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Auto Insurance Appraiser Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Auto-promotion up to $103,708 annually EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to ... Mileage reimbursement and proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained. Offices are ...

Field Appraiser

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$66K - $92K/yr

We're seeking an experienced Field Appraiser to join our Auto Claims team and deliver an ... auto insurance for teachers. Since then, we've broadened our mission to helping all educators ...

Appraiser Trainee

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Auto-promotion up to $103,708 annually EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to ... Mileage reimbursement and proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained. Offices are ...

Appraiser I

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$64K - $91K/yr

Auto-promotion up to $103,708 annually EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to ... Mileage reimbursement and proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained. Offices are ...

Field Appraiser

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$66K - $92K/yr

We're seeking an experienced Field Appraiser to join our Auto Claims team and deliver an ... Inspect and evaluate damage to insured and third-party claimant vehicles in a timely manner.

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 Aug 9, 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 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.

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 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 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 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, 65% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,089 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

$63K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description


ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps.
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.
Job Category
Claim
Compensation 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 - $105,400.00
What Is the Opportunity?
Under 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.