Senior Physical Damage Appraiser – Auto Liability

Whip, Inc.•Rockville, MD

About The Position

Whip is seeking an experienced Liability Physical Damage (PD) Appraiser to support its auto insurance claims operations. The role evaluates third-party vehicle damage, prepares and reviews repair estimates, assesses total losses, negotiates settlements, and supports accurate, timely resolution of physical damage claims. The appraiser conducts in-person and virtual vehicle inspections, works directly with repair facilities, and collaborates with on-site operations and claims teams. The position requires a Maryland-based professional who can independently manage complex damage assessments and travel locally for inspections and in-person collaboration. The successful candidate takes ownership of property damage evaluations from initial inspection through final appraisal recommendations, applying sound technical judgment and extensive total loss experience. The role combines independent field work with collaboration across the internal team, making practical, well-supported recommendations that balance accurate claim settlements with cost control. It offers an opportunity to help build and strengthen Whip's internal claims capabilities.

Requirements

8–10+ years of experience in automotive property damage appraisal, preferably involving third-party liability claims.
Extensive hands-on experience conducting in-person vehicle inspections and damage assessments.
Demonstrated experience handling total loss evaluations, including ACV calculations, salvage considerations, and settlement recommendations.
Strong understanding of automotive repair procedures, structural damage, labor operations, parts pricing, and industry estimating standards.
Proficiency with industry-standard estimating platforms such as CCC ONE, Mitchell, or Audatex.
Experience working directly with collision repair facilities, insurance carriers, and claims adjusters.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to independently evaluate complex damage scenarios.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must reside in Maryland and be available to travel locally for vehicle inspections and in-person collaboration with the operations team.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a staff appraiser, field appraiser, or senior property damage appraiser for an insurance carrier or third-party administrator (TPA).
Experience with commercial auto, rental fleets, or high-volume auto liability claims.
Familiarity with Maryland and surrounding states' total loss regulations and claims practices.
I-CAR, ASE, or other relevant automotive repair/appraisal certifications.
Experience reviewing and negotiating estimates and supplements with collision repair facilities.

Responsibilities

Conduct in-person and virtual inspections of damaged vehicles to assess property damage and determine appropriate repair costs.
Prepare, review, and validate detailed repair estimates using industry-standard estimating platforms.
Evaluate repair methodologies, labor rates, parts pricing, and replacement requirements for accuracy and reasonableness.
Identify unrelated or prior damage and potential discrepancies in repair estimates.
Coordinate with body shops, repair facilities, and third-party appraisers to resolve estimate differences and supplements.
Identify vehicles that meet total loss criteria based on repair costs, vehicle value, and applicable state requirements.
Conduct total loss evaluations, including actual cash value (ACV) assessments, salvage valuations, and comparable vehicle research.
Review vehicle condition, mileage, options, and market data to determine accurate valuations.
Assist with total loss settlement recommendations and coordinate salvage disposition when applicable.
Work with claims adjusters to ensure total loss evaluations are documented and supported.
Support the Liability Claims team with technical assessments of third-party property damage claims.
Review estimates prepared by external vendors and repair facilities for consistency with company guidelines.
Provide recommendations regarding repairability, damage severity, and appropriate settlement amounts.
Collaborate with claims handlers, operations personnel, and management to resolve complex property damage matters.
Maintain appraisal reports, photographs, estimates, and supporting documentation within claims management systems.
Participate in on-site meetings and vehicle inspections as needed throughout Maryland.