This role will focus on serving Temple City, Alhambra, and surrounding areas

If you are passionate about helping people restore their lives when the unexpected happens, and providing the best experience, then our Mercury Insurance Claims team could be the place for you! We offer dynamic and challenging opportunities to those who want to make a meaningful impact.

Under general supervision, as an Auto Appraiser Sr. you will travel to various locations in your assigned territory to inspect and evaluate physical damage to vehicles for first and third-party claims. You will assess the current market value and estimate the cost of repair.

At Mercury, we believe in nurturing growth, making time to have fun, and working together to make great things happen.

Responsibilities:

• Ensures equitable settlement of damages and maintains good customer service and shop relations. Inspects and evaluates the degree of physical damage to vehicles for first and third-party claims; completes detailed summary of damage and estimates cost of repair based on knowledge of equipment, parts, and present values.

• Presents estimates and reaches agreed upon price with repair facility and confirms assessment of damages and costs; negotiates settlements with related parties, as necessary. Researches total cash value of vehicle and parts by gathering and analyzing current market information to support total losses settlements.

• Takes photographs of vehicles and physical damage to aid in the determination of liability and to substantiate findings; submits compliant reports and documentation. Performs re-inspections and authorizes supplemental repairs as necessary to ensure quality service and thorough restoration of damage.

• Maintains communication with clients throughout repair process; reports initial evaluation and summary of damage, explains relevant procedures, responds to customer inquiries; provides complete, courteous, and timely customer service. 

• Stays updated on current vehicle values, industry and market trends, and Company policy and procedures.

Education:

Minimum:

• High School Diploma or GED. 

• 6 months technical training.

• You may be required to obtain a Company sponsored Adjuster’s license to handle claims, to be secured upon hire.

Preferred: 

• Advanced technical automotive repair training/certification.

• Bachelor’s Degree.

Experience:

Minimum: 

• 2 years auto appraising experience.

• Knowledge of Mitchell or CCC.

Preferred:

• Body or mechanical repair facility management experience. 

Skills & Abilities

Minimum: 

• Collaborates with the Claims Branch staff to confirm coverage, determine available limits, identify possible fraudulent activity, and obtain settlement approval. 

• Comprehensive knowledge of Company procedures and insurance contracts.

• Solid understanding of automobile components, current values, and repair estimating practices to resolve and settle physical damage claims. 

• A general knowledge of automotive repair including mechanical, sheet metal, paint and frame repair is beneficial.

• Technical skills to read and understand frame and alignment specifications. 

• Strong analytical ability to make complex, accurate assessments of damage and repairability.

• Possessing a knowledge of current estimating software such as Mitchell or CCC is recommended.

• Able to communicate effectively and professionally to insured’s, claimants, attorneys, etc. in explaining the estimation and repair process while negotiating fair settlements with repair facilities.

• Acting with initiative and passion, balancing decisiveness, and attention to detail, to drive results while working independently and under minimum supervision.

• Requires organizational and time management skills to complete field assignments in a timely and accurate manner (automobile travel up to 50%).

• Position includes use of a Company car in compliance with the Company Vehicle Use and Rules agreement. 

• Must meet established Company standards regarding personal driving history and current license status to be eligible for position.

Preferred:

• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity by seeking out efficiencies through process improvement or technology. 

• Take ownership of any process they can improve. 

• Assumes positive intent in all interactions. 

• Seeks growth within and beyond this role.