Careers at Travelers
  « Back to search

Field Auto Damage Appraiser-Los Angeles, CA Job

Date: Nov 21, 2009

Location: Diamond Bar, CA, US

Job Title: Field Auto Damage Appraiser-Los Angeles, CA
Job ID: 791655
Location: CA-Diamond Bar

Available Openings: 1

Committed. Competitive. Constructing our Future.

That's Travelers. We are one of the leading insurance companies in the United States. Our superior financial strength and consistent record of strong operating returns mean security for our customers - and opportunities for our employees. You will find Travelers to be full of energy, and a workplace in which you truly can make a difference.

Location: Los Angeles, CA
This is a home based position

SUMMARY:
Timely, quality inspection and evaluation of damaged vehicles to determine loss value.

Key duties include vehicle damage assessment, total loss determination, claim valuation and ACV negotiation.

Provide a high level of customer service throughout the claim process

Contact and establish rapport with all appropriate parties to obtain relevant information necessary to provide a high quality appraisal

Maintain productivity by handling a workload consistent with current workload standards and assisting in other areas as needed

Comply with established time frame standards

Recognize subrogation and salvage opportunities as well as potential fraud issues and refer to the appropriate level.

Promptly inspect vehicles to determine the nature and extent of damages. Prepare damage estimates using company provided automated estimating systems. Evaluate damages through proper use of cost-containment tools. Recognize subrogation and salvage opportunities, as well as potential fraud and refer to the appropriate level.

- Provide effective communication and customer service to all external and internal customers.
- Demonstrate proficiency in estimating, investigation, evaluation and negotiation of 1st and 3rd party Auto claims.
- Provide all lines of business and departments, i.e., Property, Boat and Yacht, Inland Marine, Public Sector, etc., with inspection and investigation assistance as needed, including Catastrophe response.
- Identify and coordinate with appropriate claim resources on coverage issues, subrogation, salvage, and potential fraud opportunities to achieve optimum final claim resolution.
- Assist management by participating in the development of new and inexperienced field Auto claim staff.

PRIMARY DUTIES:
Handle auto physical damage claims on first party, and third party claims involving clear liability, with authority generally up to $25,000.
Assist and monitor DRP program within assigned territory. Comply with all insurance department regulations and applicable laws within assigned jurisdiction.
Evaluate and determine ACVs on all TTL loss vehicles. Contact first party vehicle owners in 24 hours to negotiate, settle and move TTL loss vehicles to predetermined storage free areas.
Where liability has been predetermined, negotiate and settle property damage claims to eliminate storage fees. Assist in special projects.
Complete auto appraisals and auto reinspections to assure accurate payments are made to customers and claimants.
Assist in identifying quality repair shops for the DRP program.
Comply with guidelines established by claim department for cost containment including use of LKQ parts, certified aftermarket parts and cash allowances for minor damages.
Customer service contact in order to give, receive or exchange information:
Daily: Insured (Policyholders), Claimants and Potential Customers
Monthly: Agents/Brokers/Insurance Consultants and Counterparts in other firms
Quarterly: Personnel Outside Work Unit
Yearly: External Legal Professionals and Professional Associations
Some travel may be required to assist with catastrophe losses or other situations as determined by the company.
Attend training classes as required to maintain technical expertise

Provide interpersonal, verbal and written communications that promote providing a secure, respected and cared for experience for our customers.

Ensure optimum file outcome on assigned claims.
- Effectively manage work assignments and promptly travel to location of vehicle/equipment.
- Execute prompt and immediate contact with vehicle/equipment owners to inspect loss, provide claim direction, exchange information, negotiate, settle and move vehicles/equipment as appropriate.
- Actively support Auto Business Plans such as Concierge, Direct Repair and GO programs.
- Achieve and maintain appropriate technical expertise, certifications and regulatory required licenses through successful completion of company and industry classes and training.

Establish the physical damage claim value of assigned losses.
- Prepare and document accurate vehicle/equipment damage appraisals, Actual Cash and Replacement values according to insurance department regulations, Auto Best Practices and Appraisal Technical Resource Guide.
- Utilize technical expertise and information gathering to accurately determine physical claim value of claims using company recognized resources, estimating and evaluation software.
- Achieve authorization to initiate payment to the customer or provide settlement amount to the assigned Claim Representative for payment. This may include presentation of facts gathered to appropriate leadership, depending on settlement amount and authority level.

Partner with internal resources throughout the life of the claim. Resources could include Property, Auto, Auto Liability, Subrogation, SIU and other internal resources appropriate to the specific claim type. Partnership from initial investigation through final recovery to ensure appropriate claim resolution and pursuit of alternative recovery sources.

In collaboration with Claim management provide on the job training and assist in the development of new and inexperienced field Auto claim staff (inside and outside).

Comply with all insurance department regulations and applicable laws.

The following duties are concurrent with those listed above:
- Appropriately control claim values, including loss of use and rental reimbursement, through use of cost containment tools.
- Provide operational intelligence to Travelers business partners through accurate data reporting.
- Maintain continuous and effective communication with customers, Agents, Claim Staff and related business partners on assigned claims.
- Occasional overnight travel for training and inspections on first and third party claims as assigned.
- Occasional Catastrophe Duty, including other offices and states may be required.
- Accurate and timely reporting of overtime, travel expenses, time off, special project, etc. as required.

EDUCATION/COURSE OF STUDY:
College or Technical School Degree strongly preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE:
- 2 - 5 years related appraisal experience, preferably with an insurance company.

- Strong technical background including extensive knowledge of auto repair and repair techniques, including thorough understanding of auto terminology and construction, knowledge of claims appraisal systems and overall claim operations, Windows proficiency, including Excel and Word.

OTHER:
Solid communication skills are required to interact competently with internal and external customers.
Computer skills
Excellent communication, organizational and customer service skills
Be able to work with a diverse customer base
Handle various tasks simultaneously
Valid Driver's License and good driving record
Basic computer proficiency
Technical background in automobile repair and/or appraisal preferred
Bilingual candidates in Spanish and English a plus.

- Ability to provide on the job training and development of Auto claim staff.

- Advanced mathematical and computer proficiency skills.

- Ability to promptly travel, with little or no advance notice, demonstrating effective planning, expense and cost control skills.

- Understanding of Privacy Act when dealing with personal and confidential information.

- Ability to remain current on jurisdictional laws and regulations, and communicating compliance requirements to other claim staff as appropriate.
- Commitment to continuous education.
- Demonstrated ownership attitude and customer centric response to all assigned tasks.
- Professional License, Registration, or Certificate is required to hold this position depending upon state regulations.
- Valid driver-s license and good driving record.
- I-CAR Gold Class Professional level in Collision Repair preferred.

- Executes Business Strategy at the desk level
- Drives Results
- Maximizes Individual and Organizational Performance
- Communicates Effectively and Influences Others
- Leads Change
- Exhibits Courage, Conviction, and Credibility
- Applies Critical Thinking
- Accountability
- Promotes Enterprise Culture
- Creates and Sustains a Dynamic Workplace
AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT:
Must be able to stoop, bend, crouch and climb, to ensure full vehicle damage assessment.
Must be able to drive for extended periods of time.

Travelers is an equal opportunity employer. We actively promote a drug-free workplace.


Nearest Major Market: Los Angeles
Job Segments: Claims, Insurance


Apply now »

Find similar jobs:  CA Claims Jobs, California Insurance Jobs, California Legal Jobs, Claims Jobs, Diamond Bar CA Claims Jobs

« Back to search