Material Damage Specialist

This is a field position with access to a company car and frequent driving within your assigned territory. The Assigned Territory includes frequent travel in Greene, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Sullivan, Putnam, Orange and Rockland Counties.

Successful candidate must reside in the Lower Mid-Hudson Territory in New York State, or in the immediate surrounding location. Such as Western, CT, Albany, NY, etc.

Company vehicle and equipment is provided.

At Preferred, we understand the importance of holistic health. To meet the diverse needs of our employees, we offer a comprehensive set of benefits:

Financial

• Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage are provided at no cost
• Optional benefits include enhanced life insurance and critical illness plans
• 401k plan with an employer contribution that you will receive regardless of your own contribution to the plan
• Pension Plan
• Certain positions may also be eligible for short-term incentive plans.

Social

• Generous paid time off, offering of 25 days at hire (prorated based on start date for the first year)
• 7 days of paid sick leave
• 10 paid company holidays
• Personalized paid time off after 3 years

Emotional

• Access to Modern Health, a provider of accessible, personalized mental health care

Physical

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options begin on the first day of employment
• Flex Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts (with employer contribution) are available based on the medical plan you choose

YOUR PURPOSE AND FUNCTION IN OUR COMPANY:

The Field Auto Appraiser will investigate, evaluate, negotiate, and settle assigned claims as defined by the on-site investigation, damage appraisal, and face to face representation of Preferred Mutual. The Field Auto Appraiser will also represent the Claims Department through visitations with our agency partners.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Licensed Auto Damage Appraiser required.
• A driver's license in good standing is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant estimating experience.
• Experience in using auto estimating software (i.e. CCC, Audatex, Mitchell).
• Industry designations/technical certifications preferred, but not required (i.e. I-CAR).
• Familiar with and knowledgeable about repair facilities in the assigned territory
• Light truck/Heavy Equipment estimating experience preferred, but not required.
• Superior knowledge and understanding of auto body repair techniques, terminology, and vehicle construction.
• Strong understanding of the insurance policies offered by the company.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be able to work outside in inclement weather conditions and drive substantial distances.
• Must be physically able to inspect the underside of and around vehicles, and/or inspect vehicles in tight quarters at body shops and salvage yards, etc.

The Field Auto Appraiser will:
• Be responsible for writing auto appraisals for both repairable and total losses, completing desk reviews, re-inspections, and aiding in the claim investigation as needed.
• Promptly schedule assignments and travel to location of vehicle.
• Control indemnity and expense through the inspection of losses and consistently writing fair and accurate appraisals.
• Provide outstanding customer service and exude a highly professional appearance.
• Ensure proper file documentation and reporting.
• Identify potentially fraud claims and report them to the SIU and the inside claim handler, and work to support any additional investigation necessary.
• Provide or facilitate answers to any questions relating to the appraisal or repair process.
• Provide support to colleagues as necessary
• Conduct appraisals audits and re-inspections of independent appraisers as needed.
• Develop a rapport with brokers and agency partners in his or her territory.
• Work with Claims Leadership and other teams to achieve departmental and corporate goals.
• Lead industry research initiatives relating to repair and appraisal.
• Support the Claims and Corporate Mission, Vision, and Value Proposition.

KEY CAPABILITIES FOR SUCCESS:
• Engaging and outgoing personality, with a passion for helping customers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Able to work independently with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in both verbal and written form.
• Exhibit the solid negotiation skills to necessary to reach agree repair figures with body shop personnel.
• Ability to handle complex and/or uncommon damage scenarios.
• Self-motivated and pursues opportunities for self-improvement and the advancement of the unit, department, and Enterprise.
• Supportive of continued process improvement as well as the achievement of stated goals and objectives.

ABOUT US: As a mutual company, we are independent by nature, so we think about insurance solutions a little differently. Through listening, problem solving, examining your challenges and collaborating on the right solutions for you, Preferred Mutual independent agents provide flexible solutions and adapt to your evolving needs. We do the same for our employees. We are process and domain experts, focused on the solutions that deliver results for our clients and our company. We offer a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. With Preferred, there are no surprises. You can count on us to deliver on our promises and be there when you need us, as your insurance provider and your employer. Preferred Mutual is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

DISCLAIMER: This role (job) description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification. The duties described are not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive to any specific employee. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Nothing in this position description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between Preferred Mutual Insurance Company and its employees.

The salary range for this role is $67,000 to $96,000 per year paid on a salaried basis. The rate offered to any candidate will be reflective of the candidate's experience and any relevant education, certification, or qualifications related to their ability to perform the responsibilities of this position as permitted by law.

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