Collision Repair; Body Shop) Estimator

Job Details

Job Location:

Buerkle Collision Center - White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Position Type:
Full Time Education Level: 2 Year Degree Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $ Base+Commission/month Travel Percentage:
None Job Shift: Day Job Category:
Sales

The Collision Repair Estimator evaluates vehicle damage, prepares accurate repair estimates, and serves as a primary point of contact for customers and insurance partners throughout the repair process. This position documents the full scope of damage; identifies the labor, parts, materials, and procedures required to restore the vehicle; and works closely with the Body Shop team to support safe, high-quality, and timely repairs.

• Greet customers, gather vehicle and loss information, explain the estimating and repair process, and provide professional, timely service.
• Inspect vehicles thoroughly to identify visible and potential structural, body, mechanical, electrical, safety-system, and interior damage.
• Prepare complete, itemized repair estimates that accurately reflect required labor, parts, materials, sublet work, refinishing operations, manufacturer procedures, and applicable fees.
• Document damage with photographs, measurements, notes, and other supporting information required by Buerkle Automotive or the insurance carrier.
• Review repair-versus-replacement decisions and identify additional diagnostic, calibration, scanning, or safety procedures that may be required.
• Communicate estimates, repair recommendations, costs, and timelines clearly to customers, insurance representatives, technicians, parts personnel, and Body Shop leadership.
• Submit estimates and supplements to insurance carriers and provide supporting documentation needed to obtain timely authorization.
• Monitor assigned repairs, review discovered or supplemental damage, update estimates and repair plans, and keep affected parties informed of material changes.
• Work collaboratively with technicians and production staff to ensure the repair plan is complete, technically appropriate, and understood before and during repairs.
• Maintain accurate customer, vehicle, estimate, authorization, and claim records in the Company's estimating and management systems.
• Follow Company procedures, insurer requirements, manufacturer repair information, and all applicable safety and documentation standards.
• Protect customer and Company information and maintain a clean, organized, and professional work area.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three or more years of related collision repair estimating or industry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of collision repair processes, vehicle construction, refinishing, parts, labor operations, and repair-versus-replacement considerations.
• Proficiency with general computer applications and collision estimating or body shop management software.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet and maintain Buerkle Automotive's driving eligibility requirements.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and represent Buerkle Automotive positively.

• Postsecondary automotive, collision repair, or related technical education.
• Experience with current collision estimating platforms and insurance claim processes.
• Relevant collision-industry training or certifications.

• Strong customer-service and relationship-building skills.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication.
• Active listening, sound judgment, and effective problem solving.
• Strong attention to detail and technical aptitude.
• Ability to organize work, manage competing priorities, follow through on commitments, and collaborate effectively with customers and team members.
• Consistent integrity, accountability, discretion, and professionalism.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers, reach, bend, and inspect vehicles at varying heights and angles. The employee may occasionally be required to climb, crouch, crawl, kneel, or squat. The employee must be able to frequently lift or carry up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds.

The position requires near and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and a functional sense of touch.

Work is performed in office, collision repair, and vehicle…