Auto Appraiser

The assigned territory includes frequent travel in Greene, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Sullivan, Putnam, Orange, and Rockland Counties. This is a field position with access to a company car and frequent driving within your assigned territory. The successful candidate must reside in the Lower Mid-Hudson Territory in New York State.

Position Summary: The Field Auto Adjuster will investigate, evaluate, negotiate, and settle assigned claims based on on-site investigation, damage appraisal, and face-to-face interactions. They will also represent the Claims Department in visits with agency partners.

Qualifications:

• Licensed Auto Damage Appraiser required
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record
• Minimum 5 years of relevant estimating experience
• Proficiency in auto estimating software (i.e. CCC, Audatex, Mitchell)
• Industry designations/technical certifications preferred but not required (i.e. I-CAR)
• Familiarity with repair facilities in the assigned territory
• Light truck/heavy equipment estimating experience preferred but not required
• Strong knowledge of auto body repair techniques, terminology, and vehicle construction
• Understanding of the company’s insurance policies

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and drive long distances
• Must be able to physically inspect vehicles, including the underside and in tight spaces at body shops and salvage yards

Responsibilities:

• Write appraisals for both repairable and total losses, complete desk reviews, and re-inspections
• Schedule and travel to vehicle locations for inspections
• Control indemnity and expenses by writing fair and accurate appraisals
• Provide exceptional customer service and maintain a professional appearance
• Ensure proper file documentation and reporting
• Identify potential fraud claims and assist in necessary investigations
• Answer questions related to the appraisal or repair process
• Conduct audits and re-inspections of independent appraisers
• Develop relationships with brokers and agency partners
• Collaborate with Claims Leadership and other teams to meet departmental and corporate goals
• Lead research on repair and appraisal trends
• Support the Claims and Corporate Mission, Vision, and Values

Key Capabilities for Success:

• Engaging personality with a passion for customer service
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Solid negotiation skills to reach agreements with body shop personnel
• Ability to handle complex damage scenarios
• Self-motivated and committed to personal and departmental improvement
• Supportive of process improvement and achieving stated goals and objectives

Benefits Offered:

Financial:

• Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage provided at no cost
• Optional benefits include enhanced life insurance and critical illness plans
• 401k plan with an employer contribution, regardless of your own contribution
• Pension Plan
• Short-term incentive plans may be available for certain positions

Social:

• 25 days of paid time off at hire (prorated for the first year)
• 7 days of paid sick leave
• 10 paid company holidays
• Personalized paid time off after 3 years

Emotional:

• Access to personalized mental health care

Physical:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options available from day one
• Flex Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts (with employer contribution) depending on the medical plan selected