Claims Desktop Motor Engineer

Colonial Group; Sevenoaks; Remote; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35 days holiday (incl. bank holidays)

Mental health support

Hybrid working options

Early access to salary

Career development programs

Job summary

Acorn Insurance is seeking a Claims Desktop Motor Engineer to assess repair versus total loss using specialist estimation tools. You will support claims handlers, repairers and intermediaries to secure value for money while ensuring safety and compliance.

The role is remote with 37.5 hours/week, Mon–Fri; initial on-site training in Sevenoaks or Liverpool. ABI guidelines and cost-control practices are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience in estimating and negotiating repair costs.
• Thorough knowledge of motor vehicle accident repair processes.

Responsibilities

• Obtain high-quality value-for-money repairs that do not affect safety.
• Produce reports and estimates promptly and authorise repairs, including vehicle valuation.
• Category and dispose salvage in line with ABI guidelines.
• Maintain relationships with claims handlers, repairers and intermediaries for best outcomes.
• Monitor repair work to ensure costs align with territory standards.

Skills

Estimating

Negotiation

Motor vehicle repair knowledge

Education

VDA ATA AQP Accreditation

Tools

Audatex

Glassmatix

Thatcham Escribe

Job description

As a Claims Desktop Motor Engineer, you will be able to assess prospects of repair v total loss utilising engineering tools available in accordance with guidelines and procedures, taking commercial decision making into account. You will also be able to mitigate ancillary claim spend on hire, storage and recovery charges.

You will provide accurate assessments of repair cost by authorising repairs and supervising the prompt payment of accounts within established guideline and procedures.

Role: Claims Desktop Motor Engineer

Location: Remote (initial training will be on site in Sevenoaks or Liverpool)

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm

What you will be doing:

• To obtain high quality value for money repairs that do not adversely affect the safety of the vehicle
• Prompt and accurate production of reports and estimates and authorisation of repairs, together with valuation of vehicles
• Accurate categorisation and timely disposal of salvage in accordance with the ABI guidelines
• To develop and maintain effective relationships with claims handlers, repairers and intermediaries to ensure the best outcome for the business and customer
• Monitor repair work and activities of repairers so to ensure that the average repair cost falls within the motor engineers’ territory minimum number of substandard repair referrals

What we’re looking for:

• Thorough knowledge of the details of the methods of motor vehicle accident repair
• Experience of estimating and negotiation

• VDA ATA AQP Accreditation
• Thorough Knowledge of Computerised Estimation Systems (Audatex and Glassmatix)
• Thorough Knowledge of Thatcham Escribe

Grow with Acorn

At Acorn Insurance, we’re proud of our Liverpool roots — and even prouder of how far we’ve come. As part of the Acorn Group, we bring over 40 years of specialist insurance expertise to the table. From humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a national leader, now employing 1,700+ people across the UK and reached a milestone £750 million in total value of insurance policies written in 2024.

We’re growing fast, with new opportunities emerging every week. That growth is largely due to the values we share:

• We run through walls for our customers and each other
• We challenge the status quo
• We succeed when we help those around us succeed
• We decide quickly when the smart thing to do is use our judgement

Benefits:

• A maximum of 35 days’ holiday (depending on role and tenure) including bank holidays, with additional buy/sell options
• 24/7 mental health support & free counselling available
• Grow with us: Through career fairs, leadership programs, and learning on the go!
• Flexible benefits, including early access to salary via our internal platform
• Hybrid working options to support work-life balance and individual needs
• Recognition awards, social events & more

Our Commitment to our colleague’s:

• Mindful Employer – championing mental health and wellbeing
• Disability Confident Level 1 & 2 – creating accessible, inclusive opportunities
• Menopause Friendly accredited – supporting every stage of life
• Armed Forces Covenant signatory – honouring those who serve
• Armed Forces Defence employer recognition scheme - Supporting those who serve
• Great Places to Work 2024/25 – fostering an engaging and positive workplace culture
• Best Place to Work for Development – proud to be investing in people’s future
• Best Place to Work for Women – breaking down barriers to women's career progression

If you’re looking for a company with a strong culture, real career progression, and a people-first approach — all rooted in the heart of Liverpool — Grow with Acorn.

A Few Things to Know Before You Apply

We’re really excited that you’re considering joining Acorn! To help everything go smoothly, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

Visa Requirements

Because our training is quite comprehensive, we can only consider applicants who have at least one year remaining on their Graduate or Post-Study Work visa. At the moment, we’re not able to offer visa sponsorship.

We’re Here to Support You

We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can flourish. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process—or once you’re part of the team—just let us know. Whether it’s flexible hours, adapted equipment, or a bit of extra support, we’ll work with you to make sure you can do your best work.

#LI-FA1