Auto Physical Damage Appraiser - Field

AAA•Santa Monica, CA

About The Position

The Auto Physical Damage Appraiser supports the Auto Physical Damage Operation by handling material damage claims for insurance policies written by the Interinsurance Exchange in compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements. The role analyzes and evaluates vehicle damage, prepares and reviews estimates, validates compliance, and determines repair costs. It includes communicating with members, vehicle owners, repair facilities, and others about the claim and repair processes and associated costs. The position handles repairs and total-loss estimates of moderate to significant complexity, within defined procedures and settlement authority, and requires discretion and independent judgment in analysis and problem solving. The appraiser conducts physical inspections and assesses accident-related damage and vehicle repairability, documents damage using photographs and detailed claim-file notes, and resolves claims within assigned authority. The role investigates and distinguishes allegations from facts, determines policy obligations by assessing damage against the facts of loss, and explains applicable claim, repair, coverage, or policy information verbally or in writing. The appraiser also responds to customer inquiries, coordinates with internal departments, and assists with catastrophe duties as required.

Requirements

Associate-level education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Advanced understanding of automotive repair processes, vehicle systems, and damage assessment.
Ability to accurately estimate repair costs and detailed understanding of estimating software platforms.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, general computer software, and advanced line-of-business technical software skills, including the CCC Estimating Platform.
Excellent organization, planning, oral communication, and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills and customer service experience.
Judgment and decision-making ability, including identifying and resolving complex issues related to damage assessment and repair cost.
Commitment to continuous education.
Flexibility to assist with catastrophe duty across the extended organization.
Valid driver's license, acceptable Department of Motor Vehicles record, and minimum liability insurance issued by the state.

Nice To Haves

Vocational education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
4–6 years of claims experience.
4–6 years of estimating experience.
Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series) from Automotive Service Excellence are required.
Industry certifications such as I-CAR Platinum or ASE.

Responsibilities

Conduct physical inspections and prepare accurate, thorough vehicle repair estimates compliant with company guidelines, industry standards, and applicable laws and regulations.
Determine accident-related damage, assess vehicle repairability, and estimate repair or total-loss costs.
Review estimates and validate compliance.
Communicate with insureds, claimants, repair facilities, internal claims staff, and others about claims, repairs, costs, coverage, and policy language.
Document estimated damage in company claim systems using photographs and detailed descriptions.
Negotiate within settlement authority to resolve claims, including disputes about repair costs or coverage.
Coordinate with internal departments.
Respond quickly and effectively to customer needs, inquiries, and problems.
Determine policy obligations by assessing damage and comparing it with the facts of loss.
Investigate losses and distinguish allegations from facts.
Independently resolve claim exposures within the assigned level of authority.
Assist with catastrophe duties as required.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision health coverage
401(k) savings plan with company match
Pension
Tuition assistance
Floating holidays
PTO for community volunteer programs
Paid parental leave
Wellness programs
Employee discounts on membership, insurance, travel, entertainment, services, and more
Incentive program eligibility for full-time positions based on organization, team, and personal performance