PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Responsible for creating a comprehensive estimate of damages for 1st and 3rd party material damage claims leading to the proper disposition of claims. This is a field based position and will cover the Bakersfield and Visalia, CA region(s).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time.

• Create a estimate of damages for 1st and 3rd party material damage
• Inspect damaged property and complete appropriate estimates and documentation
• Work toward claim resolution by maintaining regulatory compliance and fair claims practices within their authority
• Summarize claims in excess of authority and submit to manager for approval
• Maintain relations with both internal and external customers
• Negotiate settlements, make settlement payments and document all activities in the file
• Identify potential subrogation and fraud referral opportunities and refer to the appropriate representatives when potential exists
• Stay informed of changes in the collision repair industry as well as statutory and regulatory changes as they relate to material damage and communicate these changes to other claims personnel
• Performs other duties as directed
• as a mentor for other field representatives
• Assist with file reviews and file audits as needed

MINIMUM SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s Degree or in-lieu of degree equivalent education, training and work-related experience in any combination of the areas: automobile estimates, collision repair and/or insurance environment
• Possess valid driver licensing and continuing education to keep license current
• Possess basic knowledge of material damage
• Ability to obtain and maintain adjuster licenses as required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Ability to operate electronic devices including computers, cameras and cell phones
• Ability to create estimates by way of estimating software
• Possess effective interpersonal skills
• Possess effective negotiation skills
• Ability to problem solve, resolve conflicts and empathize with customers
• Possess effective skills in time management, organization, the ability to work under pressure, adhere to project deadlines and remain flexible in a changing environment
• Ability to travel up to 10%
• Must possess effective verbal and written communication skills

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Possess knowledge of estimatics software (Mitchell/CCC/Audatex, etc.)
• Successful completion of one or more of the industry related courses or workshops: I-CAR training, structural damage analysis, steering and suspension, RV and heavy equipment and/or ASE
• Possess 1+ years of experience as a material damage estimator either in the insurance industry or the collision repair industry

National General is a leading insurance carrier which has been in the industry since 1939. Through subsidiaries and other affiliated companies, National General offers homeowners, flood, personal and commercial auto, RV, motorcycle, life, accident and supplemental health insurance products. National General Insurance is a thriving company committed to ensuring that our employees achieve their personal best. Our employees are advancing their careers at a best-in-class insurance provider that is an industry leader in innovation. We give employees resources which enable them to take charge of their own future success.