Estimator

Puget Collision; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Puget Collision in Seattle is seeking an Auto Collision Repair Estimator to lead repair planning and accurate estimate creation for vehicle damage assessments. This skilled hourly/commission role requires proficiency in DRP programs and coordinating with insurance partners to optimize profitability and cycle times.

The ideal candidate will manage dealer and insurer communications, ensure OE/DRP compliance, and maintain precise documentation from intake to delivery while supporting a robust

Qualifications

• I-CAR Pro-Level 1 certification is mandatory.
• Minimum 3 years of DRP writing experience.
• Strong relationships with insurance providers.
• Knowledge of metal/refinish replacement and repair techniques.
• Proficient with Mitchell and CCC estimating systems, ERAC and DRP management.

Responsibilities

• Assess repair needs and produce accurate auto body estimates.
• Greet customers and deliver professional service.
• Prioritize repairs to optimize cycle times.
• Manage parts sourcing and DRP-related submissions.
• Explain repair steps, insurance claims, and delivery timelines.
• Ensure documentation and final bills are accurate.

Skills

I-CAR Pro-Level 1

DRP writing experience

Insurance relationships

Estimating experience

Tools

Mitchell estimating system

CCC estimating system

ERAC DRP management

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

New Hire Seattle, Seattle, WA, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1880

Salary Range: $75,000.00 To $130,000.00 Annually

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.