Sr. Auto Appraiser - Field

At USAA, our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service and trusted advice. We seek to be the #1 choice for the military community and their families. Embrace a fulfilling career where our core values – honesty, integrity, loyalty and service – define how we treat each other and our members. Be part of what truly makes us special and impactful. We are proud to support active-duty military spouses with remote or hybrid flexibility consistent with applicable policy and business needs.

About the role

As a Sr. Auto Appraiser – Field, you will investigate, negotiate, evaluate, and appraise vehicle damage claims for both repairable and total loss vehicles to ensure estimate accuracy in compliance with state laws and regulations. This field-based role is located in the Pennsylvania area, covering Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Allentown, Scranton, or Meadville. You will deliver exceptional member service through setting appropriate expectations, proactive communications, advice, and empathy.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and appraise highly complex auto physical damage claims using digital tools, in accordance with contract terms, corporate guidelines, and state laws.
• Investigate claim damages by communicating with insured members, internal claims adjusters, and third-party vendors, including face-to-face interactions.
• Review facts of loss and vehicle damage to identify subrogation opportunities and ensure all supporting documentation is in the claim file.
• Apply advanced knowledge of P&C insurance industry products, services, contracts, and internal processes to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policy provisions.
• Review claims and suppliers for fraud indicators and refer to the Special Investigations Unit as needed.
• Maintain accurate and current claim file documentation throughout the claims process for complex claims.
• Maintain high productivity standards through effective desk management, timely follow-ups, and accurate mapping of repair plans and timelines.
• Review additional damages from repair facilities to complete supplements or triage to field provider inspection methods.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for disputed claims or trials and assist team members with escalated routine issues.
• Partner with vendors and internal business partners to facilitate resolution of high-complexity claims, including external regulatory coordination.
• Proactively provide policyholders with information about their coverage, repair estimates, total loss valuations, and claims/repair processes while setting appropriate expectations.
• Support workload surges and catastrophe (CAT) response operations, including mandatory on-call dates and potential evening, weekend, or holiday work.
• May be assigned CAT deployment travel with minimal notice during designated events.
• Handle various types of claims, including those of higher complexity, and perform additional duties as needed.
• Identify, measure, monitor, and control risks associated with business activities in accordance with risk and compliance policies.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• 2 years of auto appraising experience.
• Proficient knowledge of P&C insurance policy contracts, auto parts distribution processes, and claim appraisal procedures.
• Advanced working knowledge of estimating losses using CCC or similar estimating platforms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with members, claimants, repair facilities, and other stakeholders.
• Acquisition and maintenance of an insurance adjuster license within 90 days and 3 attempts.

Qualifications

• US military experience gained through military service or as a military spouse/domestic partner.
• I-CAR certification.

Physical Demand Requirements

• Ability to operate a company vehicle within the assigned territory.
• Ability to reach, handle, squat, bend, climb, and kneel as needed for vehicle inspections.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
• Exposure to body shop and/or salvage yard environments up to 25% of the time.
• Must meet USAA safe driving requirements, including a valid driver’s license and verification of driving record through MVR.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $63,590 - $121,530. Licensed positions require a background check, including criminal history, education, employment verification, and a credit check consistent with applicable laws. USAA does not provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) and pension plans.
• Life insurance and parental benefits.
• Adoption assistance.
• Paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours.
• Various wellness programs.
• Career path planning and continuing education to support professional goals.