Estimator - Collision Repair

TAG Auto Group; Cedar Lake (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

TAG Auto Group is expanding its team and seeks an experienced Estimator / Repair Planner to manage the customer and vehicle from intake to delivery. You will write estimates, build repair plans beside technicians, and ensure parts and schedules align with the plan.

You will research OEM repair procedures, including ADAS calibration, and develop complete CCC One repair plans with labor times, materials, and sublets. This role demands strong communication and multitasking in a high-volume shop.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of collision estimating or repair planning experience.
• Advanced knowledge of collision repair processes and R&I/R&R.
• Proven ability to write complete repair plans in CCC One.
• Experience researching OEM repair procedures.
• Understanding of ADAS calibration and post-repair scanning.
• Experience defending supplements to insurers.
• Valid driver's license and insurable driving record.
• Strong written and verbal communication; manage multiple vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers, perform walkarounds, and set repair timelines.
• Complete authorization paperwork and verify customer/insurance data.
• Document VIN, odometer, damage points, and pre‑existing conditions.
• Identify damage types and flag safety system components.
• Oversee disassembly and ensure complete teardown before planning.
• Research OEM repair procedures, ADAS, aluminum or EV safety needs.
• Build repair plans in CCC One: parts, R&I/R&R, sublets, paint, labor.
• Evaluate frame/unibody damage as teardown progresses.
• Order parts, verify availability and lead times; manage backorders.
• Coordinate production schedules with parts delivery and shop capacity.
• Track milestones daily; escalate parts/production conflicts to GM.
• Serve as primary contact with carriers; handle supplements and DRP.
• Post-repair diagnostics and walk-through with customers.

Skills

CCC One experience

Collision repair knowledge

Customer communication

Documentation proficiency

ADAS calibration knowledge

Tools

CCC One

Job description

Our team is expanding, and we are looking for an experienced Estimator to join our team.

What does joining our team offer?

A unique blend of independence, excitement, growth opportunities, and a supportive work culture. We are an employee-centric team and we want you to join us!

What do our Estimators do?

As our Estimator / Repair Planner you will be responsible for the customer and vehicle from keys to keys. You will be responsible for writing the estimate, building the repair plan right next to the technicians and ensuring that all parts are ordered, and the schedule is being maintained.

What You'll Do

Customer Intake & Assessment

• Greet customers, conduct thorough walkarounds, and set realistic repair timeline expectations
• Complete authorization paperwork and verify customer and insurance information
• Document damage to standard: VIN, odometer, damage points, and pre-existing conditions
• Identify visible and hidden damage, distinguish structural from cosmetic, and flag safety system components (airbags, sensors, cameras)

Repair Planning

• Oversee disassembly and ensure complete teardown before the plan is finalized
• Research and incorporate OEM repair procedures, including ADAS calibration requirements, aluminum and exotic material considerations, and EV safety protocols
• Build complete repair plans in CCC One — parts specifications, R&I and R&R operations, sublet, paint and refinish materials, and labor times
• Evaluate frame and unibody damage and update the assessment as teardown progresses

Parts & Production

• Order parts and verify availability, lead times, and accuracy against the repair plan
• Apply OEM/aftermarket/recycled guidelines and manage backorders and vendor communication
• Build production schedules that align with parts delivery and shop capacity
• Track repair milestones daily, identify bottlenecks early, and **escalate parts and production conflicts to the GM**

Insurance & Supplements

• Serve as primary point of contact with carriers; meet DRP requirements and documentation standards
• Write and justify supplements, submit them, and track approvals
• Manage deductibles, insurance checks, and EFT payments

Delivery

• Confirm post-repair diagnostic scans and complete quality inspection against the repair plan
• Walk the customer through completed repairs, warranty terms, and care instructions

What You Bring

Required:

• 3+ years of collision estimating or repair planning experience
• Advanced working knowledge of collision repair processes, including repair-vs-replace decisions, R&I/R&R operations, and labor time guides
• Demonstrated proficiency writing complete repair plans in CCC One — not just familiarity with the system
• Experience researching and applying OEM repair procedures
• Working understanding of ADAS calibration requirements and post-repair scanning
• Experience writing and defending supplements to insurance carriers
• Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record
• Strong written and verbal communication — you can explain a supplement to a customer and hold a line item with an adjuster
• Ability to manage a full pipeline of vehicles simultaneously in a high-volume shop
• Ability to do consistent physical activity reach below and above shoulder level, kneeling, bending, and squatting, and lift objects over 50lbs

We have positions open across all of the Tom & Ed's locations