Auto Damage Desk Appraiser Jobs in Riverside, CA

Who Are We?

Taking care of our customers, our communities and each other. That's the Travelers Promise. By honoring this commitment, we have maintained our reputation as one of the best property casualty insurers in the industry for over 170 years. Join us to discover a culture that is rooted in innovation and thrives on collaboration. Imagine loving what you do and where you do it.

ClaimCompensation Overview

The annual base salary range provided for this position is a nationwide market range and represents a broad range of salaries for this role across the country. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. As part of our comprehensive compensation and benefits program, employees are also eligible for performance-based cash incentive awards.

Salary Range$63,800.00 - $105,400.007Under direct supervision, this position has responsibility for inspecting, estimating, negotiating, and evaluating 1st and 3rd party auto physical damage claims, including both personal and business insurance claims. The claim types will be predominately basic and some moderate physical damage coverages as it relates to damage assessment. This includes collision, property damage related to autos, rental and towing and some comprehensive; typically excludes fire, theft, flood, lightning, diminished value claims and any claims that involve injuries. The actual resolution and settlement of these claims will be the responsibility of the Auto Claim Professional. This position also has responsibility for complete claim handling (i.e. first notice of loss through resolution/settlement and payment process) on claims that meet specific criteria as defined by Auto Product guidelines. This subset of claims makes up approximately 15-20% of the total workload volume. This position will serve as a technical resource for inside auto claim staff and will provide advice and direction to claim professionals on claim damages to achieve optimal outcomes. This job does not lead others.
As of the date of this posting, Travelers anticipates that this posting will remain open until September 30, 2026.What Will You Do?

• Delivers consistent service quality throughout the claim life cycle, including but not limited to prompt contact, explaining the process, setting expectations, on-going effective communication, and follow- through and meeting commitments to achieve optimal outcome on every file.
• Reviews physical damage documents for appropriateness and any loss economic opportunities.
• Negotiates with repair facilities on revisions to physical damage documents.
• Prepares and documents accurate vehicle / equipment damage appraisals, Actual Cash and Replacement values according to applicable regulatory and corporate guidelines.
• Electronically audits vehicle estimates utilizing technical expertise and information gathered to accurately determine physical damage claim value using company recognized resources, estimating and evaluation software.
• Negotiates the claim with the customer and/or repair facilities leveraging appropriate resources and achieve agreement on value including required payments.
• For applicable Total Loss claims, determines settlement amounts, including applicable coverages and deductibles.
• Negotiates and conveys claim settlements within authority and initiate payment to the customer, including total loss, rental reimbursement, etc.
• Partners with the assigned Claim Professional throughout the life of the claim. Partners from initial investigation through final recovery to ensure appropriate claim resolution and pursuit of alternative recovery sources (e.g. Subrogation, SIU, etc.).
• Effectively manages work assignments and referrals.
• In order to perform the essential functions of this job, acquisition and maintenance of Insurance License(s) may be required to comply with state and Travelers requirements. Generally, license(s) must be obtained within three months of starting the job and obtain ongoing continuing education credits as mandated.
• This position will require participation in our Catastrophe Response Program which could include deployment away for a minimum of 16 days which includes 2 travel days to assist our customers in other states.
• This position may be required to perform the duties of an Outside Field Appraiser within an assigned outside territory on a temporary basis, as needed. This includes driving to perform physical vehicle inspections.
• In order to perform the essential functions of this job, acquisition and maintenance of Insurance License(s) may be required to comply with state and Travelers requirements. Generally, license(s) must be obtained within three months of starting the job and obtain ongoing continuing education credits as mandated.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What Will Our Ideal Candidate Have?

• Prior experience with insurance carrier a plus.
• Strong technical background including extensive knowledge of auto repair and repair techniques, including thorough understanding of auto terminology and construction.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Thorough knowledge of claims appraisal systems and overall claim operations, Windows proficiency, including Excel and Word.
• Strong mathematical and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ownership attitude and customer centric response to all assigned tasks.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Ability to remain current on jurisdictional laws and regulations, and communicating compliance requirements to other claim staff as appropriate.
• Commitment to continuous education.
• Competency Levels:
• Basic Analytical Thinking.
• Basic Judgment/Decision Making.
• Basic Communication.
• Intermediate Negotiation.
• Basic Insurance Contract Knowledge.
• Basic Principles of Investigation.
• Basic Value Determination.
• Basic Settlement Techniques.
• Intermediate Auto Technical.

What is a Must Have?

• High School Degree or GED.
• One year experience estimating auto damage required or successful completion of the Appraiser trainee program.