What are the responsibilities and job description for the Auto Damage Appraiser position at Bear River Mutual Insurance Company?
Bear River Mutual Insurance is seeking an experienced Auto Damage Appraiser to manage Personal Lines Auto claims. This role inspects and writes auto damage repair estimates, assists with virtual estimates, and reinspects vehicles to ensure quality repairs and accurate estimates from Direct Repair Facilities. Coordinates with Direct Repair Shop affiliates for quality and service standards. Selects and maintains approved repair shops, handles customer complaints related to repair shops, and upholds a professional company image.
Type: Full Time/ Exempt
Location: Murray, UT
Qualifications
- Four-year college degree or relevant work experience preferred; high school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum of three (3) years’ experience handling auto damage claims.
- Knowledge of CCC computer software for Auto Appraisals
- Strong analytical, evaluative, and interpretive skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Computer proficiency with the ability to learn new applications.
- Must possess or be able to obtain applicable adjuster licenses.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
May include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and reaching. Physical Strength: Medium Work; Exerting up to 50 pounds. Occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. frequently, and/or 10 lbs. constantly. Appraiser is subject to varying inside and/or outside temperatures, which may include extreme heat (temperatures above 100 degrees) or extreme cold (temperatures below 32 degrees). Work is performed both inside and outside, subject to weather. Some local travel.
Key Responsibilities
- Use computerized estimating programs to inspect vehicles and prepare auto repair estimates, including documenting damages with photos and measurements. Assess which damages are related to the incident and determine total loss values.
- Audit invoices and supporting documents from Direct Repair and Customer Choice shops.
- Decide on the appropriate payment, serving as a liaison between the file handler and the body shop.
- Authorize payments for repairs or total loss replacement values according to applicable policy coverage and prevailing laws.
- Conduct and coordinate training for Direct Repair and Customer Choice Shop affiliates on customer service, processing protocols, and quality standards.
- Perform on-site inspections and audits at Direct Repair Shop affiliates.
- Supervise affiliate shops, collaborating with them to enhance customer service.
- Provide management with recommendations about adding or removing shops as necessary.
- Maintain statistical reports from Direct Repair and Customer Choice Shop affiliates to ensure company compliance and adherence to best practices.
- Demonstrate understanding of and comply with the Utah Unfair Claims Practices Act.
What Makes This Role a Strong Fit
This role is best suited for adjusters who:
- Take ownership of strategy, decisions, and claim outcomes.
- Engage critically by questioning assumptions, analyzing risk, and providing clear guidance.
- Communicate with insureds, claimants, body shops and other invested claim participants via phone, e-mail, text, and regular mail.
- Work closely with cross-functional departments (i.e. Total Loss, Appraisal, Bodily Injury, Subrogation) to ensure seamless and quality claims handling.
About Bear River Mutual
Established in 1909, Bear River Mutual is Utah’s oldest and largest personal lines property and casualty insurance company and is headquartered in Murray, Utah. Our long-standing commitment to the Utah market and focus on high-level service have earned the loyalty of customers for more than 100 years.
We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive medical, dental and vision care plans, long-term disability coverage, group term and supplemental life insurance for all full-time employees, along with generous employer contributions to Heath Savings Accounts. Employees are eligible for performance-based bonuses twice per year.
To support long-term financial security, we offer a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match as well as a pension plan. We value work-life balance and offer generous paid time off and company-paid holidays. We also support ongoing learning and development through an education reimbursement program and discounts on Bear River Mutual personal insurance products.
Join our team and be a part of our continued success. Apply now to embark on an exciting career journey with Bear River Mutual!