Inside Appraiser Desk Review

The Travelers Indemnity Company; Oakville, Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company is seeking an Auto Physical Damage Claims Evaluator to manage and negotiate auto claims. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in auto repair and appraisal, with a focus on customer service and teamwork. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits from day one, including health insurance and retirement contributions.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid Time Off

Wellness Program

Volunteer rewards programs

Qualifications

• 2-5 years experience in auto repairs or appraisal preferred.
• Knowledge of claims appraisal systems and operations.
• Professional licenses or certifications may be required.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate appraisals/estimates from DRPs.
• Negotiate with DRPs and vendors to resolve disputes.
• Prepare vehicle damage appraisals following guidelines.

Skills

Negotiation

Mathematical skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving skills

Customer-centric approach

Teamwork skills

Education

College or technical school degree

I-Car program enrollment or completion

Tools

Microsoft Office

Claims appraisal systems

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 involving injuries. Primarily negotiates with Direct Repair Shops (DRP), and at times recommended vendors or customers to resolve disputes on repair costs and/or quality control issues. Serves as a technical resource and provides advice and direction to claim professionals on claim damages to achieve optimal outcomes. There are no direct reports.

What Will You Do?

1. Electronically review and evaluate appraisals/estimates uploaded by DRPs/recommended vendors, utilizing technical expertise and gathered information to accurately determine physical damage claim value using company-recognized resources like Audatex.
2. Proactively monitor DRP performance within a designated area and provide feedback to DRPs and management, addressing observed trends regularly.
3. Negotiate with DRPs, vendors, or customers to resolve disputes on repair costs and quality issues, including labor times, parts, discounts, taxes, betterment, paint, materials, sublet repairs, deductibles, errors, and incidental expenses.
4. Resolve requests for additional or hidden damages.
5. Prepare and document accurate vehicle/equipment damage appraisals following regulatory and corporate guidelines.
6. Validate Total Loss decisions are appropriate and supported.
7. Advise Adjusters promptly when a vehicle is deemed a total loss or policy limits are potentially insufficient, to enable timely customer communication.
8. Provide approval to initiate customer payments.
9. Manage work assignments, track dollar variances, and referrals effectively.
10. Maintain technical expertise, certifications, and licenses through ongoing training.
11. Comply with all insurance regulations and laws.
12. Support operational intelligence with accurate data reporting.
13. Develop and deliver training on technical topics or FAQs as needed.
14. Occasional overnight travel and catastrophe duty, including other locations, may be required.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

What Will Our Ideal Candidate Have?

• College or technical school degree preferred. Enrollment or completion of the I-Car program. 2-5 years experience in auto repairs or auto appraisal, preferably in insurance or body shops.
• Strong technical background, including auto repair techniques and terminology.
• Knowledge of claims appraisal systems and claim operations.
• Proficiency in Windows, Excel, Word.
• Strong mathematical and negotiation skills.
• Ownership attitude and customer-centric approach.
• Teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of jurisdictional laws and regulations, with ability to communicate compliance.
• Commitment to continuous education.
• Basic analytical thinking, judgment, communication; intermediate negotiation; basic insurance contract knowledge; basic investigation principles; basic value determination; basic settlement techniques; intermediate auto technical skills; ability to learn, organize, and plan; service orientation; problem-solving skills.
• Professional licenses or certifications may be required depending on auto knowledge and provincial regulations.

What Is a Must Have?

• At least one year of previous work experience.
• Experience with computer technology, including Microsoft Office, email, web applications, and databases.
• Ability to perform accurate numerical calculations.
• Required licensing: Insurance license(s) as per provincial and company requirements.
• Valid driver’s license may be required.
• Must obtain and maintain a company credit card if required.

What Is in It for You?

• Health Insurance: Coverage from day one for employees and eligible family members.
• Retirement: 3% core contribution plus dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% of base pay.
• Paid Time Off: Starting at 20 days PTO annually, with options to purchase more, plus 12 paid holidays.
• Wellness Program: Resources and discounts for health and mental well-being.
• Volunteer Encouragement: Matching gifts and volunteer rewards programs.

Employment Practices

Travelers is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. For questions about physical requirements, please contact us via email. Travelers reserves the right to adjust the level of the position. For more benefits information, visit our benefits page.