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Material Damage Appraiser Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Field Auto Appraiser

Culver City, CA · On-site

$35.82 - $45.58/hr

The appraiser schedules and completes inspections efficiently, maintains thorough documentation ... material damage losses of all severities Builds mastered relationships with both internal and ...

Field Auto Appraiser

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$35.82 - $45.58/hr

The appraiser schedules and completes inspections efficiently, maintains thorough documentation ... material damage losses of all severities Builds mastered relationships with both internal and ...

... on material damage claims. This is a field-based, territory-specific opportunity supporting Lincoln, NE and surrounding areas. We are seeking a skilled Auto Field Appraiser with strong time ...

Showing results 21-40

Material Damage Appraiser information

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$49.5K

$60K

$68K

How much do material damage appraiser jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for material damage appraiser in the United States is $59,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a material damage appraiser?

Material Damage Appraisers are professionals who inspect vehicles, property, or other insured assets that have been damaged due to accidents, natural disasters, or other incidents. Their primary role is to assess the extent of the damage and estimate the cost of repairs or replacement. They work for insurance companies, independent firms, or as self-employed consultants, and their evaluations help determine the settlement amount for insurance claims. Material Damage Appraisers must have a good understanding of repair processes, costs, and relevant industry standards.

How does a material damage appraiser typically collaborate with repair shops and insurance adjusters during the claims process?

Material Damage Appraisers work closely with both repair shops and insurance adjusters to ensure that vehicle damage assessments are accurate and fair. They frequently visit repair facilities to inspect damaged vehicles, discuss repair options, and review estimates with shop personnel. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, as appraisers must balance customer needs, repair shop recommendations, and insurance company guidelines. This collaborative approach helps streamline claim resolutions and ensures all parties are aligned on repair costs and timelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material damage appraiser?

To thrive as a Material Damage Appraiser, you need a solid understanding of automotive repair, estimating processes, and insurance claim procedures, usually supported by relevant experience or certifications such as I-CAR or ASE. Familiarity with estimating software like CCC One, Mitchell, or Audatex is typically required to assess and document damage accurately. Strong attention to detail, negotiation skills, and effective communication enable you to work efficiently with repair shops, clients, and insurance adjusters. These skills are crucial for providing accurate estimates, ensuring fair claim settlements, and maintaining customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

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

AspectMaterial Damage AppraiserInsurance Adjuster
CredentialsCertifications in claims or appraisal, sometimes state licensingInsurance licenses, certifications in claims handling
Work EnvironmentAuto, property, or casualty claims assessment, often in repair shops or officesField and office work assessing insurance claims
Employer & IndustryInsurance companies, auto repair, or appraisal firmsInsurance companies, third-party claims organizations

While both roles involve evaluating damages, Material Damage Appraisers focus specifically on assessing physical damage to vehicles or property for claims processing. Insurance Adjusters handle broader claims, including liability and coverage issues. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environments, but Material Damage Appraisers specialize in damage valuation for repairs.

What does a material damage appraiser do?

A material damage appraiser evaluates and settles insurance claims by assigning appropriate value to items. As a material damage appraiser, you typically work for an insurance company or independent agency and may review cars, property, and other valuables. Your responsibilities include determining an item’s value based on the condition, ensuring claims are legitimate, providing an estimate on cost if repair is needed, deciding the final amount to be paid, and negotiating settlements. You also contact doctors, employers, and other individuals for additional information on potentially fraudulent claims that require investigation.

What cities are hiring for Material Damage Appraiser jobs? Cities with the most Material Damage Appraiser job openings:
What states have the most Material Damage Appraiser jobs? States with the most job openings for Material Damage Appraiser jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Material Damage Appraiser jobs? For Material Damage Appraiser jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Material Damage Appraiser job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 24% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,999 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

$74K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


AAA The Auto Club Group rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

224th of 301 rated insurance


Job description

Auto Physical Damage Estimator - 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 stautory 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

  • State of Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Damage Appraiser license required.

  • Associates Equivalent combination of education and experience Preferred

  • Vocational Equivalent combination of education and experience Preferred

  • Bachelors Equivalent combination of education and experience Preferred

  • 4-6 years Claims experience Preferred

  • 4-6 years Estimating 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

  • 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 $74,500 - $99,500 annually. Additionally, 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


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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