Auto Estimator/Appraiser - Physical Damage, Field

The General, a subsidiary of Sentry Insurance, is currently seeking an experienced Auto Estimator/Appraiser-Physical Damage to join our team! We are looking for an experienced auto estimator/appraiser to work on physical damage claims in the field for Miami, Fl or Nashville, TN. You must be located within 1 hours of that region. A company fleet vehicle is provided with the position. You will work on moderately complex physical damage claims that require on-site inspections or face-to-face contact. You will also handle some situational claim adjuster responsibilities. You will conduct training and reinspection of new independent appraisers and network repair facilities.
Prefer experience with insurance and in body shops.

This position will be located in either the Miami, FL or Nashville, TN area.

What You'll Do

As an experienced Auto Estimator/Appraiser, you will: ​

• Prepare and submit appraisals using estimating software indicating costs for parts, materials and labor necessary to restore vehicles to pre-damaged condition

• Provide claims personnel with advice on vehicle repair, parts costs, garage knowledge, total loss determination, and when specific damage may be related to an accident

• Provide a clear explanation of estimates to the customer, answer customer questions and processes claim payments

• Identify industry approved equipment needed to complete repairs

• Investigate cause and origin of claims by contacting the appropriate parties

• Negotiate physical damage settlements and explain settlements including total losses and correct repair methods in a manner that they can be understood by the customer

• Negotiate repair prices and techniques with repair facilities and customers, which may include the use of aftermarket parts, salvage parts, repair versus replacement, and betterment

• Use electronic claim system to document actions throughout the life of the claim

• Manage individual claim inventory to ensure productivity goals are achieved

• Recognize and have a broad understanding of state-specific differences in policies, contract coverages and claim history coverages; Identify state-specific legislation and legal precedent based on prior legal cases for assigned geographical area

What it Takes

• 3+ years of experience with an Electronic Estimating System (i.e. CCC, ADP, Mitchell) required

• 1+ years of experience with Microsoft Office required (Word, Windows, and Excel)

• Experience interpreting automobile policies, including applicable endorsements

• Experience with underwriting guidelines

• Recognize controls and resolve disputes using arbitration, appraisal and alternate dispute resolutions

• You will perform basic math calculations, including the calculation of averages and percentages.

• Valid driver's license required plus an acceptable driving record.

• Obtain state specific property casualty claims licensing-We will provide training

• Travel Requirements up to 20%.

• Catastrophe duty as applicable.

• Visit areas that have a higher hazard than a typical office.

• Adjust or move objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.

• Low/high temperatures, noisy environments, poor ventilation, small and enclosed spaces.

What You'll Receive

At Sentry, your total rewards go beyond competitive compensation. Below are some benefits and perks that you'll receive.

• As a Sentry associate, you will have an in-office workspace and materials for your home office. In addition to the laptop, you will receive prior to your start date, Sentry will provide equipment for your home office.

• Meal Subsidy available for associates who report to an office.

• 401(k) plan with a dollar-for-dollar match on your first eight percent, plus immediate vesting to help strengthen your financial future.

• Continue your education and career development through Sentry University (SentryU) and utilize our Tuition Reimbursement program.

• Generous Paid-Time Off plan for you to enjoy time out of the office as well as Volunteer-Time Off.

• Group Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Parental Leave, and our Health and Wellness benefits to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

• Well-being and Employee Assistance programs.

• Sentry Foundation gift matching program to encourage charitable giving.

About Sentry

We take great pride in making Forbes’ list of America’s Best Midsize Employers since 2017. A lot of differe