The HMC Collision Center Estimator is an experienced collision-repair professional responsible for developing accurate, fair, and complete repair estimates and managing assigned repair files from vehicle intake through final billing. The Estimator works closely with customers, technicians, the Parts Department, insurance adjusters, and Collision Center leadership to support repair schedules, productivity, quality standards, and a consistent customer experience. This position combines the hands-on estimating and customer-service responsibilities of the Estimator role with the advanced repair-planning, documentation, workflow, and continuous-improvement expectations associated with an experienced estimator. The role is expected to work independently, identify issues early, maintain complete documentation, and serve as a knowledgeable resource on complex estimates and repair plans.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Estimating & Repair Planning Inspect vehicle damage and prepare fair, accurate estimates for the cost and time required to complete collision repairs. Review, analyze, and discuss the damage and repair plan with the customer at drop-off, including identification and documentation of unrelated or prior damage. Photograph and document vehicle condition at drop-off, giving specific attention to prior damage and areas relevant to the repair plan. Use Mitchell and/or CCC estimating systems to prepare, review, and maintain repair estimates and related documentation. Work with technicians, Parts, and insurance representatives to identify repair requirements and support an accurate, complete repair plan. Review estimate details and repair documentation for accuracy, completeness, fairness, and alignment with HMC expectations. Prepare final estimates and supporting documentation so administration can complete accurate billing. Insurance, Customer & Partner Communication Establish and maintain professional working relationships with customers to encourage repeat and referral business. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with insurance adjusters and other insurance-provider contacts. Present estimate and repair-plan information clearly and respond to customer and adjuster questions regarding repairs. Maintain complete documentation of correspondence with customers, insurance representatives, and other parties associated with the repair file. Provide customers with vehicle-status updates at least twice each week while their vehicle is in the shop. Serve as a knowledgeable point of contact for complex estimating questions, repair-plan concerns, and customer issues within assigned files. Workflow, Parts & Repair Progress Communicate with the Parts Department regarding parts availability, backorders, and delays that may affect repair timing. Monitor the progress and completion of assigned vehicles and communicate material changes that may affect the repair schedule. Collaborate with technicians, Parts, insurance adjusters, and Collision Center leadership to meet repair schedules, productivity goals, and quality expectations. Identify workflow concerns or bottlenecks affecting assigned repairs and communicate them promptly so appropriate adjustments can be made. Support an efficient handoff between estimating, repair, parts, customer communication, and final billing. Documentation, Quality & Vehicle Processing Monitor repair-file paperwork to ensure required documents are complete, legible, accounted for, and distributed to the appropriate parties. Audit assigned documentation for completeness and accuracy as it relates to billing, customer communication, and repair-file requirements. Scan vehicles at drop-off and again before delivery to identify diagnostic codes or potential issues. Perform or participate in quality checks of completed work when required to support HMC quality and customer-satisfaction standards. Ensure vehicle condition, repair-plan changes, customer communication, and other relevant file activity are appropriately documented. Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work area. Experience-Based Leadership & Continuous Improvement Use collision-estimating experience to identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, repair planning, documentation, workflow, and customer communication. Maintain current knowledge of Mitchell and/or CCC estimating tools and apply system capabilities effectively in daily work. Share estimating knowledge, process guidance, and industry best practices with less-experienced team members when needed. Assist Collision Center leadership with complex estimates, documentation questions, or process issues within the scope of the role. Support operational improvements and adoption of updated estimating tools, technologies, and processes. Perform other duties as assigned by the Collision Center Manager. Education & Experience High school diploma or equivalent required. Minimum of 3-5 years of collision repair estimating experience, or an equivalent combination of directly related education, training, and experience. Demonstrated experience independently preparing and managing collision repair estimates and repair documentation. Proficiency with Mitchell and/or CCC estimating software and repair-workflow processes. Advanced automotive, collision-repair, estimating, or business training/certification is preferred but not required. Communication & Customer Service Ability to read and interpret business and repair documents and prepare routine professional correspondence. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret collision estimates and clearly explain estimate information to customers and insurance adjusters. Strong verbal and written communication skills with customers, technicians, Parts, insurance representatives, and HMC team members. Ability to build trust, resolve concerns professionally, and maintain productive working relationships. Problem-Solving & Organization Ability to solve practical problems, collect and analyze relevant information, establish facts, and reach sound conclusions. Ability to manage multiple repair files and priorities in a fast-paced collision-center environment. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation, follow-through, and timely communication.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Performance Area Expected Standard Estimate Accuracy Complete, fair, well-supported estimates and repair plans Documentation Complete and accurate repair-file documentation and correspondence Customer Communication Status updates at least twice weekly and timely issue resolution Workflow Active monitoring of assigned vehicles, parts concerns, and repair progress Quality Support of HMC quality standards and appropriate completed-repair checks Insurance Relations Professional, effective communication with adjusters and carriers Process Improvement Identification and communication of opportunities to improve estimating and workflow
