Entry Level Auto Damage Appraiser Jobs in California

Position Summary:

If you are passionate about helping people restore their lives when the unexpected happens, and providing the best experience, then our Mercury Insurance Claims team could be the place for you! We offer dynamic and challenging opportunities to those who want to make a meaningful impact.

Under general supervision, as an Auto Appraiser Sr. you will travel to various locations in your assigned territory to inspect and evaluate physical damage to vehicles for first and third-party claims. You will assess the current market value and estimate the cost of repair.

At Mercury, we believe in nurturing growth, making time to have fun, and working together to make great things happen.

An in-person interview may be required during the hiring process

State specific pay scales for this role are as follows:

$55,318 to $96,646 (CA, NJ, NY, WA, HI, AK, MD, CT, RI, MA)

$50,289 to $87,860 (NV, OR, AZ, CO, WY, TX, ND, MN, MO, IL, WI, FL, GA, MI, OH, VA, PA, DE, VT, NH, ME)

$45,260 to $79,074  (UT, ID, MT, NM, SD, NE, KS, OK, IA, AR, LA, MS, AL, TN, KY, IN, SC, NC, WV)

In CA: Typical hiring range is $50,083.20 to $61,212.80 

The expected base salary for this position will vary depending on a number of factors, including relevant experience, skills and location.

Essential Job Functions:

• Ensures equitable settlement of damages and maintains good customer service and shop relations. Inspects and evaluates the degree of physical damage to vehicles for first and third-party claims; completes detailed summary of damage and estimates cost of repair based on knowledge of equipment, parts, and present values.

• Presents estimates and reaches agreed upon price with repair facility and confirms assessment of damages and costs; negotiates settlements with related parties, as necessary. Researches total cash value of vehicle and parts by gathering and analyzing current market information to support total losses settlements.

• Takes photographs of vehicles and physical damage to aid in the determination of liability and to substantiate findings; submits compliant reports and documentation. Performs re-inspections and authorizes supplemental repairs as necessary to ensure quality service and thorough restoration of damage.

• Maintains communication with clients throughout repair process; reports initial evaluation and summary of damage, explains relevant procedures, responds to customer inquiries; provides complete, courteous, and timely customer service. 

• Stays updated on current vehicle values, industry and market trends, and Company policy and procedures.

Education:

Minimum:

• High School Diploma or GED. 

• 6 months technical training.

• You may be required to obtain a Company sponsored Adjuster’s license to handle claims, to be secured upon hire.

Preferred: 

• Advanced technical automotive repair training/certification.

• Bachelor’s Degree.

Experience:

Minimum: 

• 2 years auto appraising experience.

• Knowledge of Mitchell or CCC.

Preferred:

• Body or mechanical repair facility management experience. 

Skills & Abilities

Minimum: 

• Collaborates with the Claims Branch staff to confirm coverage, determine available limits, identify possible fraudulent activity, and obtain settlement approval. 

• Comprehensive knowledge of Company procedures and insurance contracts.

• Solid understanding of automobile components, current values, and repair estimating practices to resolve and settle physical damage claims. 

• A general knowledge of automotive repair including mechanical, sheet metal, paint and frame repair is beneficial.

• Technical skills to read and understand frame and alignment specifications. 

• Strong analytical ability to make complex, accurate assessments of damage and repairability.

• Possessing a knowledge of current estimating software such as Mitchell or CCC is recommended.

• Able to communicate effectively and professionally to insured’s, claimants, attorneys, etc. in explaining the estimation and repair process while negotiating fair settlements with repair facilities.

• Acting with initiative and passion, balancing decisiveness, and attention to detail, to drive results while working independently and under minimum supervision.

• Requires organizational and time management skills to complete field assignments in a timely and accurate manner (automobile travel up to 50%).

• Position includes use of a Company car in compliance with the Company Vehicle Use and Rules agreement. 

• Must meet established Company standards regarding personal driving history and current license status to be eligible for position.

Preferred:

• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity by seeking out efficiencies through process improvement or technology. 

• Take ownership of any process they can improve. 

• Assumes positive intent in all interactions. 

• Seeks growth within and beyond this role. 

Continuously (66%-100%):
• Must be able to maintain a sedentary position for extended periods.
• Must be able to communicate (electronically and telephonically) with team members, customers, and external parties.
• Must be able to operate and type on a computer, laptop, and/or other Company-issued electronic device for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to access and operate Company computer system, including preparing documents, entering data into computer system, and reading documents from a computer database or email system.
Occasionally (Up to 33%):
• Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, climb, and/or stand to access files, documents, and other equipment.
• Must be able to grasp, open, and close drawers, filing cabinets, and other equipment.

Why choose a career at Mercury?

At Mercury, we have been guided by our purpose to help people reduce risk and overcome unexpected events for more than 60 years. We are one team with a common goal to help others. Everyone needs insurance and we can’t imagine a world without it.

Our team will encourage you to grow, make time to have fun, and work together to make great things happen. We embrace the strengths and values of each team member. We believe in having diverse perspectives where everyone is included, to serve customers from all walks of life.

We care about our people, and we mean it. We reward our talented professionals with a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a variety of benefits to help our team members reach their health, retirement, and professional goals.

Learn more about us here: https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/about/careers

We offer many great benefits, including:

• Competitive compensation
• Flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States for most positions
• Paid time off (vacation time, sick time, 9 paid Company holidays, volunteer hours)
• Incentive bonus programs (potential for holiday bonus, referral bonus, and performance-based bonus)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance
• 401 (k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Engaging work environment
• Promotional opportunities
• Education assistance
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Company recognition program
• Health and wellbeing resources, including free mental wellbeing therapy/coaching sessions, child and eldercare resources, and more

Mercury Insurance is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

USD $56,701.00 - USD $102,219.00 /Yr.