Automotive Collision Repair Estimator/repair Planner

CSN Reliable Collision Repair, located in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, is accepting applicants for a position within our company.

Locally owned and operated, we are a Progressive Collision Repair Facility, with lean principles and a process driven environment, we focus on continuous improvement throughout the repair procedure.

If you are already in the area, or have always wanted to move to Vancouver Island, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

The role of the Estimator/Appraiser 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 prove 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.
- Locating assignments from insurer and understanding the requirements. Understanding terms on assignment - LOU-Loss of use, WP- With prejudice, 43endorsement, betterment, deductible.
- 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 is a vehicle requires disassembly for an accurate estimate.
- Write detailed estimates that captures 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. For example when a vehicle is scheduled, or any delays.
- Parts
- ensure you are selecting the appropriate part for the repair, and confirm model/trim level, price and availability.
- Schedule sublets.
- Ensure all invoices (parts, sublet, rental towing) are added to the file as per insurer guidelines. Also, management system for ease of tracking.
- Keep estimate accurate throughout the repair process with supplement, part price changes, and any additional communications to insurer required.
- Upload and monitor claims for approval.
- Sell customer pay/ third party pay estimates Goal keep a batting average at 80% or higher.
- Send final supplement/final bills to insurer for approval Goal 48 hours post-delivery where possible.
- Ensure final authorization is noted in management system, and final amounts match - for proper closing of file in management system.
- Quality Control, ensure final product is ready for delivery to customer.
- Deliver vehicle to customer, explain repair where required.
- Inspect vehicles throughout the repair process for quality control to ensure the entire repair is completed to client, Insurance and OEM standards.

**Qualifications, Experience and other requirements**:

- Utilize Mitchell Connect and Qaptor software.
- At least 3 to 5 years of experience working as a Collision Estimator
- At least 3-5 years’ experience with Mitchell Connect and Qaptor at a proficiency level.
- Valid Driver's License
- Knowledgeable and be up to date in various Insurance “DRP” practices/guidelines.
- I-CAR training 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 with the ability to communicate and interact effectively with co-workers.
- **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
- **Customer centric**: Follows-up with customers during and after the delivery of services to ensure that their needs have been met.