Field Auto Appraiser - Big Rapids/Mount Pleasant, Michigan Area

AAA-The Auto Club Group•MI-Admin Office Building (AOB), MI

8d•$75,000 - $85,000•Remote

About The Position

A highly skilled Field Auto Appraiser responsible for inspecting, evaluating, and determining repair or total loss values for complex vehicle damage claims in the field. Operates with minimal supervision and is entrusted with a high degree of independent authority to resolve technically challenging and high-severity claims. Demonstrates advanced expertise in vehicle construction, damage analysis, repair methodologies, and estimating systems. Acts as a subject matter expert, making sound, timely decisions while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and cost efficiency. Effectively negotiates with repair facilities, customers, and vendors, and provides guidance on complex technical issues, policy interpretation, and claim resolution strategies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Complete ACG Claim Representative Training Program or demonstrate equivalent knowledge or experience
In states where an Adjuster’s license is required, the candidate must be eligible to acquire a State Adjuster’s license within 90 days of hire and maintain as specified for appropriate state
Must have a valid State Driver's License
Three years of experience or equivalent training in negotiation of claim settlements
Three years of experience or equivalent training in securing and evaluating evidence
Three years of experience or equivalent training in preparing manual and electronic estimates
Three years of experience or equivalent training in subrogation claims
Three years of experience or equivalent training in resolving coverage questions
Three years of experience or equivalent training in taking statements
Three years of experience or equivalent training in establishing clear evaluation and resolution plans for claims
Handle claims to the line Claim Handling Standards
Follow and apply ACG Claim policies, procedures and guidelines
Work within assigned ACG Claim systems including basic PC software
Perform basic claim file review and investigations
Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written)
Demonstrate customer service skills by building and maintaining relationships with insured/claimants while exhibiting understanding of their problems and responding to questions and concerns
Analyze and solve problems while demonstrating sound decision-making skills
Prioritize claim related functions
Process time sensitive data and information from multiple sources
Manage time, organize and plan workload and responsibilities
Safely operate a motor vehicle in order to visit repair facilities, homes (for inspections), patients, etc.
Research analyze and interpret subrogation laws in various states
Travel outside of assigned territory which may involve overnight stay
Relocate, work evenings or weekends

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Business Administration, Insurance or a related field or the equivalent in related work experience
Completion of the Insurance Institute of America's: General Insurance Program, Associate in Claims, associate in management or equivalent
CPCU coursework or designation
I-Car ProLevel training
CCC training
XACT ware Training
Knowledge of: Essential Insurance Act (Michigan)
Knowledge of: Fair Trade Practices Act as it relates to claims
Knowledge of: subrogation procedures and processes
Knowledge of: intercompany arbitration
Knowledge of: handling simple litigation
Knowledge of: Negligence Law
Knowledge of: No-Fault Law
Knowledge of: collision repair techniques

Responsibilities

Reviewing assigned claims
Contacting the insured and other affected parties
Setting expectations for the remainder of the claim process
Initiating documentation in the claim handling system
Complete complex coverage analysis
Ensure all possible policyholder benefits are identified
Create additional sub-claims if needed
Complete an investigation of the facts regarding the claim to further and in more detail determine if the claim should be paid, the applicable limits or exclusions and possible recovery potential
Conduct thorough reviews of damages and determine the applicability of state law and other factors related to the claim.
Evaluate the financial value of the loss.
Approve payments for the appropriate parties accordingly.
Refer claims to other company units when necessary (e.g., Underwriting, Recovery Units or Claims Special Investigation Unit).
Thoroughly document and/or code the claim file and complete all claim closure and related activities in the assigned claims management system.
Utilize strong negotiating skills.
Settling Total Losses, inspecting vehicles and preparing estimates of damage.
Manage Direct Repair Shops for compliance with our program.
Determining cause of damage, establishing liability, and identifying subrogation potential.
Monitor repairs and approve car rental expenses.
Oversee APD Litigation cases.
Manage the litigation process including attorney and budget management, participation in mediation activities and determining the appropriate settlement position.
Assist Claim Manager with file reviews and training.

Benefits

Medical plans with multiple coverage options, including HSA eligibility.
Prescription drug coverage.
Dental and vision benefits.
Employee Assistance Program (confidential support services).
Company-paid basic life insurance.
Optional supplemental life insurance and dependent coverage.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Critical illness, accident, and pet insurance options.
401(k) plan to support long-term financial goals.
3% automatic deferral upon eligibility; may contribute 1% to 50% of eligible earnings, either pre or post tax.
Company match of 50% paid on employee contributions up to 6% of pay, payable to employees following the end of the year; immediate vesting.
Additional company contribution of 4% of pay each pay day into your account; 100% vested after three (3) years of service.
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual-based, increases with tenure, eligible at 90 days of employment.
Full-time new employees will receive up to 12 PTO days annually; accrual based on start date and may include additional PTO based on role and/or state & local requirements.
Part-time employee PTO hours are calculated based upon the standard weekly hours the employee is scheduled to work and will accrue at a minimum of 3 hours per month.
10 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day, 2 floating holidays, and 1 volunteer day.
Part-time employees are eligible for 8 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day and 2 floating holidays.
Paid leave programs, including parental, bereavement, jury duty, and military leave.
Tuition assistance (up to $5,250 annually; 80% covered by ACG).
Professional certification support with 100% reimbursement for eligible programs.
Opportunities for career development and advancement.
Complimentary AAA membership with roadside assistance and travel discounts.
Adoption assistance program.