Auto Physical Damage Appraiser - Field

AAA Auto Club Enterprises; Unincorporated Chatsworth (CA); On-site; USD 49,510 - 65,945; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage for medical, dental, vision

401(K) saving plans with company match

Tuition assistance

Paid parental leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

AAA Auto Club Enterprises seeks a Claims Adjuster to support Auto Physical Damage Operations by evaluating vehicle damage and managing claims while ensuring compliance with regulations. The role involves detailed inspections, negotiations, and communication with various stakeholders throughout the claims process.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in claims handling, a solid understanding of automotive repair, and excellent communication skills. Benefits include health coverage, 401(K), and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of claims and estimating experience preferred.
• Advanced understanding of automotive repair processes.
• Ability to accurately estimate repair costs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
• Valid Driver's License and acceptable DMV record required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate vehicle damage for claims handling.
• Communicate with insureds, claimants, and repair facilities.
• Provide documentation to support estimated damage.
• Negotiate claims within settlement authority.
• Assist with Catastrophe duties as required.

Skills

Automotive repair processes

Estimating repair costs

Oral communication

Written communication

Customer service

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Organization and planning

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent experience

Vocational training or equivalent experience

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

4-6 years of claims and estimating experience

Tools

CCC Estimating Platform

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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 the 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, all while in compliance with regulatory and statutory 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 Preferred4-6 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

Pay

$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.

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!)

Equal Opportunity Employer

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).