Auto Claims Appraiser (Remote within LA / Santa Monica / Van Nuys
Date: Oct 5, 2024
Location: Los Angeles, CA, US, 90001
Company: Wawanesa Insurance
Job ID: 8553
We’re proud to give our employees the flexibility to choose how and where they want to work. In this role, you will decide whether your preference is to work from home (remote), work from the office or a hybrid of time spent at both; however, you must live near the work site/territory and able to travel by ground as much as necessary. You may live and work in any state where Wawanesa currently operates in the U.S. or a state the company has the ability to run payroll. Please check with the Recruiter to determine if your remote work location is allowed.
Wawanesa Insurance offers property and casualty insurance in California and Oregon. We’ve been serving our members since 1975 when The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company of Canada obtained a license to sell insurance in California.
We are delighted to share that Wawanesa Insurance is now a subsidiary of the Auto Club of Southern California (AAA). AAA has a rich history of serving customers since 1900. AAA has continually anticipated the needs of those who count on them and provides unique new services, expanding to offer membership, insurance, travel, discounts, financial, and automotive services to more than 17 million members. All of this means an abundance of opportunities to learn, grow, and advance throughout our thriving organization. Wawanesa Insurance is thrilled to join forces with a company that shares our passion for member-centric service and will operate as a subsidiary of AAA.
We are proud to offer employees the flexibility to choose where they want to work. In this role, you will work from home (remote), and must live near the relevant work site(s) (Los Angeles / Santa Monica or Van Nuys) and be able to travel by ground within the “territory” as much as necessary.
We are currently looking for dedicated, driven, and enthusiastic team players who thrive in an environment that values performance excellence and are looking for an opportunity for diverse experience and career development on a growing team. Because we are primarily remote and want teammates to feel connected to each other and our members, we expect cameras to be on and that you be visible during team meetings, trainings, one-on-ones and other internal meetings.
Job Overview
The Auto Claims Appraiser contributes to Wawanesa’s goal of delivering an exceptional and consistent claims service experience through the inspection and estimation of automobile physical damage claims including market value calculations. Daily travel is required within Los Angeles, Santa Monica and/or Van Nuys.
Compensation:
- The pay range for this position is $34.95 - $52.43 per hour, depending on experience.
- This position is considered non-exempt for purposes of wage-hour law, which means you are eligible for overtime pay for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek or more than 8 hours in a workday.
Job Responsibilities
- Inspect, evaluate and write appraisal estimates pertaining to the physical damage of automobiles using estimating software
- Communicate with insureds, auto body shops, contractors and adjusters as required to ensure accurate and complete estimates
- Negotiate automobile total losses
- Establish and maintain business relationship with independent repair contractors/vendor
- Assist adjusting personnel when necessary by providing expert advice on auto damage losses
- Assist in resolving issues that arise in regards to estimates
- Manage timely and efficient inspection appointments at various locations
- Perform re-inspections as assigned
- Maintain accurate records based on company standards and policies within the claims system
- Supplement the National Catastrophe Team as required for Corporate Catastrophe Response in any region
- Remain up-to-date with legislative changes, trends in the insurance industry, estimating practices and developments in vehicle repair procedures and materials.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- 3+ years auto appraising experience
- Comprehensive knowledge of automobile repair procedures
- Strong knowledge and ability to use Mitchell Estimating Software
- Physically able to drive long distances
- Effective communication skills both oral and written
- Ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment
- Strong negotiation skills
- Position requires the ability to lift up to 15 lbs. on a daily basis
- Position requires medium mobility at appraisal locations to include frequent bending and crouching to ground level, inside tight spaces, climbing ladders and periods of upward viewing and stretching to perform comprehensive estimates with photographs
- A valid driver license is required, along with maintaining a clean driving record. Position requires frequent extended periods of sitting behind the wheel of a company vehicle
Benefits and Other Total Rewards Components Include:
- Medical, Dental and Vision
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Voluntary benefit plans – accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness
- Supplemental short and long-term disability benefits
- Life insurance
- Enhanced 401K plan
- Paid time off (PTO) accrued at 0.0693 hours/per hour worked to a maximum annual accrual of 18 days (135 hours)
- You will be eligible for Wawanesa’s annual bonus plan, entitled “Goal Achievement Plan” (GAP), that rewards employees for driving Wawanesa’s success.
- Tuition Assistance and much more
If you have questions about compensation and benefits, please contact our Human Resources department at 858-874-5404 or email SD_human_resources@wawanesa.com.
Wawanesa General Insurance Company is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to a diverse workforce. Wawanesa provides equal employment opportunity to all employees without regard to an individual’s protected status: race/ethnicity, color, religion, creed, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth or related conditions, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected status. If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation to assist in the application process. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling the Human Resources department at 858-874-5404 or emailing Human Resources at sdloa@wawanesa.com.
If you are interested in this exciting, challenging position with Wawanesa, apply today with your Resume.
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Nearest Major Market: Los Angeles