Physical damage appraiser job description

At EMC, you'll put your skills to good use as an important member of our team. You can count on gaining valuable experience while contributing to the company's success. EMC strives to hire and retain the best people by engaging, developing and rewarding employees.
Essential Functions:
Investigates and evaluates minor to moderately complex claims and losses through the following:Reviews the loss notice and policy to verify coverage, deductibles, loss payee/mortgagees and verify date of loss to policy periods Evaluates repair shop and independent appraiser estimates to determine accuracy. Writes accurate repair estimates. Determines cost of repairs. Drafts and issues payments Reviews bills, invoices and receipts for accuracy and issue payments accordingly Evaluates photos to determine if damages are consistent with loss or prior unrelated damages and writes repair estimates.Evaluates vehicle values and repair costs to establish repair ability versus total loss Evaluates supplemental requests for additional repairs and processes them according to EMC guidelines and issues payments based on review.Assists in resolving questions of coverage, determination of liability, and the value of claims by the claims adjusting staff or underwriters Evaluates repair times to determine length and cost of rentals to control indemnity costs Provides prompt detailed responses to vehicle owners, agents, and claims adjusting staff to ensure a positive claim experience for our customers Investigates and evaluates minor to moderately complex claims and losses through the following:Reviews the loss notice and policy to verify coverage, deductibles, loss payee/mortgagees and verify date of loss to policy periods Evaluates repair shop and independent appraiser estimates to determine accuracy. Writes accurate repair estimates. Determines cost of repairs. Drafts and issues payments Reviews bills, invoices and receipts for accuracy and issue payments accordingly Evaluates photos to determine if damages are consistent with loss or prior unrelated damages and writes repair estimates.Evaluates vehicle values and repair costs to establish repair ability versus total loss Evaluates supplemental requests for additional repairs and processes them according to EMC guidelines and issues payments based on review.Assists in resolving questions of coverage, determination of liability, and the value of claims by the claims adjusting staff or underwriters Evaluates repair times to determine length and cost of rentals to control indemnity costs Provides prompt detailed responses to vehicle owners, agents, and claims adjusting staff to ensure a positive claim experience for our customers Requests police reports. Responds to questions from the insureds, claimants, and agents. Makes recommendations for vehicle inspections based on estimate and damages.Evaluates depreciation if applicable and assesses value. Authorizes supplemental repairs and payment. Evaluates and pays independent appraiser invoices.Assists and participates in recovery efforts to catastrophe storm situations. Performs special projects as requested. Reviews files for subrogation. Assists in small claim suits, mediations, and arbitrations.

Education & Experience:
High school diploma or equivalency Two years auto repair and/or property claims experience Multiple state insurance adjuster and appraiser licenses required within 6 months of hire

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Current technical knowledge of auto collision repair techniques and standards Strong knowledge of state statutes Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution and negotiation abilities Good knowledge of personal computers, electronic estimatics software and the use of reference manuals relevant to this field of work Excellent customer service skills Strong organizational and written and verbal communication skills

Our employment practices are in accord with the laws which prohibit discrimination due to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, active military status, citizenship status, marital status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

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Note: Company vehicle provided.

BUILD YOUR FUTURE, WHILE PROTECTING THEIRS.

You will be challenged. Rewarded. And valued for your unique experience, background and perspective.
Join a team where hard work pays off and original thinking is celebrated. As you build your future at Westfield, you will quickly learn that protecting our customer's future is at the heart of what we do. We deliver on our promise to help restore lives and rebuild businesses when the unexpected happens. Building relationships has been a part of our culture since 1848.

Be a part of a team that recognizes and appreciates those who take initiative, seek opportunity and strive for innovation in a changing world.

Auto Physical Damage Appraiser - Field Job Summary

Works within specific limits and authority on automobile physical damage (APD) and specialty equipment claims typically requiring physical inspection within assigned territory. Appraises, analyzes, negotiates and settles auto physical damage (APD) and specialty equipment claims typically requiring physical inspection while delivering quality customer service in a high volume, low to moderate technical complexity work environment. Required to participate on short notice and travel for catastrophe response operations.

Westfield Auto Claims resolves first and third party personal and commercial auto claims involving auto physical damage, specialty loss equipment, and auto-related injury claims.

Essential Functions (primary functions and/or reasons the job exists in order of importance)

Claim File Quality - Resolves Auto Physical Damage (APD) claims, including specialty equipment, with insureds and claimants within assigned territory. Demonstrates thorough understanding of auto physical damage and specialty equipment, and evaluates the merits of assigned claims. Appraises assigned claims using approved estimation methods, determines damages, and negotiates settlements with vendor/insured/claimant. Customer Service - Ensures customer service excellence. Responsible for the customer, agent and claims professional experience associated with assigned claims. Investigation - Investigates to obtain relevant facts concerning damages, including fraud and prior damage. Within decision-making authority, effectively negotiates and obtains agreed repair prices and/or total loss settlement figures with insureds, claimants, and repair facilities. Damages - Physically inspects and determines actual cash value and salvage value of total loss units. Assists with disposition of auto salvage. Determines appropriate use of used and/or aftermarket parts, and researches appropriate markets for availability of these parts. Establishes and/or recommends proper reserves for each claim, based upon thorough investigation, evaluation, and past experience. Communication - Maintains effective and ongoing communications with insureds, claimants, agents, attorneys, other insurance companies, claims professionals, vendors, and repair facilities. Makes personal contact with involved parties to inspect damage as needed. Storm/Travel - Travels often within assigned territory regardless of location including regular use of assigned fleet vehicle in order to inspect vehicles/equipment, prepare vehicle damage estimates, and settle vehicle claims. May travel on short notice to participate on catastrophe storm team duty. Leader Assistance - May assist leader with reinspections and/or training of other claims professionals. May also act as liaison with insureds, claimants, agents, attorneys, other insurance companies, representatives, vendors, company employees, and repair facilities.


Desired Qualifications/Experience/Certification/Education (in order of importance)

2 or more years auto physical damage claims handling or auto repair industry experience. 2 or more years of experience writing auto estimates using estimation software (e.g. Xactimate, Mitchell, CCC, Audatex). Experience working with customers and/or insureds. Experience using a claims management system e.g. Guidewire or diary management system to accurately document file activities. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the company. Experience with Microsoft Windows, Outlook, and Excel or transferable software packages. Holds and maintains appropriate adjuster licensing and certification(s) in assigned territories and will obtain additional licensing based upon business needs. I-CAR or similar industry certification High school diploma, GED or demonstrated commensurate experience. Ability to travel, including overnight business trips as needed. Valid driver's license and a driving record that conforms to company standards.


Physical Requirements (specific to the role)

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Ability to work effectively in an office environment for 40+ hours per week (including sitting, standing and working on a computer for extended periods of time). Ability to communicate effectively in a collaborative work environment utilizing various technologies such as: telephone, computer, web, voice, teleconferencing, e-mail etc. Ability to travel as required. Ability to operate an automobile within the parameters of the driving policy. Ability to drive for extended periods of time, under a variety of conditions, including night driving. Ability to physically inspect damaged property and/or loss locations.


This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management.

Westfield offers a Total Rewards program that focuses on compensation, benefits and wellness, and includes perks like 401(k), pension plan, annual incentive, education reimbursement, flex-time, onsite fitness center and casual dress. Work-life balance, recognition, and learning and career development are all part of a rewarding career with Westfield.

To learn more about Westfield and the opportunities available, please visit us at westfieldinsurance.com.

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We are an equal opportunity employer/minority/female/disability/protected veteran.