Estimator

Puget Collision, LLC; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Puget Collision, LLC in Portland, Oregon is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our auto collision repair team. This skilled hourly/commission position requires proficiency in repair planning, DRP programs, and delivering accurate estimates and comprehensive repair plans.

You will work closely with customers, insurers and shop staff to ensure OE standards, proper part choices, ADAS calibrations, and timely delivery of vehicles while maintaining high quality and compliance.

Qualifications

• ICAR Pro-Level 1 certification required.
• Minimum 3 years of DRP writing experience.
• Strong relationships with insurance providers essential.
• Knowledge of metal/refinish replacement and repair techniques.
• Proficient with Mitchell and CCC estimating systems; ERAC and DRP management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Interacts effectively with customers, coworkers, and insurance representatives.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple estimates efficiently.
• Adheres to confidentiality policies on customer information.

Responsibilities

• Perform all duties according to Company SOPs and procedures.
• Greet customers promptly, assess needs, and deliver service excellence.
• Capture potential business from walk-in or call-in customers and explain processes.
• Prioritize jobs and expedite repairs for cycle time efficiency.
• Inspect and evaluate damaged vehicles to create accurate estimates.
• Identify prior damage from check-in photos and pre-scan data.
• Maximize profitability through labor mix and repair vs replace decisions.
• Inform customers about repair, insurance claims, and payment timelines.
• Serve as primary contact, keeping notes accurate and complete.
• Develop a comprehensive auto body repair plan after disassembly.
• Ensure repairs meet OE standards, DRP guidelines, and ADAS calibrations.
• Verify quality at each repair stage and document the process.
• Source, order, and receive parts per insurer and company guidelines.
• Ensure final bill and supplements are accurate and properly authorized.
• Deliver vehicles, review repairs and collect final payments.
• Scan all documentation into the CCC One file (check-in, estimate, invoices).
• Maintain CCC Calendar and DRP portal activity daily.
• Build strong DRP, Fleet, and Dealer relationships to meet metrics.

Skills

I-CAR Pro-Level 1

DRP writing

Insurance relationships

Metal/refinish techniques

Mitchell/CCC Estimating

ERAC & DRP systems

Verbal and written communication

Customer interaction

Organizational skills

Confidentiality (NDA)

Tools

Mitchell Estimating

CCC Estimating

ERAC

DRP management systems

Job description

Job Description: Estimator

The Auto Collision Repair Estimator is a skilled hourly/commission position that must be an experienced professional in all aspects of repair planning and proficient in managing most insurance company direct referral programs.

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Work Location

Full Time Hourly/Commission

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Perform all assigned responsibilities according to the Company Standard Operating Procedures.
• Greet customers promptly and professionally, assess their needs, and deliver customer service excellence.
• Ability to capture potential business from walk-in or call-in customers by instilling confidence and trust in our company’s abilities. This involves being well-versed in our certifications and insurance partnerships.
• Prioritize jobs based on type of repair and expedite express repairs for cycle time efficiency.
• Inspect, analyze, and evaluate damaged vehicles to create accurate repair estimates.
• Ability to properly identify prior damage through check-in photos and pre-scanning the vehicle.
• Ensure maximum profitability by proper application of labor resources, sales mix, and ensuring repair vs replace.
• Inform customer about the repair process, insurance claim and payment procedures and expected delivery date of repair.
• Function as a primary point of contact for customers, keeping them informed throughout the repair process; ensuring notes in the file are accurate and complete.
• Write a comprehensive auto body collision repair plan after disassembling the vehicle.
• Ensure repairs adhere to OE standards, DRP part choices, refinish guidelines and ADAS requirements for calibrations and scanning.
• Verify quality is checked at each stage of the vehicle repair process.
• Source, order & receive parts according to insurer and company guidelines.
• Ensure accurate final bill and estimate accuracy; sublet posted, all supplements are noted including customer authorizations and parts listed correctly per DRP guidelines.
• Deliver the vehicle to the customer going over the repair, the paperwork and ensuring all final payments are collected.
• Ensure all documentation is scanned into the CCC one file: check-in sheet, estimate, adjusted sheets, invoices, payments, and final bills.
• Maintain an accurate CCC Calendar and review inbox items and DRP portals daily.
• Cultivate strong relationships with DRP, Fleet and Dealer partners, meeting performance metrics and standards.

Key Performance Metrics

• Achieve monthly and annual sales goals as specified by the shop manager.
• Ensure profitability with Gross Profit of 45% or higher.
• Maintain and Ensure Carrier Performance, including State Farm RPM at 700 or higher.
• Customer Service Index Score 90+ for keeping the customer informed, on time deliveries, return rate and Net Promoter Score. Surveys should be a minimum of 40% taken monthly.
• Cycle Time efficiency should be less than the state average.
• Maintain $0 accounts receivable over 31 days and clean files that are ready to close at delivery.

Skills / Technical Qualifications

• I-CAR Pro-Level 1 certification is mandatory
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in DRP writing is essential.
• Strong relationships with insurance providers are crucial to the success of this position.
• Knowledge of metal/refinish replacement and repair techniques.
• Proficient with both Mitchell and CCC estimating systems, ERAC and DRP management systems.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Interacts effectively with co-workers, customers, and insurance representatives.
• Applies organizational skills to maintain consistency, and efficiency in repair planning process.
• Adheres to the company’s non-disclosure and confidentiality policies concerning customer information.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and automotive repair shop environments.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while using a computer, reviewing repair documentation, preparing estimates, and communicating with customers and insurance representatives.
• Ability to stand and walk frequently throughout the workday while inspecting vehicles and monitoring repair progress.
• Ability to move throughout the facility, including production, paint, detail, and parking areas.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, and reach to inspect vehicle damage and repair quality.
• Ability to enter, exit, and maneuver around vehicles of various sizes and configurations.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds, including parts, supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for typing, data entry, operating estimating software, and handling repair-related documentation.
• Ability to visually inspect vehicle damage, repair procedures, parts, paint conditions, and completed repairs, including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, technicians, insurance representatives, vendors, and coworkers in person, by telephone, and electronically.
• Ability to safely navigate around moving vehicles, equipment, tools, and active repair operations.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to noise, dust, paint fumes, chemicals, and varying temperatures when working in shop and parking areas while using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail while managing multiple estimates, supplements, and customer interactions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compensation details

70000-125000 Yearly Salary