Inside Physical Damage Appraiser

Auto-Owners Insurance Company • Peoria, IL

8d • $50,000 - $83,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

A career at Auto-Owners is challenging and rewarding. Our group of caring associates create financial security by helping individuals and businesses make a new start when a loss occurs. Job Description Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. An open position may not be available at this time. We offer a merit-based work-from-home program based on job responsibilities. After initial training in-person, this specific role could have the flexibility to work from home up to 3 days per week. Auto-Owners Insurance, a top-rated insurance carrier, is seeking an experienced and motivated Claims professional to join our team. The position requires the following, but is not limited to: Inspect damaged automobiles, develop information regarding repair costs, negotiate repair cost agreements, and evaluate practicality of repair and options for settlement of claims. Maintains an understanding of current automobile construction and repair techniques, assuring compliance with statutory requirements including but not limited to appropriate use of after-market parts, and repairs to automobiles with concern for safety and industry standards. Communicate with claim associates, agents, insured’s repair facilities and others regarding inspections and conclusions; develop and participate in required communication to vehicle owner regarding repairs, participate as necessary in negotiations, follow-up and problem resolution on claims. Works towards the resolution of claims, and may attend arbitrations, mediations, depositions, or trials as necessary. Handle investigations by phone, mail and on-site investigations. Willing to travel and be temporarily reassigned for catastrophe duty upon request.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 3 years working as a physical damage appraiser
• Above average communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to resolve complex issues
• Organize and interpret data
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Possess a valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of CCC software is preferred but not required

Responsibilities

• Inspect damaged automobiles
• Develop information regarding repair costs
• Negotiate repair cost agreements
• Evaluate practicality of repair and options for settlement of claims
• Maintain an understanding of current automobile construction and repair techniques, assuring compliance with statutory requirements including but not limited to appropriate use of after-market parts, and repairs to automobiles with concern for safety and industry standards.
• Communicate with claim associates, agents, insured’s repair facilities and others regarding inspections and conclusions; develop and participate in required communication to vehicle owner regarding repairs, participate as necessary in negotiations, follow-up and problem resolution on claims.
• Work towards the resolution of claims, and may attend arbitrations, mediations, depositions, or trials as necessary.
• Handle investigations by phone, mail and on-site investigations.
• Willing to travel and be temporarily reassigned for catastrophe duty upon request.

Benefits

• Auto-Owners offers a friendly work environment, structured training program, employee mentoring and an excellent benefits package.
• Along with a matched 401(k), fully funded pension plan (once vested), Auto-Owners offers medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance; associate, spouse and child life insurance; supplemental sick pay; long term disability; health care flexible spending accounts and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Additional benefits include: generous paid time off including holidays, vacation days, personal time, sick leave and parental leave; adoption assistance; discounts on personal insurance; education matching gift program, a student loan assistance program and a gym membership and fitness class reimbursement program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees