Auto Body Estimator

Auto Body Estimator - RV & FleetConnecticut Motor Cars & CoachesPlainville, ConnecticutFull-Time | Monday-FridayConnecticut Motor Cars & Coaches is looking for an experienced collision estimator to join our growing team. We are a family-owned, independent repair facility specializing in automotive collision, fleet vehicles, RVs, motorhomes, fiberglass, structural repair, paint, and complex insurance claims.This is not a large corporate collision center where every decision is made three levels above you. We are growing quickly, and we are looking for someone who is comfortable working in an environment where people are trusted to think, make decisions, solve problems, and take ownership of their work.We are looking for someone who knows how to write a strong estimate, communicate with insurance companies, work with technicians, and stay on top of a claim until the job is complete. Just as importantly, we are looking for someone who does not get easily discouraged when a claim becomes difficult. Insurance work does not always move in a straight line. Approvals get delayed. Estimates come back incomplete. Additional documentation is requested. Repairs become more complicated once a vehicle is opened up.The right person for this role knows how to work through those situations professionally, ask the right questions, provide the right documentation, and keep moving toward a solution.What You'll Be Responsible ForEstimating & Damage AnalysisInspect vehicles and RVs for visible and potential hidden damagePrepare accurate, detailed repair estimatesBuild complete repair plans before work begins whenever possibleReview technician findings and update estimates as additional damage is discoveredPrepare and submit supplements with photos, documentation, labor justification, and supporting informationEnsure estimates include appropriate labor, materials, paint operations, parts, sublet work, and repair proceduresResearch repair procedures when neededHelp determine appropriate repair versus replacement decisionsMaintain complete and organized documentation throughout the repair processInsurance ClaimsCommunicate directly with insurance adjusters and carriersReview insurance estimates and identify missing or insufficient repair operationsPrepare and negotiate supplements when additional work is requiredFollow up consistently on outstanding approvalsProvide documentation needed to support necessary repairsWork through differences between carrier estimates and the actual repair requirementsMaintain professional relationships with adjusters while representing the repair needs of the vehicle accuratelyStay involved until outstanding claim issues are resolvedWe are looking for someone comfortable having professional but direct conversations when necessary.You should be able to explain why a repair or operation is needed, support your position, and continue working through the issue when the first answer is not the final answer.Production & Shop CoordinationYou will work closely with our technicians, painters, management team, and support staff to help keep work moving through the shop. Responsibilities include:Reviewing active work-in-progressIdentifying jobs waiting on approvals, parts, documentation, or decisionsCoordinating teardown and blueprintingMaking sure supplements are handled promptlyHelping prioritize work based on approvals, parts availability, technician capacity, and customer commitmentsFollowing jobs through the repair process instead of handing them off after the initial estimateHelping ensure repair orders are complete and ready to close before deliveryIdentifying problems early and working with the team to find solutionsCustomer CommunicationOur customers are often dealing with significant repairs, insurance claims, and vehicles that may be very important to them. Communication matters. You will:Explain estimates and repair plansHelp customers understand the insurance processProvide updates throughout the repairCommunicate changes in repair scopeSet realistic expectationsAddress questions and concerns professionallyMake sure customers are not left wondering what is happening with their vehicle or coachWhat We're Looking ForWe are looking for someone with solid collision estimating experience, but attitude and working style matter just as much. The right person is:Experienced in collision estimating, auto damage appraisal, or body shop operationsComfortable working directly with insurance companies and adjustersExperienced writing supplements and documenting additional damageOrganized and able to manage multiple active filesConfident communicating with customers, technicians, adjusters, and managementDetail-oriented without losing sight of the overall jobComfortable making decisionsPersistent when something needs to be resolvedResourceful when the answer is not immediately obviousWilling to ask questions, research an issue, and figure out the next stepAccountable for following through on what they startWe do not expect someone to know everything. We do expect someone to be willing to figure things out.RV & Specialty Vehicle ExperiencePrevious RV experience is not required. Experience writing estimates for RVs, motorhomes, commercial vehicles, fleet vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, fiberglass repairs, or complex insurance claims is highly desirable.A strong automotive collision estimator with the right attitude and ability to learn can be very successful in this role. Our work allows experienced estimators the opportunity to move beyond traditional passenger vehicle collision and learn increasingly complex repairs involving large vehicles, fiberglass, structural damage, specialty components, and high-value insurance claims.Our EnvironmentConnecticut Motor Cars & Coaches is a family-owned company, and we operate differently from a large corporate repair chain.There are fewer layers, less bureaucracy, and more opportunity to have a direct impact on how the business operates. That also means we value people who can work independently, communicate openly, and take ownership. If something needs attention, we expect people to raise it. If there is a problem, we work together to solve it. If there is a better way to do something, we want to hear it. We are continuing to grow and improve our operation, and this position has the opportunity to grow with the company.About Connecticut Motor Cars & CoachesConnecticut Motor Cars & Coaches is a full-service RV, collision, paint, and repair facility located in Plainville, Connecticut. Our approximately 25,000-square-foot facility includes 16 service and collision bays, a large downdraft RV paint booth, and the equipment necessary to handle everything from automobiles and fleet vehicles to large Class A motorhomes. We perform collision, fiberglass, structural, paint, mechanical, electrical, and RV repair work and work extensively with insurance companies and manufacturers. We are continuing to expand our capabilities and are looking for people who want to help build something rather than simply fill a position.Compensation & Benefits$70,000-$100,000 per year, based on experience.Compensation within the range will be determined primarily by the candidate's collision estimating and writing experience, including the complexity of claims they have handled and their exposure to larger or specialty vehicles.Experience writing estimates for RVs, motorhomes, commercial vehicles, fleet vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, fiberglass repairs, or complex insurance claims is not required, but is highly desirable. Strong automotive collision estimating experience is highly relevant, and RV-specific experience is not required for the right candidate.BenefitsMonthly Performance BonusPersonal Time OffMedical insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceSIMPLE IRA retirement plan with company matchThis is a full-time, in-person position at our Plainville, Connecticut facility.Want to See More About Us?Want to get a better feel for who we are, the type of work we do, and what our shop is like day to day?Check us out here:Facebook:
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