Field Appraiser

Field Appraiser

At Horace Mann, we're passionate about supporting educators and helping them recover quickly when the unexpected happens. We're seeking an experienced Field Appraiser to join our Auto Claims team and deliver an exceptional claims experience through technical expertise, outstanding customer service, and fair, accurate claim settlements.

This is a remote, field-based position that includes a company-provided vehicle. Candidates must reside within California's Inland Empire region to effectively serve customers and repair facilities throughout the assigned territory.

Territory includes:

• North to Victorville
• South to Temecula
• West to Los Angeles
• East to Palm Springs

Daily driving and occasional extensive travel throughout the territory are essential functions of this position.

Key responsibilities:

Claims Evaluation & Customer Service

• Deliver an exceptional customer experience by adhering to company claim handling guidelines, response standards, and state compliance requirements.
• Establish and maintain proactive communication with customers throughout the repair process, providing timely updates and creating a frictionless claims experience.
• Inspect and evaluate damage to insured and third-party claimant vehicles in a timely manner.
• Determine whether vehicles are repairable or meet state requirements for total loss designation.
• Issue estimates, claim payments, and correspondence accurately and efficiently.

Technical Estimating & Negotiation

• Utilize estimating software and vehicle inspections to prepare accurate repair estimates.
• Audit repair facility estimates and negotiate agreed-upon repair costs that are fair and consistent with company standards.
• Review supplemental damage claims to ensure repairs are related to the loss and settled appropriately.
• Adhere to company guidelines regarding repair procedures, parts usage, discounts, and claims handling practices.
• Provide technical expertise and professional guidance to customers, repair facilities, agents, and internal business partners.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with insureds, claimants, agents, repair facilities, and company personnel.
• Represent Horace Mann professionally during customer and repair facility interactions.
• Stay current on evolving industry repair standards, technology, laws, and regulations.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required state adjuster licenses.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing a territory.

Preferred

• 5+ years of experience in auto body repair, collision estimating, body shop operations, or field appraising.
• Experience with CCC estimating software.
• I-CAR certification and/or body shop training.
• Previous property damage claims experience.

Physical Requirements

• Daily travel throughout the assigned territory.
• Occasional extended travel within the territory as business needs require.
• Ability to kneel, stoop, bend, crawl, and climb while performing vehicle inspections.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to safely use tools such as pry bars and floor jacks during inspections.

Pay Range: $66,500.00 - $92,000.00/annually + bonus.

Salary is commensurate to experience, location, etc.