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Insurance Appraiser Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Chief Appraiser

Irvine, CA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Develop, maintain, and monitor appraisal policies and processes within the bank's designated market ... Company-paid Life Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement * Fitness Reimbursement * Paid Time Off

Residential Appraiser

Livermore, CA · On-site

$73K - $103K/yr

Position Summary The Residential Appraiser is responsible for determining the market value of ... Medical, dental, and vision insurance * Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA, Dependent Care, Health ...

The Residential Appraiser is responsible for determining the market value of residential properties ... Medical, dental, and vision insurance * Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA, Dependent Care, Health ...

Chief Appraiser

Irvine, CA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Develop, maintain, and monitor appraisal policies and processes within the bank's designated market ... Company-paid Life Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement * Fitness Reimbursement * Paid Time Off

Appraiser, Senior

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

JOB DESCRIPTION (Senior Appraiser): Appraises real estate properties independently for the purposes ... and dental insurance, paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching), this ...

Chief Appraiser

Irvine, CA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Develop, maintain, and monitor appraisal policies and processes within the bank's designated market ... Company-paid Life Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement * Fitness Reimbursement * Paid Time Off

Appraisers I analyze data to arrive at valuations for real or personal property for tax assessment ... Mileage reimbursement and proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained. Offices are ...

New

Appraiser, Senior

Irvine, CA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

(Senior Appraiser): Appraises real estate properties independently for the purposes of dispute ... and dental insurance, paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching), this ...

Appraiser, Senior

Irvine, CA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

(Senior Appraiser): Appraises real estate properties independently for the purposes of dispute ... and dental insurance, paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching), this ...

Appraiser, Senior

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

JOB DESCRIPTION (Senior Appraiser): Appraises real estate properties independently for the purposes ... and dental insurance, paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching), this ...

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Showing results 1-20

Insurance Appraiser information

See California salary details

$39K

$49.3K

$57.7K

How much do insurance appraiser jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance appraiser in California is $49,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $54,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does it take to be an insurance appraiser?

To become an insurance appraiser, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring a college degree in fields like insurance, finance, or engineering. Relevant skills include attention to detail, strong analytical abilities, and knowledge of insurance policies and valuation methods; licensing or certification, such as the State Certified Appraiser designation, may also be required depending on the jurisdiction and specialization.

Is it hard to get a job as an appraiser?

Getting a job as an insurance appraiser can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, industry certifications, and knowledge of valuation methods. Entry-level positions may be easier to obtain with proper training, but advancing in the field typically involves gaining experience and specialized credentials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Insurance Appraiser, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Insurance Appraiser, you need expertise in property or automotive damage assessment, a solid understanding of insurance policies, and typically a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with estimating software like CCC One, Audatex, or Mitchell, as well as state-specific appraiser licensing or certification, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and attention to detail help you deliver accurate, fair appraisals and communicate findings clearly. These skills are crucial for minimizing claim errors, ensuring customer satisfaction, and supporting the integrity of the claims process.

What is the difference between Insurance Appraiser vs Claims Adjuster?

AspectInsurance AppraiserClaims Adjuster
CredentialsInsurance licenses, certifications in appraisal or valuationInsurance licenses, claims handling certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent evaluations, field inspections, office workField inspections, office assessments, customer interactions
Employer & IndustryInsurance companies, independent appraisal firmsInsurance companies, third-party claims services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding valuation roles, appraisal processesClaims processing, settlement procedures

Insurance Appraisers focus on evaluating property damage and determining repair or replacement costs, often working independently or with appraisal firms. Claims Adjusters handle the overall claims process, investigating damages, negotiating settlements, and working directly with policyholders. While both roles require insurance licenses and involve damage assessment, their primary responsibilities and work environments differ.

What does an Insurance Appraiser do?

An Insurance Appraiser evaluates the value of damaged property, vehicles, or other insured items to determine the amount an insurance company should pay for a claim. They inspect the damaged property, review police or incident reports, consult with repair shops or contractors, and use specialized software to estimate repair or replacement costs. Insurance Appraisers play a key role in ensuring that claims are settled fairly and accurately according to the policy terms.

How do Insurance Appraisers typically interact with clients, repair shops, and insurance adjusters during the claims process?

Insurance Appraisers work closely with clients, repair shops, and insurance adjusters to assess vehicle or property damage and determine appropriate claim values. Daily responsibilities often involve inspecting damaged items, documenting findings, and communicating estimates to both clients and repair professionals. Effective collaboration ensures that repairs are accurate and costs are reasonable, while also addressing any questions or concerns from policyholders. Building strong relationships and maintaining clear, professional communication are key to resolving claims efficiently and fairly.

What Does an Insurance Appraiser Do?

An insurance appraiser assesses the value of an item to estimate the amount of appropriate coverage. Many individuals work in the auto insurance industry where they inspect a vehicle after an accident to determine the extent of the damage. In this career, you also confirm if a policy covers the costs of the claims. Your other responsibilities differ with the type of insurer. The work is full-time with much of it spent on-site or at automotive repair shops. Evening and weekend hours are commonplace. License requirements vary with the state. Staying current with the technology is imperative for accurate estimates no matter the field in which you work.

Is insurance appraising a good career?

Insurance appraisers evaluate property and vehicle damage to determine insurance claims payouts, requiring attention to detail and knowledge of valuation methods. The profession offers steady employment, opportunities for certification, and a typical work schedule, making it a stable career choice for those interested in claims assessment and valuation. Advancement can lead to supervisory roles or specialized fields within insurance adjusting.

How do insurance appraisers get paid?

Insurance appraisers are typically paid either by the hour, a flat fee per appraisal, or a percentage of the claim amount. Compensation can vary based on experience, certification, and the complexity of the appraisal, and they often work as independent contractors or employees within insurance companies or appraisal firms.
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Appraiser jobs in California? For Insurance Appraiser jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Insurance Appraiser jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Insurance Appraiser jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Insurance Appraiser jobs? Cities in California with the most Insurance Appraiser job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Appraiser jobs in CA? For Insurance Appraiser jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Insurance Appraiser job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% Locum Tenens, 7% Internship, 26% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 39% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,345 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Claims Appraiser - Auto Estimatics

Claims Appraiser - Auto Estimatics

State Farm

Hayward, CA • On-site

$73K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


State Farm rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 1,532 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 298 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 Hayward, 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: $73,824.56 - $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!

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
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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