Auto Physical Damage Appraiser – Field

AAA

Auto Physical Damage Appraiser providing material damage claims handling and analysis for insurance policies. Evaluating vehicle damage, writing estimates, and facilitating repairs while ensuring compliance and communication with stakeholders.

Posted 6/29/2026full-timeCulver City • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $36 - $48 per hourWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

This position supports the Auto Physical Damage Operation by providing material damage claims handling for insurance policies written by the Interinsurance Exchange in compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements.
The primary functions include analyzing and evaluating vehicle damage to assist in writing estimates, reviewing estimates, validating compliance and determining repair costs.
Communication with members, vehicle owners, body shops and others will be required pertaining to repair process and costs.
Works within specific limits and authority to resolve claims with well-defined procedures.
Work typically includes repairs and total loss estimation of moderate to significant complexity.
Utilize physical inspections to complete accurate and thorough estimates for vehicle repair that are compliant with company guidelines, industry standards and applicable laws and regulations.
Evaluation will include determining accident related damages and vehicle repairability.
As part of the estimating process, communicate and interact with a variety of individuals including insureds, claimants, repair facilities, internal claims staff and others.
Explain the claim process, repair process, coverage or policy language as applicable. This could be through verbal conversations or in writing, all while in compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.
Providing clear and concise documentation to support estimated damage via photos and detailed descriptions in claim files on company systems.
Negotiate within settlement authority to resolve claims. Including dispute resolution regarding repair costs and/or coverage.
Coordinate with internal departments
Respond quickly to customer needs and inquiries
Must be able to assist with Catastrophe duties as required
This position requires a higher degree of discretion and independent judgment in analysis and problem solving to effectively manage losses.
Determine policy obligations by assessing damage components of the loss.
Investigate and differentiate between allegations and facts in each loss.
Respond quickly and effectively to customer needs and problems.
Determine policy obligations by assessing the damage from the loss and comparing it to the facts of loss.
Independently resolve claim exposures within level of authority.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Associates Equivalent combination of education and experience Preferred
Vocational Equivalent combination of education and experience Preferred
Bachelors Equivalent combination of education and experience Preferred
4-6 years Claims experience Preferred
4-6 years Estimating experience Preferred
Advanced understanding of automotive repair processes, vehicle systems and damage assessment.
Ability to accurately estimate repair costs and a detailed understanding of estimating software platforms.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, general computer software and advanced line of business technical software skills required.
Excellent organization and planning recognition skills required
Excellent oral and written communication skills required
Interpersonal skills required
Customer service experience required
Judgment/Decision making. Ability to identify and resolve complex issues related to damage assessment and repair cost.
Commitment to continuous education
Must be flexible to assist on Catastrophe duty within the extended organization.
Valid Driver's License, acceptable Department of Motor Vehicles record and minimum liability insurance - Issued by State Required
Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series) - Automotive Service Excellence Industry certifications such as I-CAR Platinum or ASE Preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health coverage for medical, dental, vision
401(K) saving plans with company match AND Pension
Tuition assistance
Floating holidays and PTO for community volunteer programs
Paid parental leave
Wellness programs
Employee discounts (membership, insurance, travel, entertainment, services and more!)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Damage AssessmentRepair Cost EstimationRegulatory ComplianceDocumentation SkillsNegotiation Skills

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsJudgment/Decision MakingOrganization SkillsCustomer Service Skills

Certifications

Collision Repair & Refinish Certification TestsI-CAR Platinum CertificationASE Certification