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Total Loss Appraiser Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The successful candidate will be responsible for working with rental facilities, body shops, salvage vendors, and appraisers to manage the total loss settlement process and rental expenses, reviewing ...

Staff Appraiser

Blue Bell, PA · On-site

$64K - $75K/yr

The position will also be involved with total loss claims, including preparing an appropriate total ... Audit estimates written by independent appraisers. * Apply applicable policy coverages, deductibles ...

Staff Appraiser

Blue Bell, PA · On-site

$64K - $75K/yr

The position will also be involved with total loss claims, including preparing an appropriate total ... Audit estimates written by independent appraisers. * Apply applicable policy coverages, deductibles ...

You'll be responsible for reviewing damage appraisals and determining when units are economically impractical to repair, coordinating salvage disposition, and verifying total loss valuations based on ...

Staff Appraiser

Blue Bell, PA · On-site

$64K - $75K/yr

The position will also be involved with total loss claims, including preparing an appropriate total ... Audit estimates written by independent appraisers. * Apply applicable policy coverages, deductibles ...

They make supplemental appraisals, total loss opinions and ARP (Direct Repair Facility) re-inspections as needed in assigned territory to provide feedback through coaching opportunities when ...

Complete total loss evaluations and determine appropriate salvage values. * Issue payments for ... Explain the appraisal process, answer customer questions, and maintain effective communication with ...

Complete total loss evaluations and determine appropriate salvage values. * Issue payments for ... Explain the appraisal process, answer customer questions, and maintain effective communication with ...

Complete total loss evaluations and determine salvage value. * Issue payments for covered damages when appropriate. * Maintain accurate file notes and communicate effectively within the appraisal ...

Complete total loss evaluations and determine salvage value. * Issue payments for covered damages when appropriate. * Maintain accurate file notes and communicate effectively within the appraisal ...

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Total Loss Appraiser information

See salary details

$43.5K

$73K

$99.5K

How much do total loss appraiser jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for total loss appraiser in the United States is $73,043.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Total Loss Appraiser vs Auto Damage Adjuster?

AspectTotal Loss AppraiserAuto Damage Adjuster
CertificationsState licensing, industry certifications (e.g., I-CAR)State licensing, industry certifications (e.g., I-CAR)
Work EnvironmentField inspections, estimating total vehicle lossField or desk-based damage assessments
Employer & IndustryInsurance companies, auto repair shopsInsurance companies, auto repair shops

Both roles require similar certifications and work in the insurance and auto repair industry. However, a Total Loss Appraiser specializes in evaluating whether a vehicle is a total loss and determining its value, while an Auto Damage Adjuster focuses on assessing and estimating repair costs for damaged vehicles. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right professional for their auto insurance claims.

What are some common challenges faced by total loss appraisers and how can they be managed effectively?

Total Loss Appraisers often face challenges such as negotiating fair settlements with customers who may be emotionally distressed, keeping up with evolving vehicle market values, and ensuring compliance with insurance guidelines. Managing these challenges requires strong communication skills, up-to-date knowledge of automotive trends, and attention to detail when documenting vehicle damage and value. Building collaborative relationships with claims adjusters and repair shops can also help streamline the process and ensure accurate, timely resolutions.

What does a total loss appraiser do?

A Total Loss Appraiser is responsible for evaluating vehicles that have been declared a total loss after an accident or damage incident. They inspect the damaged vehicle, determine its pre-accident value, and calculate the settlement amount for insurance claims. Their assessments help insurance companies and clients agree on fair compensation and ensure that the process is handled accurately and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a total loss appraiser, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Total Loss Appraiser, you need strong knowledge of automotive repair, insurance claims processes, and vehicle valuation, usually supported by relevant experience or certifications such as I-CAR or ASE. Familiarity with industry software like Audatex, CCC One, and Mitchell is essential for accurately processing claims and generating reports. Excellent attention to detail, negotiation skills, and strong communication abilities help you assess losses accurately and work effectively with claimants and repair shops. These skills ensure fair settlements, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction throughout the total loss process.
More about Total Loss Appraiser jobs
What states have the most Total Loss Appraiser jobs? States with the most job openings for Total Loss Appraiser jobs include:
Infographic showing various Total Loss Appraiser job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,043 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Total Loss Adjuster - Hybrid

Bearingstar Insurance

West Springfield, MA

$62K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Under intermittent supervision, investigate and resolve first and third party total loss claims. The claims may involve multiple vehicles, minimal exposure and/or Commercial auto coverages among other factors.

Key Responsibilities

  • Timely completion of all case activities, maximizing customer service and minimizing net loss payout.
  • Contacts the owners of vehicles deemed a total loss by telephone or in writing.
  • Inputs and retrieves information using the automated claims system, requests checks, form letters and other correspondence through the automated claim system.
  • Evaluates case facts, ensuring the primary adjuster has properly vetted coverage in regard to the total loss vehicle; maintains a reminder system.
  • Interprets and evaluates total loss valuations and salvage invoices to determine if they are applicable to the claim; investigates for proper charges and pays accordingly.
  • Negotiates settlements with individuals, attorneys, and insurance agencies within their granted settlement authority level, inclusive of claims in which specific adjuster licensing is required.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in handling Commercial total losses and Heavy Equipment.
  • Prepares claim files with applicable total loss information for subrogation purposes.
  • Assists, when requested, in the selection and evaluation of experts as needed.
  • Manages litigation, checking to ensure that coverages are not exceeded, that legal expenses are adequate, and confers with attorney about case direction and disposition.
  • Will assist in the training of Claims Service Specialists II and takes the lead on the mentoring of all new Claim Service Specialists.
  • Provide Best Practices tips to assist in navigating negotiations and difficult conversations.
  • Will keep management informed of activities and issues within assigned area of responsibility.
  • Successfully completes all required training and applies.
  • Perform other related duties as required or requested, including training of incoming new Claim Service Specialists in the area of problematic lienholders, shops and tow yards.
  • Daily navigation and management of pending salvage inventory.
  • Prepare independent appraisers when the policyholder chooses to utilize their arbitration rights under the policy when the total loss settlement cannot be agreed upon.
  • Effectively work the primary claim system while balancing the work of other systems such as Phoenix.

Requirements:

  • At least 18 months in a Claim role
  • Excellent time management with attention to detail
  • Effective communication/collaboration skills

Our current reasonable and good faith estimate of the annual salary range for this position is approximately $62,000 - $68,000 based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, educational background and certifications, performance and qualifications, market demand for the role and other organizational needs.

Please note: The advertised pay range is not a guarantee or promise of a specific wage.