Interested in Auto Body Estimator Training? Here Are Some Tips for Estimating Car Repair Costs

Auto body collision estimators work in all types of establishments, from dealerships to repair facilities to insurance companies. These valuable workers inspect vehicles that have been involved in collisions to determine the amount of damage and what it will cost to fix it. 

Collision estimators are skilled at calculating the costs of labour and parts, estimating the salvage value of the vehicle, and reviewing the cost-effectiveness of payment methods. This analysis is invaluable both for clients and for insurance companies and makes the job of mechanics more straightforward. Read on for a few tips that will help you estimate car repair costs.  

Standardize Your Collision Estimator Procedures 

As a collision estimator, your days can become very busy. Depending on what kind of dealership, repair facility, or insurance company you’re employed by, you can be estimating upwards of ten vehicles at one time. With this kind of multi-tasking, organization will be invaluable. 

One of the ways you can stay organized and minimize the potential for mistakes is by developing and using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These are blueprints of instructions for complex routine operations. Using SOPs will ensure that each vehicle is treated with the care and scrutiny it requires, no matter how busy you are. 

Conduct Thorough Pre-Scans and Post-Scans 

Pre-scans and post-scans are relatively straightforward, but will make sure your estimations are conducted by the book. These scans are exactly what they sound like – assessments of the vehicle both before and after the estimation. 

The pre-scan will help a collision estimator identify fault codes and verify the need for system recalibration after an accident. The post-scan verifies that the estimation process was completed correctly. These scans are required by most manufacturers to ensure proper estimation procedures are followed. 

Extensively Document Everything 

It will be useful during your estimation career to document your every action as thoroughly as possible. This goes beyond just taking notes of what needs to be replaced or repaired. You should use as much detail as possible when noting your processes, the damages, and your recommendations. 

Taking photographs will also come in handy during your estimation procedures. During pre-scans and post-scans, use a camera to document every part of the vehicle. This will be useful for the insurance companies, your employer, associates, and the client. 

Those in Auto Careers Must Keep Up to Date with Technology 

Automotive technologies are continually evolving as new software and hardware is developed. During your auto body estimator training, you’ll learn about how to engage with different automotive technologies, as well as the software used for conducting estimations. 

However, tech is constantly adapting to make things safer and more effective. It’s important that you stay up to date with the progressions within the auto world so that you know exactly how each vehicle that enters your workspace functions. You won’t be able to skillfully estimate the damages of a component that you don’t know the ins and outs of. 

Want to start preparing for the world of auto careers? 

Contact Automotive Training Centres for more info!