Auto Physical Damage Appraiser - Field

MS ACSC Management Services Inc; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(K) plan and Pension

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Employee discounts

Job summary

Auto Club Enterprises is seeking an Auto Physical Damage Appraiser - Field to support the Auto Physical Damage operation by handling material damage claims for AAA-insured policies. You will evaluate vehicle damage, assist in estimating repairs, validate compliance, and communicate with members, body shops, and staff to resolve claims efficiently.

The role requires solid knowledge of automotive repair processes, estimating software, and regulatory compliance; it offers comprehensive benefits and

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent education/experience.
• 4–6 years claims experience preferred.
• 4–6 years estimating experience preferred.
• Advanced understanding of automotive repair processes and damage assessment.
• Ability to estimate repair costs and use estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections to create accurate estimates meeting guidelines and laws.
• Determine damages and repairability; communicate with insureds, claimants, and shops.
• Explain claims, repair processes, and policy language clearly in writing or verbally.
• Document damages with photos and detailed notes in claim files.
• Negotiate within authority to resolve claims and assist with catastrophe duties as needed.

Skills

Claims experience

Estimating experience

Automotive repair knowledge

Communication skills

Regulatory compliance

Discretion and judgment

Catastrophe readiness

Driver's license

FMV and repair cost analysis

Education

Associate or Bachelor-equivalent

Tools

CCC Estimating Platform

Microsoft Office

Job description

Auto Physical Damage Appraiser - Field Job Summary

This position supports the Auto Physical Damage Operation by providing material damage claims handling for insurance policies written by the Interinsurance Exchange in compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements. The primary functions include analyzing and evaluating vehicle damage to assist in writing estimates, reviewing estimates, validating compliance and determining repair costs. Communication with members, vehicle owners, body shops and others will be required pertaining to repair process and costs. Works within specific limits and authority to resolve claims with well-defined procedures. Work typically includes repairs and total loss estimation of moderate to significant complexity.

Job Duties

Utilize physical inspections to complete accurate and thorough estimates for vehicle repair that are compliant with company guidelines, industry standards and applicable laws and regulations. Evaluation will include determining accident related damages and vehicle repairability. As part of the estimating process, communicate and interact with a variety of individuals including insureds, claimants, repair facilities, internal claims staff and others. Explain the claim process, repair process, coverage or policy language as applicable. This could be through verbal conversations or in writing, all while in compliance with regulatory and stautory requirements. Providing clear and concise documentation to support estimated damage via photos and detailed descriptions in claim files on company systems. Negotiate within settlement authority to resolve claims. Including dispute resolution regarding repair costs and/or coverage. Coordinate with internal departments Respond quickly to customer needs and inquiries Must be able to assist with Catastrophe duties as required This position requires a higher degree of discretion and independent judgment in analysis and problem solving to effectively manage losses. Determine policy obligations by assessing damage components of the loss. Investigate and differentiate between allegations and facts in each loss. Respond quickly and effectively to customer needs and problems. Determine policy obligations by assessing the damage from the loss and comparing it to the facts of loss. Independently resolve claim exposures within level of authority.

Qualifications

Associates Equivalent combination of education and experience Preferred Vocational Equivalent combination of education and experience Preferred Bachelors Equivalent combination of education and experience Preferred 4-6 years Claims experience Preferred 4-6 years Estimating experience Preferred Advanced understanding of automotive repair processes, vehicle systems and damage assessment. Ability to accurately estimate repair costs and a detailed understanding of estimating software platforms. Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, general computer software and advanced line of business technical software skills required. (CCC Estimating Platform) Excellent organization and planning recognition skills required Excellent oral and written communication skills required Interpersonal skills required Customer service experience required Judgment/Decision making. Ability to identify and resolve complex issues related to damage assessment and repair cost. Commitment to continuous education Must be flexible to assist on Catastrophe duty within the extended organization. Valid Driver's License, acceptable Department of Motor Vehicles record and minimum liability insurance - Issued by State Required Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series) - Automotive Service Excellence Industry certifications such as I-CAR Platinum or ASE Preferred

Starting pay range

The starting pay range for this position is: $35.94 - $47.87 Additionally, for full time positions, you will be eligible to participate in our incentive program based upon the achievement of organization, team and personal performance.

Remarkable benefits

• Health coverage for medical, dental, vision
• 401(K) saving plans with company match AND Pension
• Tuition assistance
• Floating holidays and PTO for community volunteer programs
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs
• Employee discounts (membership, insurance, travel, entertainment, services and more!)

About Auto Club Enterprises

Auto Club Enterprises is the largest club within the national AAA federation. We have nearly 17,000 employees in 24 states helping more than 18 million members. The strength of our organization is our employees. Bringing together and supporting different cultures, backgrounds, personalities, and strengths creates a team capable of delivering legendary, lifetime service to our members. When we embrace our diversity – we win. All of Us! With our national brand recognition, long-standing reputation since 1900, and constantly growing membership, we are seeking career-minded, service-driven professionals to join our team. “Through dedicated employees we proudly deliver legendary service and beneficial products that provide members peace of mind and value.” AAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Our organization participates in E-Verify The Automobile Club of Southern California will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), the Unincorporated Los Angeles County (ULAC) regulation, and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA). For more than a century, AAA has been synonymous with trust, dependability, quality, and innovation. It's our mission to provide our growing membership with the legendary service we are famous for, and we welcome committed professionals ready to challenge themselves in a dynamic industry. AAA would not exist without the millions of members who give us their loyalty, or our employees whose mission it is to give those members world-class service. What else do we offer? Stability. Growth. Commitment to an exciting future for both you and our members.