Motor Desktop Assessor

Sanlam; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Santam, a leading general insurer in Southern Africa, seeks a Motor Desktop Assessor in Cape Town to determine claim quantum by investigating events, verifying descriptions, and negotiating settlements within thresholds. The role emphasizes accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to governance standards.

You will assess damage using reports and imagery, decide repairs vs replacements, and strive for fast, fair outcomes while managing fraud risk and maintaining excellent service for clients

Qualifications

• Matric/Grade 12 qualification.
• Mechanical/Automotive qualification or equivalent.
• VDQGBSA membership.
• Audatex training or equivalent.
• 3 years’ motor assessing experience.
• Technical skills and policy wording interpretation beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Determine quantum and merit of motor claims by investigations and verification.
• Assess motor damage using images, reports and documentation.
• Decide repair vs. replacement with cost efficiency in mind.
• Maintain high estimating accuracy and minimize leakage.
• Meet turnaround times and productivity targets.
• Ensure adherence to policies, governance and regulations.
• Detect potential fraud indicators when appropriate.
• Deliver service to customers, brokers and internal stakeholders.
• Support profitability by controlling repair costs while preserving quality.

Skills

Negotiation

Conflict handling

Time management

Communication

Client service

Teamwork

Relationship building

Adaptability

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Mechanical/Automotive qualification

VDQGBSA membership

Tools

Audatex

Job description

A position has become available for a Motor Desktop Assessor and will be based in the Motor Claims department at the Cape Town

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 escape potential fraud indicator 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

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.
This is Freedom!