Auto Damage Appraiser Senior

Arbella 56 Group; Wakefield (MA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym and fitness classes

Tuition assistance programs

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Arbella 56 Group in Wakefield, MA is seeking an Auto Damage Estimator to inspect and prepare repair estimates for vehicle damage claims. You'll negotiate appraisals and ensure quality service through effective communication with repair facilities and customers.

This role requires 3–5+ years of estimating experience, strong technical knowledge, and exceptional customer service skills. Arbella offers significant benefits including on-site wellness programs and community involvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of estimating experience required.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license and appraiser license.
• Demonstrates effective collaboration and positive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Inspect vehicles for damage and negotiate repair costs.
• Prepare accurate estimates with documentation of vehicle damage.
• Manage assignments and schedule appointments with clients.

Skills

Technical knowledge of auto damage estimating

Interpersonal communication skills

Customer service skills

Time management skills

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Under limited direct supervision, the incumbent inspects and prepares estimates for repair of first‑and third‑party auto physical damage claims both in the field and at drive‑in locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Completes a thorough inspection of first‑ and third‑party vehicles for collision/comprehensive damage in accordance with Arbella guidelines.
• Negotiates completed appraisals with repair facilities to obtain agreed repair cost.
• Inspect and authorize supplemental repairs as necessary to ensure quality service and thorough repair of vehicle damage.
• Completes re‑inspections of repaired vehicles for repair compliance, in accordance with paid repair estimates.
• Prepares accurate and timely estimates for the repair of vehicle damage.
• Estimates should include photographic/video documentation of the vehicle including the subject damage and any prior damage.
• Effectively manages work assignments, including scheduling appointments with customers and repair facilities, ensuring that estimates are prepared timely following vehicle inspection.
• Identifies potential fraud and inconsistencies between the loss description and the physical damage, alerting the primary claim owner of any concerns.
• Provides the highest level of service and value to the customer, including flexibility in scheduling appointments, returning telephone, email and text message inquiries timely and professionally.
• Participates in a program of self‑education through observing repair work and keeping abreast of new repair techniques and procedures.
• Maintains strong intra‑departmental collaborative/working relationships, professional and timely communication and responsiveness, with a focus on teamwork.
• Acts as a subject‑matter resource/technical expert for claim professionals on repair timeframes, delays and reasonable repair facility charges.
• Works with repair/towing facility to secure advance charges for non‑repairable vehicles, completing vehicle pick‑up requests and notifying the relevant parties of the vehicle’s status.
• Demonstrates flexibility in regional assignments, work days (Saturday) and demands associated with catastrophic (CAT) events.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Key Requirements

• Education equivalent to an associate’s degree, or high school diploma supplemented by coursework in auto or engine repair, or the equivalent in related work experience.
• On‑the‑job/technical physical damage estimating experience 3–5+ years.
• Demonstrates strong technical knowledge and skills consistent with requirements of the ADA position.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal communication skills, written and oral.
• Maintains positive and professional working relationships with co‑workers, peers and others within the organization.
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate effectively, maintain positive working relationships and work with others to achieve department goals.
• Exhibits exceptional customer service, collaboration and time‑management skills.
• Maintains a customer focus, demonstrating flexibility to meet customer needs/expectations, leveraging technology and communication to provide an exceptional customer experience.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of personal auto policy language and workflow/processes of an auto physical damage claim.
• Successfully completes required in‑house training, participates in on‑site training at repair shops, and completes required industry training and certifications.
• Maintains a valid driver’s license (in good standing) and a current appraiser license.

Benefits

• On‑site gym and fitness classes and one‑on‑one personal training.
• On‑site nurse, nutritional counseling, and mental health resources.
• Full‑service cafeterias.
• Free shuttle service to Quincy Adams T Station.
• Tuition assistance programs.
• Opportunities to get involved: Arbella Activities Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Council, and more.
• A company committed to community: volunteer opportunities, employee‑led community efforts, and the Arbella Insurance Foundation.
• Robust training, mentorship, and professional/personal development programs.
• Colleagues who genuinely care about each other.

Our current reasonable and good faith estimate of the annual salary or hourly wage range for this position is approximately $58,000 ($30.77 an hour) – $66,000 ($35.02 an hour) based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience.