Auto Physical Damage Appraiser I

Location: Ideal candidate will be located in Iowa.

Settles physical damage auto claims of minor to moderate complexity with insureds and claimants. Performs audits on repair estimates and prepares cost effective physical damage estimates. Negotiates repair figures with repair facilities, vehicle owners, and other interested parties. Analyze coverages, set reserves, and issues payments based on repair cost.    

Essential Functions:

• 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 issues 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

• Analyzes and set adequate reserves to cover exposure based on EMC's reserving philosophy and the complexity of their claims to establish a dollar amount

• Prepares damage estimates using CCC estimating software and CCC photo link software

• Negotiates claim settlement with insureds, claimants, and attorneys

• Negotiates agreed repair price with repair facility

• Issues payments within check authority

• 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 or related 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