Outside Auto Appraiser

Outside Auto Appraiser

Taking care of our customers, our communities and each other. That's the Travelers Promise. By honoring this commitment, we have maintained our reputation as one of the best property casualty insurers in the industry for over 170 years. Join us to discover a culture that is rooted in innovation and thrives on collaboration. Imagine loving what you do and where you do it.

Job Category: Claim

Compensation Overview: The annual base salary range provided for this position is a nationwide market range and represents a broad range of salaries for this role across the country. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. As part of our comprehensive compensation and benefits program, employees are also eligible for performance-based cash incentive awards.

Salary Range: $63,800.00 - $105,400.00

Target Openings: 1

What Is the Opportunity? LOCATION REQUIREMENT: This position services Insureds/Agents in the Chicago, IL city limits area. The selected candidate must reside in or be willing to relocate at their own expense to the assigned territory. Ideal locations include: Chicago, IL and surrounding areas. As an Outside Auto Appraiser, you are responsible for physically inspecting damaged vehicles, estimating repair costs, working closely with repair facilities, and determining and settling the actual cash value of total loss vehicles to ensure accurate and timely claim settlements. In this customer-facing role, you will need to have a high level of technical expertise in vehicle damage assessment, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. This position will serve as a technical resource for auto claim staff and will provide advice and direction to claim professionals on claim damages to achieve optimal outcomes. This position is based remotely with work at residential and/or commercial locations with a combination of mobile work, work from your primary residence, or the nearest Travelers office.

What Will You Do?

• Inspect and assess vehicle damage resulting from accidents, weather events, or other covered losses by conducting thorough virtual or on-site inspections at body shops or customer locations.
• Perform estimate review work, conduct virtual inspections, and collaborate with repair facilities to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality across claims.
• Prepare accurate repair estimates using industry-standard estimating software to determine the cost of parts, labor, and materials required to restore vehicles to pre-loss condition.
• Evaluate and settle vehicle total losses by determining actual cash value (ACV) through market research, comparable vehicle analysis, and application of appropriate valuation tools and methodologies.
• Negotiate repair costs and settlements with body shops, customers, and third-party claimants to reach fair and timely resolutions while maintaining quality repair standards.
• Identify and document pre-existing damage, prior repairs, and potential fraud indicators to ensure accurate claim evaluation and protect company interests.
• Collaborate with claim representatives, body shops, and vendors to coordinate repairs, authorize supplements, and resolve coverage or repair-related issues.
• Provide exceptional customer service by explaining the appraisal process, answering questions, assisting in moving claims towards timely resolution, and keeping vehicle owners informed throughout the claim lifecycle.
• Adapt to new technology implementations, system upgrades, and digital tool rollouts, particularly in the areas of AI while maintaining productivity and service quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What Will Our Ideal Candidate Have?

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Active adjuster license, where applicable.
• Two years of auto physical damage appraisal experience.
• Proficient in claims management and estimating software, with advanced skills in Microsoft Office and enterprise technology systems and platforms.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and make effective decisions.
• Exceptional customer service skills and commitment to providing a positive experience for customers throughout the claim process.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills; ability to facilitate productive discussions and reach equitable outcomes.
• Ability to manage stress, navigate difficult situations, and maintain composure and professionalism under pressure while always taking accountability for decisions.
• Basic understanding of insurance principles and terminology, state insurance regulations and claim handling requirements.
• Ability to quickly learn from experience and apply it to new situations with speed and flexibility.

What Is a Must Have?

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One year of auto physical damage appraisal or comparable claim related experience or successful completion of required Travelers Claim Representative training program.
• Valid driver's license.

What Is in It for You?

• Health Insurance: Employees and their eligible family members including spouses, domestic partners, and children are eligible for coverage from the first day of employment.
• Retirement: Travelers matches your 401(k) contributions dollar-for-dollar up to your first 5% of eligible pay, subject to an annual maximum. If you have student loan debt, you can enroll in the Paying it Forward Savings Program. When you make a payment toward your student loan, Travelers will make an annual contribution into your 401(k) account. You are also eligible for a Pension Plan that is 100% funded by Travelers.
• Paid Time Off: Start your career at Travelers with a minimum of 20 days Paid Time Off annually, plus nine paid company Holidays.
• Wellness Program: The Travelers wellness program is comprised of tools, discounts and resources that empower you to achieve your wellness goals and caregiving needs. In addition, our mental health program provides access to free professional counseling services, health coaching and other resources to support your daily life needs.
• Volunteer Encouragement: We have a deep commitment to the communities we serve and encourage our employees to get involved. Travelers has a Matching Gift and Volunteer Rewards program that enables you to give back to the charity of your choice.

Employment Practices: Travelers is an equal opportunity employer. We value the unique abilities and talents each individual brings to our organization and recognize that we benefit in numerous ways from our differences.

In accordance with local law, candidates seeking employment in Colorado are not required to disclose dates of attendance at or graduation from educational institutions.

If you are a candidate and have specific questions regarding the physical requirements of this role, please send us an email so we may assist you.

Travelers reserves the right to fill this position at a level above or below the level included in this posting.