Collision Estimator

Job Title: Collision Estimator

Location: Clinton, Illinois

Job Type: Onsite, Full-Time

About the Job:

We are seeking an experienced Collision Estimator to join a busy automotive collision repair team. This role is responsible for accurately assessing vehicle damage, preparing repair estimates, coordinating with insurance companies, and ensuring a seamless repair process from vehicle intake through final delivery. The ideal candidate has a strong background in collision repair, excellent customer service skills, and experience using industry-standard estimating platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

Welcome customers and gather vehicle and repair information.

Inspect vehicles and document collision damage accurately.

Prepare detailed repair estimates, including labor, parts, and materials.

Coordinate with insurance adjusters to obtain estimate approvals.

Explain repair procedures, timelines, rental options, and costs to customers.

Schedule repair work and maintain consistent communication throughout the repair process.

Order OEM, aftermarket, recycled, and salvage parts through industry platforms and suppliers.

Assist technicians during vehicle teardown to identify hidden damage and prepare supplemental estimates.

Submit supplements with supporting photos, documentation, and repair justifications to insurance carriers.

Monitor repair progress and coordinate with technicians and management to ensure timely completion.

Provide regular status updates to customers and insurance representatives.

Perform final vehicle inspections to verify repairs meet quality and safety standards.

Maintain accurate documentation of estimates, repair orders, supplements, invoices, and insurance communications.

Process customer payments, insurance checks, deductibles, and final paperwork.

Conduct vehicle delivery with customers, reviewing completed repairs and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Assist with inventory management and general administrative duties, including answering phones and supporting daily shop operations.

Required Qualifications:

Previous experience as a Collision Estimator, Auto Body Estimator, or in automotive collision repair.

Strong knowledge of collision repair processes, vehicle damage assessment, and estimating procedures.

Experience working with insurance companies and adjusters.

Familiarity with collision estimating software and parts procurement systems (such as CCC, CollisionLink, PartsTrader, LKQ/Keystone, or similar).

Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Ability to prioritize multiple repairs and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Commitment to workplace safety and quality repair standards.

Ability to work collaboratively with technicians, management, vendors, and insurance representatives.

Flexibility to work additional hours when business needs require.

Preferred Skills:

Automotive collision estimating.

Insurance claims coordination.

Vehicle damage analysis.

Repair planning and scheduling.

Parts sourcing and procurement.

Supplemental estimate preparation.

Customer relationship management.

Documentation and recordkeeping.

Quality control and final vehicle inspection.

Knowledge of OEM repair procedures and industry best practices.