Motor Wreck Administrator

Sanlam; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Santam is seeking a Motor Wreck Administrator in Parktown to manage end-to-end Total Loss (write-off) claims, ensuring accurate documentation, figures, and adherence to policies and regulatory requirements.

You will collaborate with Salvage Management, Claims Assessors, Finance, brokers, clients, and auction partners to deliver a smooth settlement process with a strong emphasis on accuracy and compliance throughout the wreck workflow.

Qualifications

• Matric / Grade 12
• Minimum 2–4 years’ experience in short term insurance claims administration
• Experience in motor claims or salvage processes
• Understanding of Total Loss (write off) administration
• Experience with insurance claims systems and salvage platforms (preferred)
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (TCF, POPIA) (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Process Total Loss (write off) claims from receipt to finalisation.
• Validate assessing figures, settlement amounts, and reserve adjustments.
• Ensure all required documentation is received, complete, and compliant.
• Capture and update claim information accurately on internal systems.
• Prepare files for settlement and ensure timely finalisation of payments.
• Facilitate the release of salvage vehicles to auction partners.
• Maintain auditable records and ensure governance compliance.
• Liaise with Salvage, Assessing, Finance, Legal and Claims Operations teams.
• Coordinate with external partners including tow operators, salvage yards, and auction houses.
• Monitor workflow to meet timelines and identify process improvements.

Skills

Motor claims knowledge

Salvage processes

Administrative accuracy

Data capture accuracy

MS Office proficiency

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Tools

Insurance claims systems

Salvage auction platforms

Job description

This career opportunity is available at Motor Claims: Wreck and Salvage Department and will be based in Parktown

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Santam's Motor Claims division has a vacancy for a Motor Wreck Administrator, responsible for the end to end administration of Total Loss (write off) claims. The role ensures that all documentation, figures, and processes relating to motor write offs are completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with Santam's claims philosophy, policies, and regulatory requirements.

The incumbent will work closely with the Salvage Management team, Claims Assessors, Finance, brokers, clients, and auction partners to ensure a smooth and efficient claims settlement process. A strong emphasis is placed on accuracy, attention to detail, service delivery, and maintaining compliance throughout the wreck administration workflow.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE?

Key Responsibilities

• A. Write - Off & Wreck Administration
  • Process Total Loss (write off) claims from receipt to finalisation.
  • Validate assessing figures, settlement amounts, and reserve adjustments.
  • Ensure all required documentation is received, complete, and compliant.
  • Capture and update claim information accurately on internal systems.
  • Prepare files for settlement and ensure timeous finalisation of payments.
  • Facilitate the release of salvage vehicles to auction partners.
  • Ensure adherence to SLA and turnaround guidelines.
• B. Customer and Broker Engagement
  • Communicate claim progress and outstanding requirements to clients and brokers.
  • Handle general queries relating to write off claims.
  • Provide clear, empathetic communication during a sensitive stage of the customer journey.
  • Ensure TCF principles are applied in all interactions.
• C. Compliance & Governance
  • Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records for all write off files.
  • Ensure processes align with FAIS, TCF, POPIA, and internal governance requirements.
  • Identify potential fraud risks and upscale for investigation where necessary.
  • Adhere strictly to Santam's claims policies and standard operating procedures.
• D. Stakeholder Coordination
  • Liaise with internal teams such as Salvage, Assessing, Finance, Legal, and Claims Operations.
  • Coordinate with external partners including tow operators, salvage yards, and auction houses.
  • Track and follow up on vehicle availability, release notes, and auction readiness.
  • Support salvage partners by ensuring all documentation is correctly finalised for disposal.
• E. Reporting & Continuous Improvement
  • Maintain and update internal dashboards, trackers, or reports where required.
  • Monitor own workflow to ensure tasks are actioned within required timelines.
  • Identify areas for process improvement and provide feedback to the Team Manager.
  • Support the team during peak claim periods or high volumes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Turnaround time of write off claim administration
• Accuracy of captured data and financial figures
• Compliance with audit and governance requirements
• Quality of customer and broker interactions
• Operational efficiency and adherence to SLAs
• Reduction of errors, rework, or exceptions

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Matric / Grade 12
• Minimum 2–4 years’ experience in short term insurance claims administration
• Experience in motor claims or salvage processes
• Understanding of Total Loss (write off) administration

Preferred

• Experience working with insurance claims systems and salvage auction platforms
• Familiarity with TCF, POPIA, and insurance regulatory frameworks

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of motor claims and salvage processes
• Ability to validate assessing and settlement figures
• Strong administrative and data capturing accuracy
• Risk awareness and fraud detection basics
• Proficient in MS Office and claims management systems

Behavioural Competencies

• Attention to detail and high accuracy
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Customer centric attitude
• Problem solving ability
• Professionalism, integrity, and sound judgement
• Ability to work under pressure and manage workload

Team Leadership & Operational Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the team of wreck administrators.

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.

Take the next step in your career- and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of insurance.

This is Freedom!