Auto Appraiser (Photo)

USAA•Washington, VA

5d•$68,730 - $115,980•Remote

About The Position

As a dedicated Auto Appraiser, you will investigate, negotiate, evaluate, and appraise vehicle damage claims for repairable and total loss vehicles within defined guidelines and frameworks. You will ensure estimate accuracy and compliance with state laws and regulations while delivering exceptional member service through clear expectations, proactive communication, advice, and empathy. This is a remote role for candidates who are willing and able to work in the Washington, Metro, VA area. Relocation assistance is not available. The role uses digital tools to evaluate and appraise simple and moderately complex auto physical damage claims, investigate damages, maintain claim documentation, and support accurate and timely claim resolution. It may involve face-to-face interactions, additional work outside normal duties, and support for catastrophe response operations, including on-call dates, travel, and possible evening, weekend, or holiday work.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma.
At least 1 year of auto appraising experience.
Progressive knowledge of P&C insurance policy contracts and coverages, the auto parts distribution process, and claim appraisal processes and procedures.
Working knowledge of estimating losses using CCC or similar estimating platforms.
Acquire and maintain an insurance adjuster license within 90 days, with up to 3 attempts.
May need to operate a company vehicle within the assigned territory.
May need to reach, handle, squat, bend, climb, and kneel to inspect damaged vehicles.
May need to work outdoors in inclement weather and may be exposed to body shop and/or salvage yard environments.
May be required to meet USAA safe driving requirements, including MVR verification and possession of a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Active Texas All-Lines Adjusters License.
Experience as a Field Auto Appraiser with a Property & Casualty insurance carrier.
Experience and ability to prepare estimates and evaluations using the CCC estimating platform.
Experience and ability to balance accurate collision repair estimates in virtual and field environments.
Experience completing estimates on exotic and electric vehicles.
Completed designations such as I-CAR Platinum or ASE.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and appraise simple and moderately complex auto physical damage claims using digital tools and in accordance with contracts, corporate guidelines, and applicable state laws and regulations.
Investigate claim damages by communicating with insureds, internal claims adjusters, and third parties or vendors; face-to-face interactions may be required.
Review facts of loss and vehicle damage to identify potential subrogation opportunities and ensure supporting physical damage documentation is in the claim.
Apply knowledge of P&C insurance products, services, contracts, and internal processes, systems, and procedures to ensure compliance.
Review claims and suppliers for fraud indicators and refer applicable matters to the Special Investigations Unit.
Maintain accurate and current claim file documentation throughout the process for moderate to complex claims.
Manage desk workload, follow up in a timely manner, and accurately map repair plans and timelines to support fast and accurate claim adjudication.
Review additional damages submitted by repair facilities and either complete a supplement or triage the claim to a field provider method of inspection.
Provide policyholders with information about coverage, repair estimates or total loss valuations, and the claims and repair process, while setting appropriate expectations.
Support workload surges and catastrophe response operations as needed, including mandatory on-call dates and potential evening, weekend, or holiday work; CAT deployment travel may be assigned with minimal notice.
Handle various types of claims, including higher-complexity claims, and perform additional work outside normal duties as needed.
Identify, measure, monitor, and control risks associated with business activities in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.