Field Appraiser

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver an exceptional customer experience by adhering to company claim handling guidelines, response standards, and state compliance requirements.
• Establish and maintain proactive communication with customers throughout the repair process, providing timely updates and creating a frictionless claims experience.
• Inspect and evaluate damage to insured and third-party claimant vehicles in a timely manner.
• Determine whether vehicles are repairable or meet state requirements for total loss designation.
• Issue estimates, claim payments, and correspondence accurately and efficiently.
• Utilize estimating software and vehicle inspections to prepare accurate repair estimates.
• Audit repair facility estimates and negotiate agreed-upon repair costs that are fair and consistent with company standards.
• Review supplemental damage claims to ensure repairs are related to the loss and settled appropriately.
• Adhere to company guidelines regarding repair procedures, parts usage, discounts, and claims handling practices.
• Provide technical expertise and professional guidance to customers, repair facilities, agents, and internal business partners.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with insureds, claimants, agents, repair facilities, and company personnel.
• Represent Horace Mann professionally during customer and repair facility interactions.
• Stay current on evolving industry repair standards, technology, laws, and regulations.

Qualifications & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required state adjuster licenses.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing a territory.

Preferred

• 5+ years of experience in auto body repair, collision estimating, body shop operations, or field appraising.
• Experience with CCC estimating software.
• I-CAR certification and/or body shop training.
• Previous property damage claims experience.

Physical Requirements

• Daily travel throughout the assigned territory.
• Occasional extended travel within the territory as business needs require.
• Ability to kneel, stoop, bend, crawl, and climb while performing vehicle inspections.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to safely use tools such as pry bars and floor jacks during inspections.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $66,500.00 - $92,000.00/annually + bonus. Salary is commensurate to experience, location, etc.