Material Damage Appraiser

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. seeks an Auto Damage Appraiser to assess vehicle damage, determine repairability or total loss values, and process payments with independence and sound judgment.

Responsible for desk reviews, photo reviews, and documenting decisions within the claim file. Responsibilities include negotiating repair costs with shops, coordinating appraisal appointments, and ensuring accurate, timely damage evaluations with strong customer service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate/bachelor preferred.
• 2–5 years of auto damage appraisal or related insurance claims experience.
• Experience with estimating platforms (CCC, Mitchell, Audatex) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receives assignments from Claims Representatives for various vehicle types.
• Determines best course of action for damage evaluation (desk review, shop estimate/photo review).
• Verifies damage aligns with loss facts.
• Changes reserves and negotiates repair costs with shops.
• Determines total loss values and issues payment.
• Requests photos and writes estimates from documentation.
• Coordinates appraisal appointments with customers and shops.
• Documents all actions in claim file and systems.
• Collaborates with Casualty and Auto Physical Damage teams.
• Notifies total loss claims and manages salvage disposition.
• Mentors other staff and may provide technical direction.

Skills

Vehicle damage appraisal

Negotiation skills

Independent decision making

Communication skills

Claims systems proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s or Bachelor’s in business or automotive tech

Tools

CCC

Mitchell

Audatex

Job description

Job Description:

Position Summary:

Provides service to all customers and anticipates their need for communication, results and action. Responsible for the prompt, accurate and efficient appraisal and payment of vehicle repair damage and vehicle total loss values, from moderate to severe damage, on all types of vehicles, while exercising independent decision making skills and judgment.

Essential Functions:

• Receives assignment from Claim Representatives electronically on all types of vehicles.
• Determines best course of action with regards to vehicle damage evaluation (i.e. Desk review, shop estimate/photo review) Using the documentation available, determines the extent of damage and whether the vehicle is repairable or not economical to repair.
• Verifies the damage to the vehicle is related to the loss facts given by the Claims Representative.
• Changes reserves, negotiate agreed repair costs with shops, determines total loss vehicle values and issues payment.
• Requests photos from owner or shop for in order to write an estimate/supplement or redline a shop estimate/supplement.
• Contacts customers and shops to setup appraisal appointments.
• Uploads all work product into the claim and the dispatch system.
• Documents all correspondence, discussions and decisions in the ACD or claim file.
• Works closely with Casualty and Auto Physical Damage personnel toward the successful adjustment of first and third party physical damage claims.
• Notifies the Total Loss Claim Representative of total loss vehicles and, when appropriate, moves the salvage to Copart or other storage free places.
• Provides guidance to other Claims personnel, assists in their training when asked.
• Occasionally gives technical direction and authority when requested by Team Manager.
• Provides quality service to all customers.
• Any other tasks or responsibilities assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of vehicle construction, repair methods, and total loss valuation.
• Ability to interpret and analyze estimates, photos, and repair documentation.
• Effective negotiation skills with repair facilities and vendors.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in claims systems and standard office software.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to handle difficult conversations professionally.

Education & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in business, automotive technology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2–5 years of experience in auto damage appraisal, auto body repair, insurance claims, or a related field.
• Prior experience handling moderate to severe vehicle damage and total loss evaluations strongly preferred.
• Experience working with estimating platforms (e.g., CCC, Mitchell, or Audatex) preferred.
• Knowledge of insurance claims handling processes and state-specific regulations preferred.
• Texas Adjuster License required.

Hallmark Financial Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.