Senior Auto Appraiser - Field for Orange County, CA

usaa; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

USAA is hiring for a field-based auto claimsmage specialist in Orange County, CA. You will evaluate highly complex auto damage claims, communicate with insureds and vendors, and ensure accurate loss valuations in compliance with state laws and policy provisions.

Requirements include 2 years of auto appraising, P&C policy knowledge, and obtaining an adjuster license within 90 days, with CAT support and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 2 years auto appraising experience.
• Proficient knowledge of P&C policy contracts and coverages.
• Acquisition and maintenance of insurance adjuster license within 90 days and 3 attempts.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and appraise highly complex auto physical damage claims using digital tools.
• Investigate claim damages and communicate with insured, adjusters, and vendors.
• Review facts of loss and determine subrogation opportunities when applicable.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policy provisions.
• Maintain accurate claim files and provide timely, proactive communications.
• Support CAT/deployment activities and flexibly handle higher-complexity claims.

Skills

Auto appraisal

CCC Estimating

P&C knowledge

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

CCC Estimating

Job description

Why USAA?

At USAA, our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service and trusted advice. We seek to be the #1 choice for the military community and their families.

Embrace a fulfilling career at USAA, where our core values - honesty, integrity, loyalty and service - define how we treat each other and our members. Be part of what truly makes us special and impactful.

We are proud to support active-duty military spouses. USAA roles may offer remote or hybrid flexibility for active-duty military spouses consistent with applicable policy and business needs.

The Opportunity

This is a field-based role in the Orange County, CA area. Candidates who are willing and able to work in Orange County, CA are encouraged to apply.

Within defined guidelines and framework responsible for the investigation, negotiation, evaluation and appraisal of vehicle damage claims for both repairable and total loss vehicles to ensure estimate accuracy in compliance with state laws and regulations. Accountable for delivering exceptional member service through setting appropriate expectations, proactive communications, advice, and empathy.

What you'll do:

• With the use of digital tools, evaluates and appraise highly complex auto physical damage claims in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract, corporate guidelines and state laws and regulations.
• Investigates claim damages including communicating with the insured, internal claims adjusters, and third parties/vendors. May require face-to-face interactions with members and third parties.
• Reviews facts of loss and vehicle damage to determine if subrogation opportunities exist and ensures all supporting physical damage documentation is in the claim.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of P&C insurance industry products, services, contracts, and internal processes/systems/procedures to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policy provisions.
• Reviews claims/suppliers for fraud indicators and refers to Special Investigations Unit for handling, if applicable.
• Maintains accurate and current claim file documentation throughout the claims process for complex claims.
• Maintains high standards of productivity through effective desk management, timely follow ups, and accurate mapping of repair plans and timeline for repair in support of fast and accurate claims adjudication.
• Responsible for reviewing additional damage received from repair facilities to either complete a supplement or triage to field provider method of inspection.
• May serve as a subject matter expert representative for disputed claims or trials. Serves as a resource for team members on escalated issues of a routine nature.
• Partners with vendors and internal business partners to facilitate highest complexity claims resolution. May also involve external regulatory coordination to ensure appropriate documentation and compliance.
• Proactively provides policyholders with information regarding their coverage, repair estimate or total loss valuation, and claims/repair process while setting appropriate expectations.
• Supports workload surges and catastrophe (CAT) response operations as needed, including mandatory on-call dates and potential evening, weekend, and/or holiday work outside normal work hours.
• May be assigned CAT deployment travel with minimal notice during designated CATs.
• Works various types of claims, including ones of higher complexity, and may be assigned additional work outside normal duties as needed.
• Ensure risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.

What you have:

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma.
• 2 years of auto appraising experience.
• Proficient knowledge of P&C insurance policy contracts and coverages, auto parts distribution process and claim appraisal process and procedures.
• Advanced working knowledge of estimating losses using CCC or similar estimating platforms.
• Demonstrated written and verbal skills to communicate with members, claimants, repair facilities, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Acquisition and maintenance of insurance adjuster license within 90 days and 3 attempts.

Physical Demand Requirements:

• May require the ability to operate a company vehicle within assigned territory.
• May require the ability to reach, handle, squat, bend, climb, and kneel as needed to complete inspections of damaged vehicles.
• May require the ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions; May be exposed to working in body shop and/or salvage yard environments up to 25% of the time.
• May be required to meet all USAA safe driving requirements including verification of driving record through MVR & possession of valid driver's license.

What sets you apart:

• Active Texas or Florida All-Lines Adjusters License.
• I-CAR ProLevel 3 (Platinum) certification or acti