Auto Damage Field Appraiser - Locations: Portland Or/Vancouver Wa

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Workplace: Remote ( #LI-Remote ) This is a field role requiring travel to conduct field-based vehicle inspections, including, but not limited to, repair facilities.
Job Details

• Start date: Monday, February 12, 2024
• Hiring Location: Applicants who wish to be considered for this role must reside in the Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington area.
• Hourly Pay: The base pay for this role is $28.80 per hour, per the minimum experience requirements as noted.
  • Compensation will be evaluated based on experience.
• Training: Fully paid training, including virtual and field-based training, up to 12 weeks.

Job Summary
Completes in-person or virtual vehicle inspections on repairable and/or total loss vehicles, establishes damages, and negotiates settlement of claims with customers and repair facilities. Reviews and adjusts estimates from repair facilities, either direct repair or non-direct repair, and subrogation claims. Negotiates settlement and manages rental on assigned claims. Works independently and/or collaboratively with Claim Owners to investigate coverage and liability on a case by case basis. Provides excellent service to internal and external customers. May be assigned as Claim Owner on Tier 1 claims.
Essential Job Functions

• Inspects and appraises damaged property and vehicles using claims estimating software and determines claims-related damage. Completes auto repair estimates or adjusts repair facility estimates. Manages repair process and adjusts auto repair supplements. Field CR's will be required to make critical decisions on repair vs replace in addition to total vs repair at all times. Issues payments on-site when appropriate.
• Completes vehicle total loss inspections/valuations. Explains total loss process and settles total loss claims when appropriate. Obtains total loss salvage release from policyholder or claimant and completes field clearing note before assigning to Salvage department, mitigating additional salvage storage costs.
• Interacts/collaborates directly with policyholders, claimants, agents, repair facilities and attorneys to set appointments, explain damages and the repair process, and set expectations. Effectively collaborates with claim owners for customer interaction and resolution strategy. Appropriate communication with all entities associated with the claim and the repair must be established and maintained at all times to ensure parts are available and ordered on time to keep the repair on schedule.
• Confirms, explains, and applies coverage, assists with rental management, determines and reports on subrogation potential, and fraud indicators, negotiates and issues claim payments.
• Serves as a mentor to less experienced adjusters, and demonstrates leadership skills in the workplace.
• Performs applicable administrative tasks (timekeeping, expense reports, etc.).
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred or an automotive-related Associate of Applied Science degree from an accredited technical college, or the experience described below.
• Outside insurance education, e.g., CPCU or GCA is preferred.

Experience Requirements

• 12 months of previous APD estimating experience required or consistent demonstration of technical proficiency
  • OR 12 months of previous Auto Body Estimating Experience is highly preferred.
• Intermediate knowledge of body and mechanical repair/replace operations.
• Proficient negotiating skills.
• Proficient in-person interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Proficient conflict resolution skills.
• Proficient critical thinking skills.
• Actively pursuing I-CAR Pro designation and other technical education.

Physical Environment & Actions
Physical Environment:

• This role is performed in the field and a home office environment, and will include normal and customary distractions, noise, and interruptions with exposure to some or all of the following environments when in the field: Uncontrolled outside environmental conditions, Excessive Noise Levels, Chemicals Chemical/Biological Conditions, Moving Mechanical Parts, Areas considered to be dangerous Conditions, which could affect the respiratory system or skin such as fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, oils, smoke, soot, or poor ventilation.

Physical Actions:

• Sits or stands for extended periods, up to a full work shift.
• Occasionally reaches overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.
• Occasionally moves, lifts, carries, and places objects and supplies weighing 0-10 pounds without assistance.
• Listens to, interprets, and differentiates auditory information (e.g. others speaking) at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Visually verifies and reads information.
• Visually locate material, resources, and other objects. Ability to continuously operate a computer for extended periods, up to a full work shift.
• Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and other office equipment up to a full work shift.

Benefits

• Farmers offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, qualifications and location.
  o WA Only: $26.35 - $47.06
• Bonus Opportunity (based on Company and Individual Performance)
• 401(k)
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Assistance
• For more information, review "What we offer" on https://www.farmers.com/careers/corporate/#offer

Job Location(s): Portland, OR, Vancouver, WA
Want to learn more about our culture & opportunities? Check out www.Farmers.com/careers/corporate and be sure to follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.