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Auto Damage Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CA Subrogation Specialist II

San Diego, CA · Remote

$21.10 - $31.56/hr

The Subrogation Specialist identifies subrogation potential within company standards and best practices, and handles recovery for Workers Compensation and Property/Auto damage. This role prepares ...

CA Subrogation Specialist II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21.10 - $31.56/hr

The Subrogation Specialist identifies subrogation potential within company standards and best practices, and handles recovery for Workers Compensation and Property/Auto damage. This role prepares ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Claims Appraiser - Auto Estimatics

State Farm

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$78K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


State Farm rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 1,554 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

238th of 310 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 San Mateo, 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: $78,862.06 - $102,500.00 annually.
    • 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!

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