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Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser Jobs in California

Auto collision repair, auto damage estimating, and/or auto insurance appraiser experience * Excellent customer service, critical thinking, and decision-making skills * Strong written and verbal ...

Field Auto Appraiser

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$35.82 - $45.58/hr

We offer home, auto and accident and health insurance, as well as other specialty niche insurance ... The Auto Field Adjuster is responsible for working in the field to assess vehicle damage, conduct ...

We offer home, auto and accident and health insurance, as well as other specialty niche insurance ... The Auto Field Adjuster is responsible for working in the field to assess vehicle damage, conduct ...

We offer home, auto and accident and health insurance, as well as other specialty niche insurance ... The Auto Field Adjuster is responsible for working in the field to assess vehicle damage, conduct ...

... Auto Damage Trainee program. Help our customers when they need us most after an accident and help ... Active Insurance Adjusters license ( preferred ) Annual Salary $32.05 - $50.36 The above annual ...

... Auto Damage Trainee program. Help our customers when they need us most after an accident and help ... Active Insurance Adjusters license (preferred) Annual Salary $32.05 - $50.36 The above annual ...

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Showing results 1-20

Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$67.1K

$98.2K

How much do auto damage insurance appraiser jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for auto damage insurance appraiser in California is $67,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Auto Damage Insurance Appraisers?

Auto Damage Insurance Appraisers are professionals who inspect vehicles damaged in accidents to determine the extent of damage and estimate the cost of repairs. They work for insurance companies, independent firms, or as freelancers to assess claims and ensure fair settlements between the insurer and the policyholder. Their job involves evaluating vehicle damage, preparing detailed reports, and sometimes negotiating repair costs with auto shops. Appraisers use specialized software and industry knowledge to provide accurate estimates, helping the claims process move efficiently. They often interact with claimants, repair shops, and insurance adjusters throughout the process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser, and why are they important?

To excel as an Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser, you need a solid understanding of automotive repair, claim processes, and insurance policies, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant experience or training. Familiarity with estimating software like CCC ONE, Audatex, or Mitchell, as well as a valid driver's license, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help appraisers interact with claimants, repair shops, and insurers. These competencies ensure accurate damage assessments, fair settlements, and high customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges Auto Damage Insurance Appraisers face when conducting vehicle inspections?

Auto Damage Insurance Appraisers often encounter challenges such as assessing damage accurately when vehicles are in remote or poorly lit locations, dealing with incomplete or unclear accident documentation, and managing time efficiently due to high caseloads. They must also be adept at communicating findings effectively to both customers and repair shops, sometimes navigating disputes about repair estimates. Staying current with evolving automotive technologies and repair methods is essential to ensure precise appraisals and avoid disputes over coverage.

What is the difference between Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser vs Auto Claims Adjuster?

AspectAuto Damage Insurance AppraiserAuto Claims Adjuster
CredentialsInsurance licensing, appraiser certificationsInsurance licensing, claims adjusting certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent inspections, repair shopsOffice and field, customer interactions
Employer & IndustryInsurance companies, repair facilitiesInsurance companies, third-party administrators

Auto Damage Insurance Appraisers focus on inspecting vehicle damage and estimating repair costs, often working independently or with repair shops. Auto Claims Adjusters handle the entire claims process, including evaluating damages, negotiating settlements, and customer communication. While both roles require insurance licensing and related certifications, their daily tasks and work environments differ, with appraisers concentrating on damage assessment and adjusters managing claims from start to finish.

What are popular job titles related to Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser jobs in California? For Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 63% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, 30% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,089 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Claims Appraiser - Auto Estimatics

State Farm

Sacramento, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


State Farm rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 1,535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

221st of 299 rated insurance


Job description

Overview

Being good neighbors – helping people, investing in our communities, and making the world a better place – is who we are at State Farm. It is at the core of how we operate and the reason for our success. We're moving with urgency to become a Next Gen Good Neighbor, with technology that strengthens human connections and enhances the customer experience. As an employee, you'll spend less time navigating systems and more time applying judgment, empathy, and expertise in the moments that matter most.


