An auto body estimator, also known as a collision estimator, is one of many important roles in today’s thriving automotive industry. Auto body estimator job description responsibilities can vary, but generally, individuals in this role are responsible for a number of duties essential to a body shop’s operations. These job duties may include examining damaged vehicles, estimating the costs of labor for repairs, and preparing insurance forms. 

A body shop estimator should have strong communication skills, customer service, and reasoning ability to provide the best service possible at dealerships.¹ This guide outlines how a body shop estimator is an important player within dealership teams. 

What Does a Body Shop Estimator Do?

The body shop estimator job description calls for just that – estimating the cost of body shop repairs. With this, body shop estimators perform a range of tasks, from dealing with numbers to communicating directly with customers and sometimes insurance companies. In order to perform the collision estimator job description successfully, these individuals should have a strong grasp of automotive repair parts, costs, and various administrative tasks.

What Is the Job Description of a Body Shop Estimator?

A body shop estimator is responsible for various tasks pertaining to collision repair services, including those listed below:

Core Duties

• Thoroughly examine damaged vehicles to determine exterior and interior costs of repairs.
• Determine between repairs and replacements for parts. 
• Estimate cost of labor for repairs and/or replacements. 
• Estimate costs for repainting auto bodywork, including assessing areas with significant paint damage. 
• Determine the salvage value of total-loss vehicles.
• Communicate effectively with the body shop manager regarding repair and/or replacement costs.
• Fill out insurance forms and thoroughly detail each area of damage, repairs needed, and itemized costs.
• Coordinate timelines for repairs with the body shop manager, insurance, and customer. 
• Manage and meet deadlines. 

Other Tasks

While this role requires the core duties outlined above, a body shop estimator may have to take on several other tasks as needed. These may include:

• Engaging with customers and answering questions about costs, estimates, and repairs.
• Help customers develop repair plans that best suit their needs. 
• Assist customers in understanding and navigating insurance and manufacturer guidelines. 
• Research market trends and industry standards to follow best practices. 

How Can Someone Become a Body Shop Estimator?

Garnering valuable experience in the role of body shop estimator can set the tone for success in one’s career. 

Education

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Valid certificate from a vocational school where students are introduced to the basics of auto body repair, including areas like auto insurance, customer service, and accounting.² 
• Strongly preferred additional certificates for training training programs that cover body shop knowledge for repairs, costs, and estimates.

Skills

• Strong reasoning skills.
• Ability to understand and interpret written and oral instructions from supervisors.
• Ability to define problems and solve them effectively.
• Ability to perform basic math, as someone in this role needs to calculate discounts, commissions, percentages, interest, proportions, and other units.

For many prospective auto body estimators, an entry-level role at a body shop can serve as the ideal way to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills needed to excel at the body shop estimator job description³. 

What to Look For When Hiring a Body Shop Estimator

A body shop estimator plays an important role in any auto body shop. This is why it is important that the collision estimator. Job candidates with prior experience, training, or a certification in auto body repair can ensure that the collision repair department runs smoothly and that customers’ needs are met in a timely manner. 

Other qualities that may contribute to a body shop estimator’s success include providing excellent customer service, especially bi-lingual assistance. This means being able to communicate clearly and effectively with customers and team members. 

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Sources:

1. Auto Body Estimator Job Description Automotive Auto Body Estimator Jobs. Auto Jobs. June 25, 2024. https://www.autojobs.com/jobs/auto-body-estimator-job-description/ 

2. Body Shop Estimator Role. DarCars. June 25, 2024. https://jobs.darcars.com/careers-body-shop-estimator.html 

3. What is a Collision Estimator? Job Description, Salary, and More. Universal Technical Institute. January 24, 2020. https://www.uti.edu/blog/collision/collision-estimator