An Auto Damage Appraiser estimates the value of an insured item or the cost of repairs for a vehicle damaged after an accident. Inspects damaged cars and provides repair cost estimates to insurance adjusters.
Full-Time About the Role At Kos's Body Shop , we are committed to safe, proper, OEM-compliant repairs and complete customer indemnification. We are looking for an experienced, high-level Collision Estimator who acts as an industry advocate, master repair planner, and strategic leader. In this role, you will go beyond simple visual estimates. You will conduct deep OEM research, craft exhaustive blueprinted repair plans, navigate complex insurance policy discussions (including exercising Right to Appraisal guidelines to fully indemnify our customers), and lead a high-performing team of estimators. If you are passionate about consumer safety, expert negotiation, and driving shop revenue through proper repair planning, we want to talk to you.
Key Responsibilities OEM Research & Repair Planning:
Perform thorough research of OEM repair procedures, position statements, and technical service bulletins to build comprehensive, blueprinted repair plans that prioritize safety and quality.
Claims Advocacy & Negotiation:
Educate insurance adjusters, claims handlers, and customers on policy terms, OEM requirements, and repair guidelines. Right to Appraisal (RTA)
Execution:
Identify shortfalls in carrier settlements and systematically exercise RTA clauses to ensure customers receive full, proper indemnification.
Team Leadership & Management:
Lead, mentor, and oversee a team of collision estimators. Implement best practices for repair blueprinting, quality control, and file documentation.
Revenue & Sales Growth:
Innovate and implement strategies to capture new business, improve sales conversion rates, maximize labor/parts efficiency, and ethically boost average ticket size.
Customer Communication:
Serve as a trusted advisor to vehicle owners, walking them through the repair blueprint, insurance claims processes, and their rights under their policy.
Qualifications & Skills Proven Experience:
Senior-level experience as a Collision Estimator, Lead Repair Planner, or Estimating Manager in a modern collision center.
OEM Technical Mastery:
Advanced knowledge of collision repair methodology, structural guidelines, ADAS requirements, and OEM database navigation (CCC ONE, Mitchell, Audatex, ALLDATA, etc.).
Insurance & Policy Expertise:
Deep understanding of auto insurance policies, line-item negotiation tactics, third-party claim handling, and the Right to Appraisal process.
Leadership & Coaching:
Demonstrated ability to manage, train, and elevate an estimating team to hit performance and accuracy targets.
Strategic Mindset:
Strong business acumen with a track record of identifying growth opportunities and driving sales.
Communication:
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to firmly but professionally advocate for safe repairs with insurance representatives. What We Offer Competitive Executive Salary Healthcare Benefits Package Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays A modern, supportive, and safety-focused work environment that values doing the job right over taking shortcuts.
