Remote Auto Damage Desk Appraiser Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company (MFM), headquartered in West Des Moines, IA, has been a trusted insurance provider since 1891. As a super-regional mutual insurer, we deliver top-tier personal and commercial coverage across multiple states. We prioritize financial stability, customer service excellence, and innovation, fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. MFM is proud to be a full-time, work-from-home company, providing employees with the flexibility and support to thrive remotely.
Position Summary
Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company is seeking an experienced Auto Material Damage Adjuster to handle non-injury automobile claims, including total-loss claims, in multiple jurisdictions. The adjuster investigates losses, determines coverage and liability, evaluates vehicle damage, establishes appropriate reserves, and resolves covered claims promptly and fairly. This role requires sound judgment, strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to superior customer service.
Primary Responsibilities

• Investigate personal and commercial automobile claims and determine applicable coverage and liability.
• Obtain recorded statements from policyholders, claimants, witnesses, and other involved parties.
• Review policy language, endorsements, applicable statutes, and state-specific claim-handling requirements.
• Evaluate automobile damage using repair estimates, photographs, valuation reports, and other supporting documentation.
• Handle total-loss claims, including vehicle valuation, settlement negotiations, title documentation, salvage coordination, and communication with lienholders.
• Establish and maintain accurate claim reserves.
• Negotiate and settle covered claims promptly, accurately, and fairly.
• Coordinate with policyholders, claimants, agents, repair facilities, appraisers, vendors, lienholders, and other involved parties.
• Maintain timely, professional communication through telephone calls, email, and written correspondence.
• Prepare thoughtful, accurate, and detailed claim-file documentation and reports.
• Manage a high-volume workload while meeting company standards and regulatory deadlines.
• Provide professional customer service and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Maintain all required state adjuster licenses and complete continuing education requirements.
• Adapt to changing laws, policy provisions, procedures, and technology.
• Comply with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Education and Experience

• At least two years of experience handling automobile total loss or material- damage claims is required.
• Experience handling claims in multiple states is highly desirable.
• A college degree is a plus.
• An AIC, CPCU, or other insurance-related designation is a plus.

Knowledge and Skills

• Thorough understanding of personal and commercial automobile policy coverages and their application.
• Working knowledge of automobiles, repair procedures, repair estimates, vehicle valuations, and total-loss settlements.
• Knowledge of motor carrier damage and cargo losses.
• Strong analytical, investigative, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to prioritize and complete tasks accurately in a high-pressure, high-volume environment.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to work effectively in a paperless claims-management system.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and changing claim-handling requirements.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a work-from-home environment.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• This is a work-from-home position. The employee must maintain a suitable home-office workspace and reliable high-speed internet service.
• The regular schedule is 40 hours per week, consisting of eight-hour days, five days per week. Overtime may be required during periods of high claim volume.
• This is primarily a sedentary position involving prolonged computer and telephone use.
• The employee must have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other office equipment.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• The employee must be able to travel when necessary and participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings.