Body Shop Estimator

Position Summary

Job Details

Job Location:

Buerkle Collision Center - White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Position Type:
Full Time Education Level: 2 Year Degree Salary Range: $30,000.00 - $35,000.00 Salary Travel Percentage:
None Job Shift: Day Job Category:
Sales Position Summary

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,…