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