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Auto Damage Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Auto Estimator

Daly City, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

AUTO 360 Garage in Daly City, CA is looking to hire a full-time Auto Estimator to provide car repair estimates for our clients. Do you have estimation experience? Are you looking for a work ...

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Auto Damage information

What does an auto damage adjuster do?

An auto damage adjuster is a professional who investigates insurance claims related to vehicle damage. They inspect damaged vehicles, assess the extent of the damage, estimate repair costs, and determine how much the insurance company should pay for the claim. Auto damage adjusters may work in the field, visiting repair shops and accident scenes, or in an office setting reviewing claims. Their goal is to ensure that claims are processed accurately and in accordance with policy terms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an auto damage appraiser?

To thrive as an Auto Damage Appraiser, you need a solid understanding of automotive repair, estimating procedures, and insurance policies, often supported by relevant certifications or experience in collision repair or insurance. Proficiency with estimating software such as CCC ONE or Mitchell, as well as familiarity with digital imaging tools, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and negotiation skills help in accurately assessing damages and working with customers and repair shops. These competencies ensure accurate damage assessments, efficient claims processing, and high customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by auto damage adjusters in the field, and how can they be managed?

Auto Damage adjusters often face challenges such as handling multiple claims simultaneously, assessing damages in varying weather or lighting conditions, and communicating effectively with policyholders, repair shops, and insurers. Managing these challenges requires strong time management, attention to detail, and clear communication skills. Many adjusters find that leveraging digital tools and maintaining organized documentation helps streamline the process and reduce errors, while ongoing training can help them stay up-to-date with the latest repair methods and insurance regulations.

What is the difference between Auto Damage vs Auto Appraiser?

AspectAuto DamageAuto Appraiser
CertificationsNone required, but industry certifications can be beneficialInsurance certifications like I-CAR or ASE often required
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, collision centers, insurance companiesInsurance companies, independent appraisal firms
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssessing vehicle damage, estimating repair costsInspecting vehicles, determining repair or total loss value

Auto Damage technicians focus on assessing vehicle damage and estimating repair costs, often working in repair shops or collision centers. Auto Appraisers evaluate vehicle condition for insurance claims, working mainly for insurance companies. While both roles require knowledge of vehicle damage, Auto Appraisers typically hold industry certifications and focus on valuation, whereas Auto Damage technicians concentrate on repair assessments.

What cities in California are hiring for Auto Damage jobs?

Cities in California with the most Auto Damage job openings:

Infographic showing various Auto Damage job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Field Claims Adjuster - Auto Damage

Progressive

San Diego, CA

$35.29 - $43.17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Progressive Insurance rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 597 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 310 rated insurance


Job description

Progressive is dedicated to helping employees move forward and live fully in their careers. Your journey has already begun. Apply today and take the first step to Destination: Progress.
 
As an auto damage claims adjuster, you’ll serve as Progressive’s point of contact with customers – directing and making decisions regarding the repair process from beginning to end. Managing your own inventory while working independently, you’ll work closely with body shops and others to negotiate repair pricing and assess liability. Ideal candidates will possess leadership and conflict management skills, along with strong attention to detail and a passion for providing excellent customer service.
 
This is a field position with access to a company car and frequent driving within your assigned geographical area. We assess our workload collectively, which means you may cover assignments outside your geographical area. You may also be required to report into an office occasionally.
 
Location:  Temecula and North County San Diego area.
 
Duties and responsibilities
· Complete vehicle inspections, write estimates, determine total loss evaluations, and set clear expectations and timelines
· Negotiate repair process with body shops
· Document information related to the claim and make decisions consistent with claims standards and local laws
· Evaluate and handle claim payments and resolution of claims without payments
· Review and determine validity of any supplement requests
 
Must-have qualifications
· A minimum of four years of relevant work experience with one year appraisal/estimatics or insurance experience
· {OR} Associate's degree and a minimum of three years relevant work experience with one year appraisal/estimatics or insurance experience
· {OR} Bachelor's degree and a minimum of one year appraisal/estimatics or insurance experience
· Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and compliance with Progressive’s driving standards and/or policies
Preferred Qualifications
· Extensive Estimating Experience Strongly Preferred
· Proficiency with Mitchell's Estimating Software Strongly Preferred
· Prior Non-Network Estimating Experience Preferred
Compensation
  • You'll be paid $35.29 - $43.17/hour depending on experience
  • Gainshare annual cash incentive payment up to 16% of your eligible earnings based on company performance
 
Benefits
· 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 6%
· Medical, dental & vision, including free preventative care
· Wellness & mental health programs
· Health care flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, & life insurance
· Paid time off, including volunteer time off
· Paid & unpaid sick leave where applicable, as well as short & long-term disability
· Parental & family leave; military leave & pay
· Diverse, inclusive & welcoming culture with Employee Resource Groups
· Career development & tuition assistance

Energage recognizes Progressive as a 2025 Top Workplace for: Innovation, Purposes & Values, Work-Life Flexibility, Compensation & Benefits, and Leadership.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without the need or potential need, of current or future sponsorship for employment. Progressive does not hire candidates with (e.g., F-1 CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT, H-1B, O-1, E-3, TN) statuses for this role.

For ideas about how you might be able to protect yourself from job scams, visit our scam-awareness page at https://careers.progressive.com/pages/how-we-hire-faq-job-scams/


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