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Independent Auto Damage Appraiser Jobs in Rochester, NY

Managing your own inventory while working independently, you'll work closely with body shops and ... A minimum of four years of relevant work experience with one year appraisal/estimatics or insurance ...

Managing your own inventory while working independently, you'll work closely with body shops and ... A minimum of four years of relevant work experience with one year appraisal/estimatics or insurance ...

Collision Estimator

Macedon, NY · On-site

$50K - $85K/yr

Must possess a Motor Vehicle Physical Damage Appraisers License ABILITIES/SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE ... Caliber Auto Glass for glass repair and replacement, Protech Automotive Services for mobile ...

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Showing results 1-20

Independent Auto Damage Appraiser information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$38.5K

$67.1K

$98.2K

How much do independent auto damage appraiser jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent auto damage appraiser in Rochester, NY is $67,073.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,200.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an independent auto damage appraiser do?

An Independent Auto Damage Appraiser assesses vehicle damage after an accident to determine repair costs. They inspect vehicles, take photographs, and write detailed estimates using industry-standard software. Unlike insurance company staff appraisers, independents work on a contract basis for multiple clients, including insurance companies, body shops, and private vehicle owners. Their goal is to provide accurate, unbiased estimates to ensure fair settlements. Strong knowledge of vehicle repair processes and estimating software is essential for this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an independent auto damage appraiser?

To thrive as an Independent Auto Damage Appraiser, you need a solid understanding of vehicle construction, repair estimation, and insurance industry standards, often backed by experience in automotive repair or appraisal certifications such as I-CAR or ASE. Proficiency with digital estimating platforms like CCC One, Audatex, or Mitchell is essential for creating accurate reports and communicating with clients. Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective negotiation and communication abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills enable appraisers to provide precise, timely assessments while ensuring fair outcomes and maintaining professional relationships with both clients and insurers.

What does a typical workday look like for an independent auto damage appraiser?

A typical workday for an Independent Auto Damage Appraiser involves traveling to inspect vehicles at various locations such as body shops, tow yards, or customer residences, and documenting vehicle damage through photos and detailed notes. Appraisers prepare repair estimates using specialized software, communicate regularly with vehicle owners, repair shops, and insurance adjusters, and often manage multiple claims at once. The role offers a high degree of independence and requires strong time management to meet deadlines. While there can be periods of high demand after storms or accidents, many appraisers find the variety and autonomy of the work rewarding.

What are popular job titles related to Independent Auto Damage Appraiser jobs in Rochester, NY? For Independent Auto Damage Appraiser jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Independent Auto Damage Appraiser jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Independent Auto Damage Appraiser job openings:
Infographic showing various Independent Auto Damage Appraiser job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,073 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Claims Appraiser - Auto Estimatics

State Farm

Rochester, NY • On-site

$63K - $82K/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 1,549 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 304 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 Rochester, NY. Competitive candidates should reside within a commutable distance of this territory.
14623, 14580, 14626, 14624, 14454
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: $63,089.65 - $82,000 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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