Collision repair estimators catch no breaks. Constantly on the front lines, they handle the latest automotive technologies involved in collisions and must be the go-to experts on these innovations. Estimators explain the details to customers and insurers; if they’re unaware of something, it often goes unnoticed or unaddressed.

With the rise of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), estimators face new challenges that require a deeper level of expertise. Their role is expanding, and mastering the complexities of these advanced technologies has become a critical part of their job.

Adding Another Layer

    Modern estimators wear many hats: customer service representatives, insurance liaisons, parts coordinators, and repair planners. With ADAS in the mix, they take on yet another responsibility—becoming ADAS specialists. This means identifying ADAS-related damage, determining necessary calibrations, communicating complex technical information to customers and insurers, and ensuring proper repairs, all while advocating for fair compensation.

The introduction of ADAS has created a significant knowledge gap in many collision repair shops. Estimators who once relied on experience and visual inspections are now confronted with unfamiliar technologies and intricate OEM procedures. This gap can lead to missed calibrations, inaccurate estimates, and dissatisfied customers.

So, how can we help estimators navigate the added complexity of ADAS? Understanding ADAS systems means going beyond recognizing damaged parts. Estimators need to know how ADAS components and sensors work together and how repairs might affect their functionality. They must also understand what triggers the need for calibration and be able to interpret OEM repair procedures. Clear, concise communication is essential when explaining ADAS-related repairs to customers and insurers, requiring technical expertise and the ability to simplify complex information.

Providing the Tools

     To meet these new demands, estimators need the right resources and support. Adequate time must be provided for thorough vehicle inspections, research into OEM procedures, and the development of comprehensive repair plans. Ongoing training and educational resources are essential to keeping pace with the latest advancements in ADAS technology. Formal ADAS training programs can equip estimators with the skills they need to succeed. Easy access to OEM repair information, whether through aggregators like Alldata or directly from OEM sites, is crucial for accurate ADAS identification and proper documentation.

     It’s also important to recognize how much the estimator’s role has expanded. Workloads should be adjusted to prevent burnout and allow estimators to dig into the technical aspects of repairs. In many shops, estimators serve as a “catch-all” role, leaving them without adequate time to address ADAS's complexities.

     ADAS can be complex enough that having a dedicated role in the shop is not unreasonable. Part of being successful in the ADAS landscape is creating the time and space to accommodate it. Full service is adding another department that is similar to body and paint.

Beyond Just the Basics

     Fortunately, some technologies simplify the process rather than complicate it. Tools like 1Source ADAS streamline identifying required calibrations and generating detailed reports, allowing estimators to build accurate estimates more quickly and efficiently.

The 1Source ADAS platform uses AI technology to analyze repair estimates and create a report outlining the additional operations required based on the specific repair. Each report includes necessary ADAS calibrations, pre-calibration requirements, and safety inspections tailored to OEM standards. The platform integrates easily with CCC and allows for direct uploads, making it user-friendly. Billing is straightforward, with no contracts or monthly minimums—you only pay for the reports you use. A seven-day unlimited trial is available at http://1sourceadas.com.

     Estimators are no longer just friendly faces writing up simple repair estimates. They’ve become crucial partners in ensuring safe and complete vehicle repairs. Shops can ensure safer repairs, happier customers, and a more profitable business by equipping them with the right tools and training.