Motor Desktop Assessor

Santam Insurance; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Santam is seeking a Motor Desktop Assessor to be based in Park Town, Johannesburg, within the Motor Claims department. You will determine the quantum and merit of segmented motor claims through investigations, event verification and settlement within delegated thresholds.

Responsibilities include assessing damage from images and reports, deciding repair versus replacement, ensuring accuracy and compliance, and maintaining turnaround times.

Qualifications

• Matric / Grade 12 is required.
• Degree, Diploma or Certificate in Mechanical related studies or Automotive/ equivalent qualification.
• VDQGBSA membership is required.
• Abuntex / Audatex training completed.
• 3 years’ experience in motor assessing.
• Policy wording interpretation and claim system training is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Determine quantum and merit of motor claims by investigations, verifying events, negotiating with clients and settlements within thresholds.
• Assess motor damage accurately using images, reports and documentation.
• Decide repair vs. replace based on cost, quality and safety.
• Maintain high estimating accuracy and minimize claim leakage.
• Achieve turnaround times and productivity targets.
• Detect and accelerate potential fraud indicators.
• Deliver service to customers, brokers and internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to improved claims outcomes through learning and process improvement.

Skills

Negotiation

Telephonic skills

Time management

Change management

Analytical thinking

Presenting information

Communication

Client service

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Automotive/mechanical qualification

VDQGBSA membership

Abuntex / Audatex trained

3 years motor assessing experience

Policy wording interpretation training

Job description

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

A position has become available for a Motor Desktop Assessor and will be based in the Motor Claims department at the Park Town, Johannesburg offices.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Determine the quantum and merit of segmented motor claims by performing investigations, verifying the description of the event with the loss, negotiating with (client, intermediary, and service providers) and settlement of claims within a delegated threshold and according to contract conditions.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE?

• Assess motor damage accurately using images, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Make repair versus replace decisions that are technically sound and cost-effective.
• Maintain high estimating accuracy and minimize claim leakage.
• Achieve agreed turnaround times and productivity targets.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulations, and governance requirements.
• Detect and accelerate potential fraud indicators where appropriate.
• Deliver excellent service to customers, brokers, and internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to improved claims outcomes through continuous learning and process improvement.
• Support profitability by controlling repair costs while ensuring quality repairs and customer safety.

Qualifications And Experience

• Matric / Grade 12
• Degree, Diploma or Certificate in Mechanical related studies or Automotive/ equivalent Mechanical or Automotive Body Repair Qualification (e.g. Qualified Panel Beater, Mechanic, Spray Painter, etc.)
• VDQGBSA membership
• Abuntex / Audatex Trained
• 3 years’ experience in motor assessing
• Technical skills & policy wording interpretation, product training and claim system training obtained through various training and courses would be advantageous.

Knowledge And Skills

• Telephonic, negotiation and conflict handling skills
• Basic business ethics and financial principles related to claims
• Time management
• Change management

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Deciding and initiating action
• Client Service Orientation
• Teamwork and support
• Building relationships
• Communication
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Cultivates innovation
• Performing under pressure
• Analytical thinking
• Presenting and communicating information

Who We Are

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia. With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting. People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short-term opportunities. Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro-inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.