Appraiser Desk Review

The Travelers Indemnity Company; Oakville; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company is seeking an Auto Appraiser to handle physical damage claims, ensuring accurate estimations and negotiations are made in compliance with corporate guidelines. The ideal candidate should possess strong technical knowledge in automotive repairs, excellent negotiation skills, and a commitment to continuous education. This role offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off from day one.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plans

Paid Time Off

Wellness Program

Volunteer Encouragement

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in automobile repairs or 2-5 years in auto appraisal.
• Strong technical background in auto repair and claims appraisal systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and computer technology.

Responsibilities

• Review claims and negotiate auto repair costs with Direct Repair Shops.
• Prepare vehicle damage appraisals according to corporate guidelines.
• Provide advice to claim professionals for optimal outcomes.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Technical Knowledge of Automotive Repairs

Education

College or Technical School degree

I-Car program completion

Tools

Audatex

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Who Are We?

Solid reputation, passionate people and endless opportunities. That’s Travelers. Our superior financial strength and consistent record of strong operating returns mean security for our customers – and opportunities for our employees. You will find Travelers to be full of energy and a workplace in which you truly can make a difference.

Target Openings

2

What Is the Opportunity?

Responsible for reviewing estimates, negotiating, and evaluating 1st and 3rd party auto physical damage claims, including both personal and business insurance claims. The claim types will be predominately basic with some moderate physical damage coverages as it relates to damage assessment. This includes collision, property damage related to autos, rental and towing and comprehensive losses; typically excludes claims that involve injuries. Primarily negotiates with Direct Repair Shops (DRP), and at times recommended vendor or customer to resolve disputes on repair costs and/or quality control issues. Serves as a technical resource and will provide advice and direction to claim professionals on claim damages to achieve optimal outcomes. There are no direct reports.

What Will You Do?

• Electronically review and DRP/recommended vendor uploaded appraisals/estimates utilizing technical expertise and information gathered to accurately determine physical damage claim value using company recognized resources for appropriateness and any loss economic opportunities. Completes estimate via Audatex.
• Proactively monitors DRP performance within a designated area and provides feedback to DRPs and management. Works with DRPs and management to address observed trends on an ongoing basis.
• Negotiates with DRP/recommended vendor or customer to resolve disputes on repair costs and/or quality control issues, including but not limited to: replacement labor times, repair labor, alternative parts usage, customary or special discounts, tax application, betterment, paint allowances, material costs, sublet repairs, deductible application, calculation errors and incidental expenses.
• Resolves any requests for additional or hidden damages.
• Prepare and document accurate vehicle/equipment damage appraisals according to applicable regulatory and corporate guidelines.
• Validates Total Loss decisions are appropriately made and supported.
• Advises Adjuster as soon as vehicle is determined to be a total loss/where policy limits are potentially insufficient to enable the Adjuster to advise customer promptly.
• Provide approval to initiate payment to the customer.
• Effectively manage work assignments and track dollar variance and referrals.
• Achieve and maintain appropriate technical expertise, certifications and regulatory required licenses through successful completion of company and industry classes and training.
• Comply with all insurance department regulations and applicable laws.
• Support operational intelligence through accurate data reporting.
• Develop and deliver training sessions on technical areas or frequently asked questions as requested.
• Occasional overnight travel for training as needed.
• Occasional Catastrophe Duty, including other offices and towns/provinces may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What Will Our Ideal Candidate Have?

• College or Technical School degree is preferred. Enrolment in, or completion of the I-Car program. Three years experience in automobile repairs is preferred, or, at least 2-5 years experience in auto appraisal, preferably with an insurance company or body shop.
• Strong technical background including extensive knowledge of auto repair and repair techniques, including thorough understanding of auto terminology and construction.
• Thorough knowledge of claims appraisal systems and overall claim operations.
• Windows proficiency, including Excel and Word.
• Strong mathematical and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ownership attitude and customer centric response to all assigned tasks.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Ability to remain current on jurisdictional laws and regulations, and communicating compliance requirements to other claim staff as appropriate.
• Commitment to continuous education.
• Analytical Thinking Basic.
• Judgment/Decision Making Basic.
• Communication Basic.
• Negotiation Intermediate.
• Insurance Contract Knowledge Basic.
• Principles of Investigation Basic.
• Value Determination Basic.
• Settlement Techniques Basic.
• Auto Technical Intermediate.
• Ability to Learn.
• Organization and Planning Ability.
• Team Player.
• Service Oriented.
• Problem Solving Skills.
• Professional License, Registration, or Certificate could be required to hold this position depending upon thorough knowledge of auto knowledge of automated/ computerized estimating (Audatex) province regulations.

What is a Must Have?

• A minimum of one year previous work experience.
• Experience utilizing computer technology; such as Microsoft Office, e-mail, Web-enabled applications, and database software required.
• Ability to accurately compute a variety of numerical calculations required.
• Licensing Required: In order to perform the essential job functions of this job, acquisition and maintenance of Insurance License(s) may be required to comply with provincial and Travelers requirements.
• Valid driver's license may be required.
• Must secure and maintain company credit card if required.

What Is in It for You?

• Health Insurance:Employees and their eligible family members – including spouses, partners, and children – are eligible for coverage from the first day of employment.
• Retirement:Travelers provides a core contribution of 3% of your total eligible earnings to your Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (“DPSP”). Travelers also matches your savings plan contribution dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of base pay.
• Paid Time Off:Start your career at Travelers with a minimum of 20 days Paid Time Off (“PTO”) annually, plus the opportunity to purchase additional days to allow for up to a total of 36 PTO days per year. You will also receive twelve paid company Holidays.
• Wellness Program:The Travelers wellness program is comprised of tools, discounts and resources that empower you to achieve your wellness goals and caregiving needs. In addition, our mental health program provides access to free professional counseling services, health coaching and other resources to support your daily life needs.
• Volunteer Encouragement:We have a deep commitment to the communities we serve and encourage our employees to get involved. Travelers has a Matching Gift and Volunteer Rewards program that enables you to give back to the charity of your choice.

Employment Practices

Travelers is an equal opportunity employer. We value the unique abilities and talents each individual brings to our organization and recognize that we benefit in numerous ways from our differences.

We are committed to providing accommodation to persons with disabilities. If you require accommodation during the recruitment or interview process we will work with you to accommodate your needs.

If you are a candidate and have specific questions regarding the physical requirements of this role, please send us an email so we may assist you.

Travelers reserves the right to fill this position at a level above or below the level included in this posting.

To learn more about our comprehensive benefit programs please visit http://careers.travelers.com/life-at-travelers/benefits/.