Desktop Assessor

Red Ember Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking a Desktop Assessor based in Cape Town to assess and validate vehicle and property claims through desktop evaluations. You will determine damage extent, prepare repair estimates and ensure fair outcomes in line with industry standards.

The role requires 3+ years in short-term insurance claims and motor/non-motor desktop assessing, with strong knowledge of SLA processes and cost negotiation. RE5 and insurance class qualifications are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' short-term insurance claims experience.
• Experience with motor and/or non-motor desktop assessments.
• Knowledge of SLA processes in insurance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct desktop assessments of vehicles and buildings to determine damage extent and claim validity.
• Prepare detailed repair cost estimates including labour and parts.
• Assess depreciation and market value to judge economic viability.
• Document damage using Ubuntex and build rate guides.
• Communicate repair requirements and negotiate costs with vendors.
• Identify potential inflated or fraudulent claims.
• Verify repairs meet industry standards and safety regulations.
• Provide technical advice to brokers and claimants on feasibility and costs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication

Negotiation skills

Education

Grade 12 / NQF 4

RE5 qualification

Class of Business in Short-Term Insurance

Tools

Ubuntex

Job description

Job Description

Red Ember Recruitment is currently recruiting for a Desktop Assessor on behalf of our client, based in Tygervalley, Cape Town.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing and validating motor and non-motor insurance claims through desktop evaluations of vehicle and property damage. The role involves determining the extent of damage, preparing accurate repair estimates, ensuring fair claim outcomes and maintaining compliance with insurance standards and pricing guidelines.

• Conduct desktop assessments of vehicles and damaged buildings to determine the extent of damage and validity of claims.
• Assess mechanical, structural and cosmetic damage to identify necessary repairs.
• Utilise specialised tools and software to document and quantify damage, including Ubuntex and building rate guides.
• Prepare detailed repair cost estimates, including labour, parts and material expenses.
• Compare repair costs against the vehicle's pre-accident market value to determine economic repair viability.
• Consider depreciation, wear and tear, and existing damage when conducting assessments.
• Compile detailed assessment reports and recommendations for claims processing.
• Communicate repair requirements, negotiate costs and monitor the quality of completed repairs.
• Identify potential inflated claims, staged accidents and fraudulent activities.
• Cross-check claim details against supporting evidence to ensure accuracy and legitimacy.
• Determine whether vehicles should be classified as total losses based on repair costs versus market value.
• Recommend appropriate salvage or disposal actions for written-off vehicles.
• Verify that repairs comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Provide technical advice to brokers and claimants regarding repair feasibility, cost-effectiveness and safety considerations.
• Recommend alternative repair solutions, including second-hand parts and cost-effective repair methods.
• Manage repair escalations, rectification of repairs and vendor compliance.

Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric) / Relevant insurance qualification (NQF Level 4 or equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years' short-term insurance claims experience.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in motor and/or non-motor desktop assessing or moderation within the insurance industry.
• Sound understanding of short-term insurance policies, claims processes and service-level agreements (SLAs).

Advantageous

• RE5 qualification.
• Class of Business in Short-Term Insurance.

Requirements
Grade 12 (Matric) / Relevant insurance qualification (NQF Level 4 or equivalent). Minimum 3 years' short-term insurance claims experience. Minimum 3 years' experience in motor and/or non-motor desktop assessing or moderation within the insurance industry. Sound understanding of short-term insurance policies, claims processes and service-level agreements (SLAs). Advantageous RE5 qualification. Class of Business in Short-Term Insurance.