Auto Collision Estimator Looks over the damage
Accidents are never pretty, and some may cause more damage than others. The good news is that many broken vehicles can be fixed. This where a collision estimator steps in to help. The job title may seem self-explanatory, but collision estimators perform a wealth of duties. This has enabled them to become valuable members of the auto body repair industry. Collision estimators help vehicle owners transition through the process of auto body repair. This is a necessary job function and one that continues to be in demand. Becoming a collision estimator requires education, experience and a host of other skills that can be learned through a training program.
Job Duties of a Collision Estimator
Accidents are never pretty, and some may cause more damage than others. The good news is that many broken vehicles can be fixed. This where a collision estimator steps in to help. The job title may seem self-explanatory, but collision estimators perform a wealth of duties. This has enabled them to become valuable members of the auto body repair industry. Collision estimators help vehicle owners transition through the process of auto body repair. This is a necessary job function and one that continues to be in demand. Becoming a collision estimator requires education, experience and a host of other skills that can be learned through a training program.
Collision Estimator Education
The job of a collision estimator is very detailed and requires a very specific knowledge base. This requires formal training as there are a variety of areas that are covered in collision estimator education. These programs are offered at technical colleges and technical institutes across the country. There are also automotive training institutes that offer education programs for collision estimators. The time frame differs for these programs as they can last anywhere from three to six months in duration. The courses offered in these programs are as follows:
Many collision estimators acquire previous training in collision repair. This equips them with a foundation of knowledge that is needed to be effective as a collision estimator. Collision repair training programs typically last a year and is often a prerequisite to gain admission into a collision estimator training program. Without knowing the essentials of collision repair, it is extremely difficult to be an effective collision estimator. Many collision estimators acquire work experience in collision repair before moving on to become an estimator.
Some collision repair centers will require their estimators to have some type of sales experience. There are other collision repair centers who require their estimators to have prior experience as a service manager. Customer service is also considered to be a primary requirement, as there is a lot of customer interaction involved with the job.
Collision Estimator Job Salary
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average salary of an auto damage appraiser at $63,510 per year. That comes out to an hourly rate of $30.53. This amount includes collision estimators who work in all different capacities. There are a wide range of jobs that utilize the skills of a collision estimator.
Collision estimators have the option of working for a collision repair shop, insurance company or as an independent adjuster. These different options come with differences in pay. Working for a collision repair shop is likely to be a salary-based job. Meanwhile, working as an adjuster features the potential to earn a regular commission to go along with a base salary. That provides collision estimators with the incentive to work with a higher volume of clients. And in the event that there is a natural disaster or devastating storm, independent collision adjusters could see their commissions increase significantly.
There is usually an acclimation period when starting out as a collision estimator. The first year on the job typically nets an annual income lower than the nationwide average. However, there is a high amount of earning potential. As previously stated, the volume of business can be indicative of one’s annual income.
The job prospects for collision estimators are promising as there are hundreds of new positions opening up every year. It is also a job that can provide career-long stability. This skillset can be taken into independent practice and the more experience a collision estimator accumulates, the more valuable he/she becomes in this profession. That can result in a lot of negotiating power when looking for employment or seeking a pay raise.
Collision Estimator Certification and Licenses
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers certification status for collision estimators. This ASE Certification Test is labeled B6 under the Collision Repair and Refinish category. This examination consists of 60 questions and must be completed within 85 minutes. There is also a recertification test that needs to be completed every five years, although that exam consists of just 25 questions. The examinations cover the following areas:
There is a work experience requirement to suffice before qualifying to take the ASE collision estimator certification exam. Earning a certification will immediately open up job possibilities and subject estimators to higher pay rates. The ASE certification distinction is well respected in the automotive repair industry. There are also four separate ASE certifications for collision repair technicians.
When collision estimators decide to become independent adjusters, there is a need to obtain a license in most states. Only a fraction of states do not require collision adjustors to go through the licensing process. This may be an additional step on the way to working as an independent auto damage adjuster.
Job Skills of Collision Estimator
The job skills of a collision are multi-dimensional and cover a lot of different areas. Collision estimators are an integral part of collision repair and the job demands a trained professional who is adept in an array of disciplines. Here is a look at the comprehensive job skills of a collision estimator.
Customer Service
A collision estimator is entrusted with the duties of explaining to customers the extent of vehicle damage and the necessary measures it will take to fix it. Not all customers are going to like what they hear, so estimators must have a certain amount of patience. Establishing a good rapport with customers is a sign of a good collision estimator.
Record Keeping
A collision estimator keeps detailed automotive records that highlight the problems and also explain the corrective measures that are to be taken. Collison estimators will also need to input a lot of different information into computer systems and should be proficient in that area.
Communication
Collision estimators need to communicate technical concepts that can be rather complex to the ordinary person. Breaking down those complexities for customers enables the process to go much easier. Good collision estimators are very effective at communicating with others.
Mobility
Collision estimators are not always going to have damaged vehicles delivered to their place of business. That means they may have to be mobile and check out the damaged cars at a variety of locations. So, there could be a bit of driving involved as a collision estimator.
Interpersonal
Collision estimators do more than just examine vehicles. They also converse with people quite a bit on a daily basis. This involves conversations in person and over the phone. There may even be some uncomfortable situations, so it is important for collision estimators to have strong interpersonal skills.
Where do Collision Estimators Work?
There are a variety of different work settings for collision estimator. The level of experience of a collision estimator may open up new job possibilities in new locations. Here is a closer look at where collision estimators can find employment:
Collision Repair Shop
This is the location that conducts collision repair, but before any work begins, an estimator performs his/her job duties. These repair shops often allow estimators to remain on site, instead of going mobile all day. These shops may also be referred to as auto body or auto damage shops.
Appraisal Companies
When an insurance company needs a claim completed, many use the services of appraisal companies. This is basically a company that staffs a team of estimators and sends them out on individual jobs.
Insurance Companies
Many insurance companies will hire their own collision estimators as there is a continual demand for this service. Estimators write estimates on behalf of the insurance company.
Independent Adjustors
Collision estimators who have logged enough experience can go into business for themselves as independent adjustors. This involves being hired as an objective third party to assess and estimate damage. It may also require a state license.
Vehicle Manufacturer
Individual vehicle manufacturers employ their own teams of collision estimators. This requires a strong knowledge of a specific car manufacturer. Estimators working in this capacity often receive specific training supplied by the vehicle company and work solely on that brand of vehicles.