How Much Do Vehicle Repair Estimators Make?

What does an automotive estimator do?

Collision estimators, also known as auto body estimators,

lead customers through the process of getting their vehicle repaired after an accident

. They act as the liaison between the customer, insurance company and parts vendors to ensure the repair process goes smoothly and is completed correctly.

What is auto estimating?

Auto repair estimates

used to be written by hand using Mitchell (or other publishers) estimating guides

. This involved writing all the damage on an estimate form and looking in the estimating guide to get all the parts prices and labor times needed to estimate the job. Then the estimator would calculate the total.

Is estimating a stressful job?

It’s a lot of responsibility and pressure, and as every estimator knows, the job can be stressful. But

estimating doesn’t have to be as stressful as you think

. Construction estimating software can help simplify your work and provide a safeguard against costly errors.

Is being an estimator hard?

Estimating is

one of the most difficult jobs in construction

. It is also one of the most important. Profits are typically won or lost based on how accurate your estimates are and how closely they match up to your final project costs.

How do I become an auto estimator?

1. Earn a post-secondary degree. Most employers require collision estimators with an associate degree. …
2. Obtain related experience. …
3. Gain certification. …
4. Seek employment opportunities.

How long can a mechanic legally keep your car to fix?

How long can a mechanic keep my car?

There is no legal limit

to how long a mechanic can keep your car. If you are unsatisfied with your service, you can always take your business elsewhere and try to find another mechanic.

When talking about the 3 C’s the correction is?

Most of you are probably familiar with the three C’s on your repair orders —

Condition, Cause and Correction

— which are a necessity to complete a repair order correctly, as well as a warranty claim submission.

What does the Bureau of Automotive Repair do?

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), serves Californians through

effective regulation of the automotive repair and Smog Check industry

.

Do I need a degree to be an estimator?

Estimators are usually required to hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, civil engineering, construction science or another closely related field

. Perform a search for open estimator positions in your area and determine the level of education generally required for the job.

What skills do you need to be an estimator?

• Math.
• Organization.
• Data Analysis.
• Critical Thinking.
• Detail Oriented.
• Effective Communication.
• Technical Skills.
• Time Management.

Can an estimator be a project manager?

An estimator project manager

is responsible for planning projects and preparing budgets and timelines for the work. Estimator project managers review proposals, blueprints, and other documents to estimate the necessary resources for the implementation of a project.

Are estimators in demand?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that

construction estimator jobs will grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026

, faster than the average for all occupations because companies require accurate cost estimates in order to operate profitably.

How long does it take to be an estimator?

The American Society of Professional Estimators offers the Certification of Professional Estimators designation, which requires

5 years of experience

, possession of technical writing and communication skills, completion of a workshop and successful passage of an exam.

What does a junior estimator do?

As a junior estimator, you

prepare initial cost estimates for the required supplies and services, create pricing schedules, develop bid proposals, and assess the technical aspects of the project

. You may also help with risk analysis assessments related to the costs of the project.

Can a mechanic keep my car if I refuse to pay?

If you are refusing to pay while you dispute the bill,

the garage has the right to keep your vehicle until the debt is paid

. If you need the vehicle back before you can settle the dispute, you should pay “under protest”.

Can a garage hold your car?

Can a garage keep your car?

A garage that has repaired your car has what is known as a ‘lien’. This is the right to keep the car until they’ve been paid for all work done

. If you take your car away without authorisation you risk both civil proceedings and criminal prosecution.

Do I have to pay a garage if they don’t fix my car?

If you told the garage to do whatever needs to be done to fix the car, then you gave them the right to decide what work to do.

You’ll have to pay if the work was necessary and the price is reasonable

.

What should the final work order include?

A work order is a document that provides all the information about a maintenance task and outlines a process for completing that task. Work orders can include

details on who authorized the job, the scope, who it’s assigned to, and what is expected

.

How does accurately documenting the three Cs information benefit your dealership?

It shows the customer that you are listening and care about getting their vehicle fixed correctly

. It communicates to the technician just how to diagnose and drive the vehicle to duplicate the concern. It is also a starting point for the repair.

How do you write a repair order?