Autobody Collision Appraiser/Estimator

SUMMARY

The role of the Appraiser/Estimator is to provide a detailed estimate to repair a vehicle post collision. The estimator is responsible to many stakeholders. The estimator must have a professional demeanor to work with customers, insurers, vendors, and other team members of the repair facility. The estimator must instill confidence in the customer and provide clear expectations. The estimator must understand the effect of collision to a vehicle and highlight damages. The detailed estimate must include factory researched repair specifications and adhere to shop policies and insurer guidelines where applicable.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE ROLE

-Set reasonable expectations for the customer, and educate them on the repair process 

-Have thorough understanding of estimating software, required to process estimates. 

-Understanding terms on assignment – LOU - Loss of use, WP- With prejudice, 43 endorsement, betterment, deductible, etc.

- Inspect vehicles throughout the repair process for quality control to ensure the entire repair is completed to client, Insurance and OEM standards. 

-Gather additional information that may be required from the insured.

- View vehicle with customer to highlight accident related damage, and previous damage non claim related.

- Photograph vehicle damages as per shop policy and insurer requirement. Ensuring photos are high quality. 

-Determine if a vehicle is drivable or non-drivable

- Determine if a vehicle requires disassembly for an accurate estimate. 

-Write detailed estimates that capture all claim related damage, and research repair to ensure OEM standards and procedures are followed. 

-Control costs for the insurer, by selecting repair first where possible and safe, then effectively source parts according to guidelines and shop policies. Quoting sublets. 

-DATA- Ensure proper dates are inputted in the estimating systems- real time dates. 

-Ensure correct rate profiles are being selected. 

-Communication – ensure the claim and important details are communicated to the insurer and customer. 

-Parts- ensure you are selecting the appropriate part for the repair, and confirm model/trim level, price and availability. Schedule sublets. Parts ordering

-Keep estimate accurate throughout the repair process with supplement, part price changes, and any additional communications to insurer required. 

-Quality Control, ensure final product is ready for delivery to customer. 

-Deliver vehicle to customer, explain repair where required.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications, Experience and other requirements

-Utilize Mitchell Connect and Audatex estimating software.

-Utilize Body Shop Connect shop management software.

- At least 3 to 5 years of experience working as a Collision Estimator At least 5 years’ experience with Mitchell Connect and Audatex at a proficiency level. 

-Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications. 

-Valid Driver’s License 

-Knowledgeable and be up to date in various Insurance “DRP” practices/guidelines. 

-Progi parts software experience would be an asset

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Organizational skills/Time Management: Strong planning and organizational skills, with an ability to meet multiple deadlines simultaneously. 

• Communication style: Tactful, clear, and empathetic communicator with excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Problem solving: Has a critical thinking approach to problem solve and is a forward thinker.

• Flexible Thinking: Considers problems from all new perspectives and can expand on the thinking or solutions proposed by others. Adapts to new ideas and initiatives relevant to own area of work. 

• Independent: Works well in a fast-paced environment, self-motivated, and works independently without close supervision 

• Negotiation skills: Identifies main negotiating points of a given issue and engages in negotiation. Listens to differing points of view and promotes mutual understanding. 

• Detail-oriented and accurate in all work and communication. 

• Empathetic personality and confidence to the customer, to take control of the claim. 

• Set reasonable expectations for the customer, and educate them on the repair process 

• Ability to prioritize and be effective with changing priorities. 

• Be professionally dressed and be a great facility ambassador. 

• Build relationships with, customers, vendors, and insurers