Motor Wreck Desktop Assessor

Sanlam; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Santam is seeking a Motor Wreck Desktop Assessor to remotely value motor accident damage using high‑resolution media and claim documentation from Parktown. The role focuses on safeguarding financial outcomes by audit‑quality estimates and determining repairs or total loss with integrity.

You will cross‑validate damages with accident descriptions, optimize parts costs, and maintain quick turnaround SLAs while liaising with MBRs and service providers.

Qualifications

• Two-plus years digital/desktop assessing experience in insurance OR five-plus years as a workshop estimator.
• Proficient in Abuntex and Audatex and familiar with claim workflows.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills for cost decisions.

Responsibilities

• Digital Assessments: review high-resolution photos and video streams.
• Estimate Auditing: analyse/adjust digital quotes in Abuntex/Audatex.
• Remote Consistency Checks: verify damage vs. accident description.
• Parts & Rate Optimization: adjust labour hours and parts costs.
• Total Loss Evaluation: assess market value vs. repair estimates.
• SLA Management: maintain fast turnaround times.
• Digital Communication: resolve disputes with repairers via portals.

Skills

Digital/desktop assessing

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Education

Grade 12 / Matric certificate

Technical Trade: Panelbeater / Spray Painter / Motor Mechanic

Professional registration: VDQGBSA

Diploma or certificate in Short-Term Insurance (advantage)

Tools

Abuntex / Audatex

Insurance claim management workflows

Mead & McGrouther code for valuation

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 Desktop Assessor, the main purpose of the role is to provide precise, remote technical and financial valuation of motor vehicle accident damage through high-resolution digital media and claim documentation. The primary objectives are to Safeguard Financial Outcomes such as Audit repair estimates via Abuntex to ensure cost accuracy and determine repair versus total loss outcomes. To Ensure Claim Integrity by Cross-validating visual damage against accident descriptions to mitigate fraud and Drive Service Efficiency to Maintain strict turnaround SLAs and collaborate telephonically with Service Providers and stakeholders.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE?

Key Responsibilities

• Digital Assessments: Review high-resolution photographs, video streams, and digital claim files submitted by repair workshops or clients
• Estimate Auditing: Analyse, negotiate, and adjust digital quotes using computerised estimating software like Abuntex or Audatex.
• Remote Consistency Checks: Evaluate digital evidence to verify if the visible vehicle damage matches the description of the accident.
• Parts & Rate Optimization: Check and adjust labour hours, paint costs, and parts choices, promoting the use of alternative or certified aftermarket parts where appropriate.
• Total Loss Evaluation: Calculate vehicle market values remotely against repair estimates to quickly identify and process structural write-offs.
• SLA Management: Maintain quick turnaround times for digital authorizations to minimize vehicle downtime and car rental expenses for the client.
• Digital Communication: Use digital portals, emails, and phone calls to resolve repair methodology disputes with Motor Body Repairers (MBRs).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Digital Assessments
• Stakeholder Satisfaction
• SLA Management
• Query Resolution
• Training Delivery & Completion Rate
• Financial Decision Making
• Time Management

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
• Technical Trade: Qualified Panelbeater, Spray Painter, or Motor Mechanic (red seal trade test certificate preferred).
• Professional Registration: Registered Member of the Vehicle Damage Quantifier Governing Body (VDQGBSA).
• Experience: 2+ years of digital/desktop assessing experience within an insurance environment, or 5+ years as a workshop estimator.
• System Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Abuntex / Audatex and insurance claim management workflows.
• Vehicle valuation via live market test and Mead & McGrouther code
• Modern Desktop Capability: High comfort level navigating multiple digital platforms simultaneously, utilizing advanced imaging software to spot hidden vehicular defects remotely.
• A relevant Diploma or Certificate in Short-Term Insurance would be considered an advantagePreferred

Preferred

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

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Skills

• Technical Accuracy: Intense attention to detail when spotting structural, electrical, or underlying mechanical faults.
• Negotiation Skills: The ability to firmly but fairly challenge repair methods and costs presented by panel beaters.
• Resilience: Highly capable of working under pressure, managing tight service level agreements (SLAs), and handling customer complaints calmly.
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluating financial formulas to swiftly decide if a vehicle is repairable or uneconomical to repair.

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
• Driving Strategy
• Enabling Innovation
• Talent Enablement
• Change Leadership

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!