Material Damage Virtual Estimator - Remote (Northeast Only)

Licensed NY Auto Damage Appraiser required. Additional state licenses welcome but not required.

Minimum of 3 years of relevant estimating experience including virtual estimating.

Experience in using auto estimating software (i.e. CCC, Audatex, Mitchell).

Please note, employment can only be offered to residents in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont.

At Preferred, we understand the importance of holistic health. To meet the diverse needs of our employees, we offer a comprehensive set of benefits:

Financial

• Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage are provided at no cost
• Optional benefits include enhanced life insurance and critical illness plans
• 401k plan with an employer contribution that you will receive regardless of your own contribution to the plan
• Pension Plan
• Certain positions may also be eligible for short-term incentive plans.

Social

• Generous paid time off, offering of 25 days at hire (prorated based on start date for the first year)
• 7 days of paid sick leave
• 10 paid company holidays
• Personalized paid time off after 3 years!

Emotional

• Access to Modern Health, a provider of accessible, personalized mental health care

Physical

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options begin on the first day of employment.
• Flex Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts (with employer contribution) are available based on the medical plan you choose

YOUR PURPOSE AND FUNCTION IN OUR COMPANY:

The Material Damage Virtual Estimator’s main responsibility will be to evaluate, negotiate, and settle assigned claims. In addition to this, they will build relationships with the internal claims team, field team, vehicle owners and body shops to provide superior customer service throughout the claims process. The Virtual Estimator will be accountable for the processes and metrics outlined by the Material Damage Claims Manager.

The Material Damage Virtual Estimator will:

• Be responsible for contacting the customer, explaining the virtual appraisal process and writing the auto appraisals for both repairable and total losses via virtual inspection.
• Complete desk reviews, reinspections, and aid in the claim investigation as needed.

• Promptly handle assigned losses.

• Control indemnity and expense through the virtual inspection of losses and consistently writing fair and accurate appraisals.
• Provide outstanding customer service and exude a highly professional attitude.
• Ensure proper file documentation and reporting.
• Identify potentially fraudulent claims and report them to the SIU and the inside claim handler, and work to support any additional investigation necessary.
• Provide or facilitate answers to any questions relating to the appraisal or repair process.
• Handle or dispatch supplement requests as needed.
• Provide assistance to staff appraisers with supplements and workload as necessary to help team members.
• Work with Claims Leadership and other teams to achieve departmental and corporate goals.
• Support the Claims and Corporate Mission, Vision, and Value Proposition.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed NY Auto Damage Appraiser required. Additional state licenses welcome but not required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant estimating experience including virtual estimating.
• Experience in using auto estimating software (i.e. CCC, Audatex, Mitchell).
• Industry designations/technical certifications preferred, but not required (i.e. I-CAR).
• Light truck/Heavy Equipment estimating experience preferred, but not required.
• Superior knowledge and understanding of auto body repair techniques, terminology, and vehicle construction.
• Strong understanding of the insurance policies offered by the company.
• Strong understanding of NY Reg 64, unfair claims practices and insurance regulations.

KEY CAPABILITIES FOR SUCCESS:

• Engaging and outgoing personality, with a passion for helping customers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Able to work independently with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in both verbal and written form.
• Exhibit the solid negotiation skills to necessary to reach agree repair figures with body shop personnel.
• Ability to handle complex and/or uncommon damage scenarios.
• Self-motivated and pursues opportunities for self-improvement and the advancement of the unit, department, and Enterprise.

• Supportive of continued process improvement as well as the achievement of stated goals and objectives.

ABOUT US:

As a mutual company, we are independent by nature, so we think about insurance solutions a little differently. Through listening, problem solving, examining your challenges, and collaborating on the right solutions for you, Preferred Mutual independent agents provide flexible solutions and adapt to your evolving needs. We are People First - committed to creating an environment that fosters the success and well-being of all our people; when our people thrive, our business and communities thrive. We have a flexible and high performing work environment offering opportunities for professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. We also offer a dog in the workplace policy for our canine co-workers. With Preferred, there are no surprises. You can count on us to deliver on our promises and be there when you need us, as your insurance provider and your employer. Preferred Mutual is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

DISCLAIMER:

This role (job) description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification. The duties described are not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive to any specific employee. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Nothing in this position description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between Preferred Mutual Insurance Company and its employees.

The base pay range for this position is $58,500 to $73,000 paid on a salaried basis. The rate offered to any candidate will be reflective of the candidate’s experience and any relevant education, certification, or qualifications related to their ability to perform the responsibilities of this position as permitted by law.