Primary Purpose:
Responsible for creating a comprehensive estimate of damages for 1st and 3rd party material damage claims leading to the proper disposition of claims. Study and successfully complete any required training including but not limited to company prepared training programs, outside courses as deemed appropriate and on-the-job training. There is close supervisory review of ongoing progress and results of work.
This position is field based and will cover the Van Nuys, CA territory.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time.
- Create an estimate of damages for 1st and 3rd party material damage
- Inspect damaged property and complete appropriate estimates and documentation
- Work toward claim resolution by maintaining regulatory compliance and fair claims practices within their authority
- Summarize claims in excess of authority and submit to manager for approval
- Maintain relations with both internal and external customers
- Negotiate settlements, make settlement payments and document all activities in the file
- Identify potential subrogation and fraud referral opportunities and refer to the appropriate representatives when potential exists
- Stay informed of changes in the collision repair industry as well as statutory and regulatory changes as they relate to material damage and communicate these changes to other claims personnel
- Performs other duties as directed
Trainee
- All of the above duties and responsibilities
Level I
- All of the above duties and responsibilities
- Serve as a mentor for other field claims representatives
- Assist with file reviews and file audits as needed
Level II or Senior
- All of the above duties and responsibilities
- Assist with any special projects
- Possess the skill set and ability to perform CAT related duties, including the travel required for this duty
Senior
- Receive claim assignments and verify/investigate coverage and document all appropriate information with very limited Supervisory involvement
- May inspect damaged property during an investigation
- May work with attorneys in resolving serious and complex lawsuits which may mean: conduct negotiations and settlements within authority level, track and document the quality of service provided by defense counsel and manage litigation and recovery costs, and assist manager with research of complex issues and development of defense strategies on litigated files
- May assist in training and development of other team members or serve as a mentor for others
- May assist with file reviews and audits
- Proficient and able to train others in using all systems and technology used within the company
- May be required to make personal appearances on behalf of the company when requested
- May also assist manager with preparing reports and completing projects
Minimum Skills and Competencies:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Bachelor’s Degree or in-lieu of degree equivalent education, training and work-related experience in any combination of the areas: automobile estimates, collision repair and/or insurance environment
- Must possess valid driver licensing and continuing education to keep license current
- Ability to obtain and maintain adjuster licenses as required
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Ability to operate electronic devices including computers, cameras and cell phones
- Possess effective interpersonal skills
- Possess effective negotiation skills
- Ability to problem solve, resolve conflicts and empathize with customers
- Possess effective skills in time management, organization, the ability to work under pressure, adhere to project deadlines and remain flexible in a changing environment
- Ability to travel up to 10%
- Must possess effective verbal and written communication skills
Trainee
- All of the above minimum skills and competencies
Level I
- All of the above minimum skills and competencies
- Possess basic knowledge of material damage
Level II
- All of the above minimum skills and competencies
- Must possess knowledge of estimatics software (Mitchell/CCC/Audatex, etc.)
- Possess 3+ years of experience as a material damage estimator either in the insurance industry or the collision repair industry
Senior
- All of the above minimum skills and competencies
- Must possess knowledge of estimatics software (Mitchell/CCC/Audatex, etc.)
- Possess 3+ years of experience as a material damage estimator either in the insurance industry or the collision repair industry
Desired Skills:
- At Trainee Level Possess knowledge of estimatics software (Mitchell/CCC/Audatex, etc.)
- Successful completion of one or more of the industry related courses or workshops: I-CAR training, structural damage analysis, steering and suspension, RV and heavy equipment and/or ASE
- Possess 1+ years (Level I) or 2+ years (Level II) or 5+ years (Senior) of experience as a material damage estimator either in the insurance industry or the collision repair industry
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