1

Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Material Damage Appraiser This position is responsible for ensuring the overall quality of auto property damage claims handling, which includes tasks such as appraisal review, subrogation, salvage ...

Material Damage Appraiser This position is responsible for ensuring the overall quality of auto property damage claims handling, which includes tasks such as appraisal review, subrogation, salvage ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser information

See salary details

$39K

$68K

$99.5K

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

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee auto damage appraiser in the United States is $67,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $76,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser do?

A Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser assists in evaluating vehicle damage after accidents to estimate repair costs. They typically work under the supervision of experienced appraisers, learning how to inspect vehicles, take photos, document damages, and prepare detailed reports for insurance claims. Their responsibilities also include communicating with repair shops, claimants, and insurance adjusters. Over time, trainees gain the experience needed to independently assess damages and provide accurate repair estimates.

What is the difference between Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser vs Auto Damage Appraiser?

AspectTrainee Auto Damage AppraiserAuto Damage Appraiser
CertificationsTypically in training, may have basic certificationsCertified or licensed in auto damage appraisal
Work EnvironmentOn-the-job training, supervised assessmentsIndependent evaluations, field and office work
Experience LevelEntry-level, learning the skillsExperienced, with proven appraisal skills

The main difference is that a Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser is in training and gaining experience, while an Auto Damage Appraiser is fully qualified and independently assesses vehicle damages. The trainee role focuses on learning and development, whereas the appraiser role involves making final damage evaluations for insurance claims.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser, you need foundational knowledge of automotive repair, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with estimating software like CCC ONE or Audatex and basic understanding of insurance claim systems are commonly required. Strong communication, negotiation, and customer service skills help you effectively interact with clients and repair shops. These competencies are essential to accurately assess damage, ensure fair settlements, and maintain customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

What are common challenges faced by a Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser and how can they be overcome?

As a Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser, one common challenge is accurately assessing the extent of vehicle damage, especially when balancing customer expectations and insurance guidelines. New appraisers may also find it difficult to keep up with rapidly changing automotive technologies and repair techniques. Overcoming these challenges involves continuous learning through on-the-job training, seeking mentorship from experienced appraisers, and staying current with industry standards. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are also key to building trust with both clients and repair shops.
More about Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Auto Damage Appraiser jobs? The most popular types of Auto Damage Appraiser jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Auto Damage Appraiser jobs include:
Auto Damage Appraiser II

Auto Damage Appraiser II

Arbella Insurance Group

Wakefield, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Arbella Insurance rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 277 rated insurance


Job description

Why Arbella?
At Arbella, we're focused on people. We work hard to attract and retain the best. That means providing a great work environment, encouraging work/life balance, offering flexible work arrangements, and competitive, industry-leading salaries and benefits packages. We invest in our employees and encourage them to grow so that we, too, can grow as a company.
Other perks include:
• On-site gym and fitness classes and one-on-one personal training
• On-site nurse, nutritional counseling, and mental health resources
• Full-service cafeterias
• Free shuttle service to Quincy Adams T Station
• Tuition assistance programs
• Opportunities to get involved: Arbella Activities Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Council, and
more
• A company committed to community: volunteer opportunities, employee-led community efforts,
and the Arbella Insurance Foundation
• Robust training, mentorship, and professional/personal development programs
• Colleagues who genuinely care about each other
Arbella is committed to building a workplace that's diverse, inclusive, and equitable for everyone. We've created a culture that supports a diverse workplace where all are valued for their talents and are empowered to reach their full potential.
It's no wonder our employees have voted Arbella one of the Boston Business Journal's "Best Places to Work" every year since 2009!
Under limited direct supervision inspects and prepares estimates for repair of 1st and 3rd party auto physical damage claims both in the field and at drive-in locations. Appraisal assignments will be of moderate complexity, inclusive of non-drivable and non-repairable vehicles. Appraisers will prepare total loss evaluations, considering vehicle condition and research into market values. Collaborates with team to provide coverage and facilitate the timely completion of appraisals in keeping with customer experience expectations. Acts as a subject matter resource for the Branch Claim Offices.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Completes a thorough inspection of 1st and 3rd party vehicles for collision/comprehensive damage in accordance with Arbella guidelines.
  • Negotiates completed appraisals with repair facilities to obtain agreed repair cost. Inspect and authorize supplement repairs as necessary to ensure quality service and thorough repair of vehicle damage.
  • Completes re-inspections of repaired vehicles for repair compliance, in accordance with paid repair estimates.
  • Prepares accurate and timely estimates for the repair of vehicle damage. Estimates should include photographic/video documentation of the vehicle including the subject damage and any prior damage.
  • Effectively manages work assignments, including the scheduling of appointments with customers and repair facilities, ensuring that estimates are prepared timely, following vehicle inspection.
  • Identify potential fraud and inconsistencies between the loss description and the physical damage, alerting the Primary Claim owner of any concerns.
  • Provides the highest level of service and value to the customer, including flexibility in scheduling of appointments, returning telephone/email/text message inquiries timely and professionally.
  • Participates in a program of self-education through observing repair work and keeping abreast of new repair techniques and procedures.
  • Maintain strong intradepartmental collaborative/working relationships, professional and timely communication and responsiveness, with a focus on teamwork.
  • Act as a subject matter resource/technical expert for claim professionals on repair timeframes, delays and reasonable repair facility charges.
  • Work with repair/towing facility to secure advance charges for non-repairable vehicles, completing vehicle pick-up request and notifying the relevant parties of the vehicles status.
  • Demonstrate flexibility in regional assignments, work days (Saturday) and demands associated with catastrophic (CAT) events.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Key Requirements:
  • Education equivalent to an associates degree, or high school diploma supplemented by educational course work in auto or engine repair, or the equivalent in related work experience.
  • On the job/technical physical damage estimating experience 3 - 5+ years.
  • Demonstrates strong technical knowledge and skills consistent with requirements of the ADA position.
  • Demonstrates effective interpersonal communication skills, written and oral.
  • Maintains positive and professional working relationships with co-workers, peers and others within the organization. Demonstrate ability to collaborate effectively, maintain positive working relationships and work with others to achieve department goals.
  • Exhibits exceptional customer service, collaboration and time management skills.
  • Maintains a customer focus, demonstrating flexibility to meet customer needs/expectations, leveraging technology and communication to provide an exceptional customer experience.
  • Demonstrates working knowledge of personal auto policy language and workflow/processes of an auto physical damage claim.
  • Successfully completes required in-house training, participates in on-site training at repair shops, and completes required industry training and certifications.
  • Maintains a valid driver's license (in good standing) and a current appraiser license.

Our current reasonable and good faith estimate of the annual salary or hourly wage range for this position is approximately $58,000 ($30.77 an hour) - $66,000 ($35.02 an hour) based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience.
Please note: The advertised pay range is not a guarantee or promise of a specific wage.
#LI-MG1

What Arbella Insurance employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom