in performing the work in this position
• Possess a strong attention to detail in addition to the ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Strength to perform average lifting up to 35 pounds and occasionally over 70 pounds
• Demonstrated agility, equilibrium and coordination as required when climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and balancing under precarious conditions
• Strong arm, hand and finger dexterity with demonstrated physical capacity to reach, handle, finger and feel
• Strong negotiation skills along with a commitment to servicing the customer
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, production oriented environment.

This position description is intended to be dynamic and subject to change. Position requirements and essential functions may be altered from time to time based upon the needs of the organization and department. This position may be required to execute special projects or other related duties on occasion.