Auto Appraiser
The James Allen Companies Inc.
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