Field Auto Appraiser - Big Rapids/Mount Pleasant, Michigan Area

Location: Big Rapids/Mount Pleasant, Michigan Territory

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm ET

About the role

A highly skilled Field Auto Appraiser responsible for inspecting, evaluating, and determining repair or total loss values for complex vehicle damage claims in the field. Operates with minimal supervision and is entrusted with a high degree of independent authority to resolve technically challenging and high-severity claims. Demonstrates advanced expertise in vehicle construction, damage analysis, repair methodologies, and estimating systems. Acts as a subject matter expert, making sound, timely decisions while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and cost efficiency. Effectively negotiates with repair facilities, customers, and vendors, and provides guidance on complex technical issues, policy interpretation, and claim resolution strategies.

Responsibilities

• Review assigned claims
• Contact the insured and other affected parties
• Set expectations for the remainder of the claim process
• Initiate documentation in the claim handling system
• Complete complex coverage analysis
• Ensure all possible policyholder benefits are identified
• Create additional sub-claims if needed
• Complete an investigation of the facts regarding the claim to determine if the claim should be paid, the applicable limits or exclusions, and possible recovery potential
• Conduct thorough reviews of damages and determine the applicability of state law and other factors related to the claim
• Evaluate the financial value of the loss
• Approve payments for the appropriate parties accordingly
• Refer claims to other company units when necessary (e.g., Underwriting, Recovery Units, or Claims Special Investigation Unit)
• Thoroughly document and/or code the claim file and complete all claim closure and related activities in the assigned claims management system
• Utilize strong negotiating skills
• Handle complex claims involving settling Total Losses, inspecting vehicles, and preparing estimates of damage
• If in the DRS Examiner role, manage Direct Repair Shops for compliance with our program
• Determine cause of damage, establish liability, and identify subrogation potential
• Monitor repairs and approve car rental expenses
• Oversee APD Litigation cases
• Manage the litigation process including attorney and budget management, participation in mediation activities, and determining the appropriate settlement position
• May assist Claim Manager with file reviews and training

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Complete ACG Claim Representative Training Program or demonstrate equivalent knowledge or experience
• In states where an Adjuster’s license is required, must be eligible to acquire a State Adjuster’s license within 90 days of hire and maintain as specified for appropriate state
• Must have a valid State Driver's License

Qualifications

• Three years of experience or equivalent training in the following:
  • Negotiation of claim settlements
  • Securing and evaluating evidence
  • Preparing manual and electronic estimates
  • Subrogation claims
  • Resolving coverage questions
  • Taking statements
  • Establishing clear evaluation and resolution plans for claims
• Knowledge of:
  • Essential Insurance Act (Michigan)
  • Fair Trade Practices Act as it relates to claims
  • Subrogation procedures and processes
  • Intercompany arbitration
  • Handling simple litigation
  • Negligence Law
  • No-Fault Law
  • Collision repair techniques

Skills

• Handle claims to the line Claim Handling Standards
• Follow and apply ACG Claim policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Work within assigned ACG Claim systems including basic PC software
• Perform basic claim file review and investigations
• Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written)
• Demonstrate customer service skills by building and maintaining relationships with insured/claimants while exhibiting understanding of their problems and responding to questions and concerns
• Analyze and solve problems while demonstrating sound decision-making skills
• Prioritize claim-related functions
• Process time-sensitive data and information from multiple sources
• Manage time, organize, and plan workload and responsibilities
• Safely operate a motor vehicle in order to visit repair facilities, homes (for inspections), patients, etc.
• Research, analyze, and interpret subrogation laws in various states
• Travel outside of assigned territory which may involve overnight stay
• Relocate, work evenings or weekends

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Insurance, or a related field or the equivalent in related work experience
• Completion of the Insurance Institute of America's:
  • General Insurance Program
  • Associate in Claims
  • Associate in Management or equivalent
• CPCU coursework or designation
• I-Car ProLevel training
• CCC training
• XACTware Training

Work Environment

This position is currently able to work remotely from a home office location for day-to-day operations unless occasional travel for meetings, collaborative activities, or team-building activities is specified by leadership. This is subject to change based on amendments and/or modifications to the ACG Flex Work policy.

Pay

Competitive annual salary of $75,000-$85,000, along with the opportunity for an annual company bonus incentive.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Medical plans with multiple coverage options, including HSA eligibility
• Prescription drug coverage
• Dental and vision benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential support services)

Financial Protection & Insurance

• Company-paid basic life insurance
• Optional supplemental life insurance and dependent coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Critical illness, accident, and pet insurance options

Retirement & Savings

• 401(k) plan to support long-term financial goals
• 3% automatic deferral upon eligibility; may contribute 1% to 50% of eligible earnings, either pre or post tax
• Company match of 50% paid on employee contributions up to 6% of pay, payable to employees following the end of the year; immediate vesting
• Additional company contribution of 4% of pay each pay day into your account; 100% vested after three (3) years of service
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options

Time Off & Leave

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual-based, increases with tenure, eligible at 90 days of employment
• Full-time new employees will receive up to 12 PTO days annually; accrual based on start date and may include additional PTO based on role and/or state & local requirements
• Part-time employee PTO hours are calculated based upon the standard weekly hours the employee is scheduled to work and will accrue at a minimum of 3 hours per month
• Paid holidays:
  • Full-time employees are eligible for 10 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day, 2 floating holidays, and 1 volunteer day
  • Part-time employees are eligible for 8 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day and 2 floating holidays
• Paid leave programs, including parental, bereavement, jury duty, and military leave

Career Growth & Education

• Tuition assistance (up to $5,250 annually; 80% covered by ACG)
• Professional certification support with 100% reimbursement for eligible programs
• Opportunities for career development and advancement

Additional Perks

• Complimentary AAA membership with roadside assistance and travel discounts
• Adoption assistance program