SUMMARY: Responsible for handling automobile and specialty vehicle claims, which includes: coverage analysis, investigation, estimating, appraising, negotiation, settlement, salvage, and subrogation. Adjudicates claims within assigned settlement authority and adheres to applicable laws, regulations, and company guidelines. Conduct field investigations to document damage, loss, and assist in liability determinations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts thorough inspections and appraisals of automobile and specialty vehicle claims, which includes on-site field inspections.
• Establishes, evaluates, and maintains individual case reserves in accordance with the Claims Department Reserving Philosophy.
• Evaluates coverage, gathers evidence and documentation, and determines whether coverage is applicable for assigned losses.
• Determines value of covered damages, and adjudicates the claim within their authority level, or presents valuation evidence to the Claims Supervisor for additional authority as needed, while maintaining compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company guidelines.
• Documents the claim file in a prompt, clear, and concise manner, with the facts gathered in the investigation.
• Inspects and qualifies repair facilities for the company Automobile Repair Network Program.
• Works closely with insureds, claimants, repair facilities, and experts as needed to estimate, appraise, and negotiate settlement of covered losses.
• Reviews and prepares subrogation demands.Pursues recovery as warranted.
• Secures salvage quotes, coordinates pick-up, and procures documentation for the transfer of ownership, in order to recover salvage proceeds.
• Handles storm and catastrophe losses, which includes coordinating and managing drive-thru estimating services for our policyholders, when needed.
• Assists in the handling of claims at other claim levels as necessary and within authority.
• Assists with scene inspections to aid in determining liability.
• Stays abreast of current trends and latest technology relating to vehicles, and the vehicle repair industry.
• Assists with training personnel as needed.
• Provides excellent customer service to all external and internal customers, and maintains good working relationships with field and Home Office personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Auto Field Appraiser – Bachelor’s Degree required, except that additional related work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the formal education requirement. Knowledge and experience in the automobile industry preferred.

Intermediate Auto Field Appraiser – Bachelor’s Degree required, except that additional related work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the formal education requirement, plus three years of experience in estimating and appraising automobile physical damage, and completion of the Associates in Claims (AIC) Core Courses. Four years of estimating and appraising automobile physical damage, preferably related to insurance claims, may be substituted for the AIC Core Courses requirement.

Senior Auto Field Appraiser – Bachelor’s Degree required, except that additional related work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the formal education requirement, plus six years of experience in estimating and appraising automobile physical damage, and completion of the AIC designation. Eight years of estimating and appraising automobile physical damage, preferably related to insurance claims, may be substituted for the AIC designation requirement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to operate a personal computer, standard office equipment, and claims-related software.
• Ability to manage time, establish priorities, and work independently.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with members, insureds, claimants, body shop personnel, and vendors.
• Ability to travel with overnight stay for extended periods.
• Must maintain a Missouri driver’s license.
• Ability to research and compile information, and exercise good judgment.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the insurance industry, Department of Insurance, and the laws of the state of Missouri.
• Knowledge of current trends and latest technology relating to auto body repairs industry.
• Knowledge of repair techniques and estimating.
• Ability to set up and operate a drive-thru estimating operation.
• Engages in continuous learning opportunities to further develop skills and capabilities in procedures and principles
• Consistently presents a calm, competent, and professional image to the public and other MOFB employees
• Takes responsibilities seriously and consistently meets MOFB’s expectations for quality, service, and professionalism
• Co-operate with team members to contribute to the achievement of MOFB’s goals and mission

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in a confined space. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.

06.2025