Auto Physical Damage Specialist 3 - Hayward, CA area

Job Summary

Completes virtual or in-person vehicle inspections on repairable and/or total loss vehicles, establishes damages, and negotiates settlement of claims with customers and repair facilities. Works independently and/or collaboratively with claim owners to investigate coverage and liability on a case-by-case basis. Responsible for managing a variety of specialty auto losses specific to complex and severe damage estimates, Total Loss Express, Fire, Theft & Vandalism, diminution of value and other than auto property damage claims. Provides excellent service to internal and external customers.

Essential Job Functions

• Inspects, appraises or evaluates damaged property using claims estimating software and determines claims related damage.
• Completes auto repair estimates or adjusts repair facility estimates.
• Manages repair process and adjusts auto repair supplements Field CR’s will be required to make critical decisions on repair vs replace in addition to total vs repair at all times.
• Issues payments on site when appropriate.
• Completes vehicle total loss valuations.
• Explains total loss process and settles total loss claims.
• Obtains salvage release agreement from policyholder or claimant on total loss vehicles before assigning liability to Salvage department, mitigating additional salvage storage costs.
• Interacts/collaborates directly with policyholders, claimants, agents, repair facilities and attorneys to set appointments, explain damages and the repair process, and set expectations.
• Effectively collaborates with claim owners, defense counsel, SIU and independent adjustors for customer interaction and resolution strategy.
• Appropriate communication with all entities associated with the claim and the repair must be established and maintained at all times to ensure parts are available and ordered on time to keep repair on schedule.
• Confirms, explains, and applies coverage, assists with rental management, determines and reports on subrogation potential, fraud indicators, negotiates and issues claim payments.
• Serves as mentor to less experienced adjusters and demonstrates leadership skills on projects and in the workplace.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Location

This position will service the Hayward area - candidates need to live in the following cities (or surrounding ones):

• Ardenwood
• Castro Valley
• Fairview
• Fremont
• Hayward
• Niles
• San Leandro
• San Lorenzo
• Union City

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or an automotive related Associate of Applied Science degree from an accredited technical college, or the experience described below.
• Outside insurance education, e.g., CPCU or GCA is preferred.

Experience Requirements

• 3 years of previous APD Estimating skills required or consistent demonstration of technical proficiency.
• Advanced negotiating skills.
• Advanced in-person interpersonal and communication skills.
• Advanced computer and time management skills.
• Advanced knowledge of body and mechanical repair/replace operations.
• Advanced conflict resolution skills.
• Advanced critical thinking skills.