Outside Auto Appraiser

Travelers; Orange (CA); Remote; USD 64,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

Travelers is seeking an Outside Auto Appraiser to inspect damaged vehicles, estimate repair costs, and settle total losses with independence and technical expertise. This remote role supports auto claim staff and provides guidance on claim damages to achieve timely settlements.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor's degree, an active adjuster license, and at least two years of auto appraisal experience, with proficiency in estimating software and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Active adjuster license required; auto physical damage appraisal experience preferred.
• Experience with claims management and estimating software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and enterprise systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of insurance principles and claim handling requirements.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and assess vehicle damage via on-site or virtual inspections.
• Prepare repair estimates and determine parts, labor, and materials costs.
• Evaluate total losses and determine actual cash value using market data.
• Negotiate costs and settlements with repair shops and claimants.
• Identify pre-existing damage and potential fraud indicators.
• Collaborate with claim reps, body shops, and vendors to coordinate repairs.
• Explain processes to customers and keep them updated through the claim lifecycle.
• Adapt to new AI tools and digital system upgrades while maintaining quality.

Skills

Active adjuster license

Auto appraisal experience

Estimating software

MS Office proficiency

Strong communication

Customer service

Decision making

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Who Are We?

Taking care of our customers, our communities and each other. That's the Travelers Promise. By honoring this commitment, we have maintained our reputation as one of the best property casualty insurers in the industry for over 170 years. Join us to discover a culture that is rooted in innovation and thrives on collaboration. Imagine loving what you do and where you do it.

Job Category

Claim

Compensation Overview

The annual base salary range provided for this position is a nationwide market range and represents a broad range of salaries for this role across the country. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. As part of our comprehensive compensation and benefits program, employees are also eligible for performance-based cash incentive awards.

Salary Range

$63,800.00 - $105,400.00

Target Openings

1

What Is the Opportunity?

As an Outside Auto Appraiser, you are responsible for physically inspecting damaged vehicles, estimating repair costs, working closely with repair facilities, and determining and settling the actual cash value of total loss vehicles to ensure accurate and timely claim settlements. In this customer-facing role, you will need to have a high level of technical expertise in vehicle damage assessment, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. This position will serve as a technical resource for auto claim staff and will provide advice and direction to claim professionals on claim damages to achieve optimal outcomes. This position is based remotely with work at residential and/or commercial locations with a combination of mobile work, work from your primary residence, or the nearest Travelers office.

What Will You Do?

• Inspect and assess vehicle damage resulting from accidents, weather events, or other covered losses by conducting thorough virtual or on-site inspections at body shops or customer locations.
• Perform estimate review work, conduct virtual inspections, and collaborate with repair facilities to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality across claims.
• Prepare accurate repair estimates using industry-standard estimating software to determine the cost of parts, labor, and materials required to restore vehicles to pre-loss condition.
• Evaluate and settle vehicle total losses by determining actual cash value (ACV) through market research, comparable vehicle analysis, and application of appropriate valuation tools and methodologies.
• Negotiate repair costs and settlements with body shops, customers, and third-party claimants to reach fair and timely resolutions while maintaining quality repair standards.
• Identify and document pre-existing damage, prior repairs, and potential fraud indicators to ensure accurate claim evaluation and protect company interests.
• Collaborate with claim representatives, body shops, and vendors to coordinate repairs, authorize supplements, and resolve coverage or repair-related issues.
• Provide exceptional customer service by explaining the appraisal process, answering questions, assisting in moving claims towards timely resolution, and keeping vehicle owners informed throughout the claim lifecycle.
• Adapt to new technology implementations, system upgrades, and digital tool rollouts, particularly in the areas of AI while maintaining productivity and service quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What Will Our Ideal Candidate Have?

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Active adjuster license, where applicable.
• Two years of auto physical damage appraisal experience.
• Proficient in claims management and estimating software, with advanced skills in Microsoft Office and enterprise technology systems and platforms.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and make effective decisions.
• Exceptional customer service skills and commitment to providing a positive experience for customers throughout the claim process.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills; ability to facilitate productive discussions and reach equitable outcomes.
• Ability to manage stress, navigate difficult situations, and maintain composure and professionalism under pressure while always taking accountability for decisions.
• Basic understanding of insurance principles and terminology, state insurance regulations and claim handling requirements.
• Ability to quickly learn from experience and apply it to new situations with speed and flexibility.

What is a Must Have?

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One year of auto physical damage appraisal or comparable claim related experience or succes