Responsibilities

As an Auto Estimator, you will collect vehicle information from repair shops or customers and complete initial and supplemental estimates via photos or in person. You may be the first point of contact to meet with our insureds, explain coverage, estimate vehicle damage, and help them through the claims process while providing Remarkable® service. This includes:

  • Utilizing automated estimating systems to prepare repair estimates
  • Providing technical support to claim handlers on vehicle repair issues
  • Applying knowledge of market value and other factors affecting reparability issues
  • Evaluating bid content and photo documentation, vehicle damage, and causation issues
  • Answering inbound calls and making outbound calls to customers and repair shops
  • Providing exceptional customer service throughout the claims process, addressing inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally
  • May occasionally require interacting with parties who express strong emotions or concerns about ongoing inspections or claim resolutions

Where You'll Work:

This is a Remote-Field position in which you will flex between working from home doing virtual estimates and utilizing a mobile office/vehicle for in-person appointments with body shops and customers.
This position is located in Sacramento, CA. Competitive candidates should reside within a commutable distance of this territory.
Candidates may be asked to work outside of their assigned territory as business needs dictates.

Hours of operation are continually evaluated and may change based on business need. Successful candidates are able and willing to work flexible work shifts and may be asked to work overtime and/or irregular hours.


Qualifications

Competitive candidates must demonstrate the following:

  • Auto collision repair, auto damage estimating, and/or auto insurance appraiser experience
  • Excellent customer service, critical thinking, and decision-making skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to multi-task across technical platforms
  • Accountability and Resourcefulness
  • Physical agility to allow for stooping, bending, and some physical lifting to adequately evaluate vehicle damage and create repair estimates
  • A valid driver’s license is required

Preferred Skills:

  • Motor Vehicle Physical Damage Appraiser License
  • CCC One and/or Mitchell knowledge
  • I-CAR Platinum Certification

Additional Details:

  • Employees must successfully complete all required training, including applicable proficiency, licensing exam(s), Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks, and background checks required of various state(s).
  • State Farm recently implemented new pre-employment assessments. Candidates that have previously taken an assessment may be asked to participate in additional testing

Our Benefits

Because work-life balance is a priority at State Farm, compensation is based on our standard 38:45-hour work week!

  • Potential starting salary range: $64,965.62 - $91,000.00
    • Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience
    • High end of the range limited to applicants with significant relevant experience
  • Potential yearly incentive pay up to 15% of base salary


At State Farm, we offer more than just a paycheck. Check out our suite of benefits designed to give you the flexibility you need to take care of you and your family!

  • Get Paid! On top of our competitive pay, you are eligible for an annual raise and bonus.
  • Stay Well! Focus on you and your family’s health with our robust health and wellbeing programs. State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium, and we offer multiple healthcare plan options, including a high deductible plan. All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care, AND you and your family have access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals, and much more!
  • Develop and Grow! Take advantage of educational benefits like industry leading training programs, top-notch tuition assistance programs, employee resource groups, and mentoring.
  • Plan Ahead! Plan for those big moments in life with benefits like fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching, national discount programs, interactive monthly financial workshops, free financial coaching, and more. You can also start a savings account or consider financing through our State Farm Federal Credit Union!
  • Take a Little “You” Time! You will have access to our generous time off policies designed so you can plan around holidays, family events, volunteering, or just to take a relaxing day off. With the opportunity to initially earn up to 20 days annually plus parental leave, paid holidays, celebration day, life leave (40 hours/year), bereavement leave, and community service/education support days, there will be plenty of time for you!
  • Give Back! We offer several ways to give back through our Matching Gift Program, Good Neighbor Grant Program, and the Employee Assistance Fund.
  • Finish Strong! Plan for retirement using free financial advisors and a 401(k) plan with company contributions of up to 7% of your salary.

Visit our State Farm Careers page for more information on our benefits, locations, and the hiring process of joining the State Farm team!

Qualifications:

Competitive candidates must demonstrate the following:

  • Auto collision repair, auto damage estimating, and/or auto insurance appraiser experience
  • Excellent customer service, critical thinking, and decision-making skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to multi-task across technical platforms
  • Accountability and Resourcefulness
  • Physical agility to allow for stooping, bending, and some physical lifting to adequately evaluate vehicle damage and create repair estimates
  • A valid driver’s license is required

Preferred Skills:

  • Motor Vehicle Physical Damage Appraiser License
  • CCC One and/or Mitchell knowledge
  • I-CAR Platinum Certification

Additional Details:

  • Employees must successfully complete all required training, including applicable proficiency, licensing exam(s), Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks, and background checks required of various state(s).
  • State Farm recently implemented new pre-employment assessments. Candidates that have previously taken an assessment may be asked to participate in additional testing
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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