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Auto Insurance Appraiser Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Auto Insurance Appraiser information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$67.1K

$98.2K

How much do auto insurance appraiser jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for auto 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 does an auto insurance appraiser do?

An auto insurance appraiser is responsible for inspecting vehicles that have been damaged in accidents to determine the cost of repairs or the vehicle's value if it is totaled. They assess the extent of damage, prepare detailed reports, and work with repair shops and insurance adjusters to ensure claims are settled accurately and fairly. Appraisers play a crucial role in helping insurance companies and policyholders reach a fair settlement based on the actual damage sustained.

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

To thrive as an Auto Insurance Appraiser, you need a solid understanding of automotive repair, strong analytical skills, and typically a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with estimating software like CCC One, Mitchell, or Audatex, as well as digital imaging tools, is essential. Excellent communication, negotiation, and customer service skills help you work effectively with clients, repair shops, and insurance adjusters. These skills ensure accurate claim assessments, efficient resolution of claims, and high customer satisfaction.

What challenges might an auto insurance appraiser face when assessing vehicle damages in the field?

Auto Insurance Appraisers often encounter challenges such as evaluating damages on-site in varying weather conditions, handling disputes with repair shops or vehicle owners regarding repair estimates, and staying updated with the latest vehicle technologies and repair methods. Time management is also crucial, as appraisers must balance field inspections with timely report submissions. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential for collaborating with claims adjusters, policyholders, and repair professionals to ensure accurate and fair settlements.

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

AspectAuto Insurance AppraiserAuto Damage Adjuster
CredentialsInsurance licensing, appraiser certificationsInsurance licensing, damage assessment training
Work EnvironmentOffice, auto repair shops, on-site inspectionsField work, on-site vehicle inspections
Employer & IndustryInsurance companies, independent appraisal firmsInsurance companies, third-party claims services

Auto Insurance Appraisers and Auto Damage Adjusters both evaluate vehicle damage for insurance claims. Appraisers typically focus on estimating repair costs and may work in offices or repair shops, while Adjusters often conduct on-site damage assessments in the field. Both roles require insurance licensing and damage assessment training, but their work environments and daily tasks differ slightly. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right career path in auto insurance claims processing.

How to become an auto insurance appraiser?

To become an auto insurance appraiser, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification in auto damage assessment. Gaining experience in auto repair or claims adjusting and obtaining certifications such as the I-CAR or AIC can improve job prospects. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and knowledge of insurance policies are essential for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Auto Insurance Appraiser jobs in California?

For Auto Insurance Appraiser jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Auto Insurance Appraiser jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Auto Insurance Appraiser jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Auto Insurance Appraiser jobs?

Cities in California with the most Auto Insurance Appraiser job openings:

Infographic showing various Auto Insurance Appraiser job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,089 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Auto Physical Damage Appraiser - Field

Burbank, CA • On-site, Remote

American Automobile Association
Non-Profits • 10K+ employees

$35.94 - $47.87/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


AAA The Auto Club Group rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 284 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Auto Physical Damage Appraiser - Field
Job Summary
This position supports the Auto Physical Damage Operation by providing material damage claims handling for insurance policies written by the Interinsurance Exchange in compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements. The primary functions include analyzing and evaluating vehicle damage to assist in writing estimates, reviewing estimates, validating compliance and determining repair costs. Communication with members, vehicle owners, body shops and others will be required pertaining to repair process and costs. Works within specific limits and authority to resolve claims with well-defined procedures. Work typically includes repairs and total loss estimation of moderate to significant complexity.
Job Duties
• Utilize physical inspections to complete accurate and thorough estimates for vehicle repair that are compliant with company guidelines, industry standards and applicable laws and regulations. Evaluation will include determining accident-related damages and vehicle repairability.
• As part of the estimating process, communicate and interact with a variety of individuals including insureds, claimants, repair facilities, internal claims staff and others. Explain the claim process, repair process, coverage or policy language as applicable. This could be through verbal conversations or in writing, all while in compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Providing clear and concise documentation to support estimated damage via photos and detailed descriptions in claim files on company systems.
• Negotiate within settlement authority to resolve claims. Including dispute resolution regarding repair costs and/or coverage.
• Coordinate with internal departments
• Respond quickly to customer needs and inquiries
• Must be able to assist with Catastrophe duties as required
• This position requires a higher degree of discretion and independent judgment in analysis and problem solving to effectively manage losses. Determine policy obligations by assessing damage components of the loss. Investigate and differentiate between allegations and facts in each loss. Respond quickly and effectively to customer needs and problems
• Determine policy obligations by assessing the damage from the loss and comparing it to the facts of loss.
• Independently resolve claim exposures within level of authority.
Qualifications
• Associates OR Bachelors OR Equivalent combination of education and experience Preferred
• Vocational Equivalent combination of education and experience Preferred
• 4-6 years Claims experience Preferred
• Advanced understanding of automotive repair processes, vehicle systems and damage assessment. Ability to accurately estimate repair costs and a detailed understanding of estimating software platforms.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, general computer software and advanced line of business technical software skills required. (CCC Estimating Platform)
• Excellent organization and planning recognition skills required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required
• Interpersonal skills required
• Customer service experience required
• Judgment/Decision making. Ability to identify and resolve complex issues related to damage assessment and repair cost.
• Commitment to continuous education
• Must be flexible to assist on Catastrophe duty within the extended organization.
• Valid Driver's License, acceptable Department of Motor Vehicles record and minimum liability insurance - Issued by State Required
• Appraiser license within 30 Days
• Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series) - Automotive Service Excellence Industry certifications such as I-CAR Platinum or ASE Preferred
The starting pay range for this position is:
$35.94 - $47.87
Additionally, for full time positions, you will be eligible to participate in our incentive program based upon the achievement of organization, team and personal performance.
Remarkable benefits:
• Health coverage for medical, dental, vision
• 401(K) saving plans with company match AND Pension
• Tuition assistance
• Floating holidays and PTO for community volunteer programs
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs
• Employee discounts (membership, insurance,
travel, entertainment, services and more!)
Auto Club Enterprises is the largest club within the national AAA federation. We have nearly 17,000 employees in 24 states helping more than 18 million members. The strength of our organization is our employees. Bringing together and supporting different cultures, backgrounds, personalities, and strengths creates a team capable of delivering legendary, lifetime service to our members. When we embrace our diversity - we win. All of Us! With our national brand recognition, long-standing reputation since 1900, and constantly growing membership, we are seeking career-minded, service-driven professionals to join our team.
"Through dedicated employees we proudly deliver legendary service and beneficial products that provide members peace of mind and value."
AAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our organization participates in E-Verify
The Automobile Club of Southern California will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), the Unincorporated Los Angeles County (ULAC) regulation, and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).

What AAA The Auto Club Group employees say

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


American Automobile Association logo

About American Automobile Association

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The American Automobile Association (AAA), headquartered in Heathrow, Florida, USA, is a reputable force in the automotive and insurance industry. Originating in 1902, it began as a coalition of motor clubs with the common goal of providing better roads and travel conditions for motorists. Today, AAA is a comprehensive, multifaceted organization that offers a range of services, including roadside assistance, auto repair services, travel agency services, and diverse insurance products - Auto, Home, Life and more. A significant principle for AAA is to continuously deliver value to their 61 million members through safety, security and peace of mind. The company's mission and core values focus on championing its members' rights and interests, advocating innovation, integrity, teamwork and respect.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Heathrow, FL, US

Year founded

1902

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