What Training Does a Car Repair Estimator Need?

September 22nd, 2023

Are you interested in a career in the automotive industry, but aren’t sure where to start? Pennco Tech is here to help you discover your career path and provide hands-on collision repair training and other programs for top industries like the automotive and healthcare sectors. With campuses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we’re here to introduce you to new career opportunities available after completing our training. Here, we discuss the training it takes to become a car repair estimator.

What Is a Car Repair Estimator?

Car repair estimators inspect vehicles after an accident or damage and determine the repair costs that the customer, repair shop, and insurance company will have to pay. They essentially act as a liaison between clients, auto shops, and insurance companies.

If you’re a car buff and know you want to work in the industry, a career as a car repair estimator could be just right for you. You may not be aware of the car repair and collision estimator roles, but they play a vital role in the industry.

Typical day-to-day duties of a car repair estimator include examining vehicles to assess the extent of damage, recording the damage and estimating repair costs, calculating how much each party will have to pay, and preparing insurance forms. People who have strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask often succeed in this position.

Required Training

The automotive industry is always evolving, and different jobs call for different skills, education levels, and training. The requirements for each car repair estimator position will vary depending on the employer, but necessary training for the position often includes:

Firsthand Experience

As with any job, many hiring managers prefer to recruit a professional who has experience doing the job or working in the industry. It’s also beneficial if aspiring auto estimators have completed training programs or internships that give them the knowledge and skills necessary to complete tasks successfully. Car repair estimators should also be familiar with one or more estimating systems, like the CCC One, Audatex, and Mitchell systems. Pennco Tech features an automotive technology program that provides students with a well-rounded curriculum including hands-on training that will help them succeed in automotive careers such as technicians, mechanics, and repair estimators.

As cars and vehicles continue to advance, training programs must, as well. Pennco Tech teaches students using modern equipment and up-to-date services that serve as great firsthand experience in an estimator career.

Certification

Not every job posting will require you to have a certification in the auto industry, but it can certainly help improve your resume and boost your chances of getting hired. Pennco Tech students have the chance to earn a certificate through the automotive technology program at our Blackwood, NJ and Bristol, PA campuses.

We encourage our graduates to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) test to gain certification as an Automotive Service Excellence Technician. This qualification can help you stand out against other applicants for estimator positions and improve your likelihood of getting hired as a car repair estimator.

Not every job will have the same conditions, and they’ll often depend on what work setting you’ll be in, along with other factors. However, it’s beneficial to continuously update your skillset with additional training as the industry changes. This can help increase your marketability and chances of a promotion later in your career. Many car repair estimators go on to management positions, or pursue higher-level insurance roles, with additional training and certification.

Learn More About Our Programs Today

Pennco Tech has been providing high-quality trade programs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania since 1973, and we’re dedicated to helping our students achieve their goals and find their dream jobs. Whether you’re interested in our collision repair program, medical assistant program, or another hands-on program, our training will be a great stepping stone for your career. We’re also proud to offer career services and financial aid to students who qualify to give them every opportunity to succeed. Contact us today to learn more about how our programs can help propel you to your dream career.

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