SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Auto Field Adjuster is responsible for estimating damage for vehicles resulting from catastrophic events, such as hail, flood, or tornado, and from daily claims, such as theft, vandalism, and collision. The role’s primary duties include inspecting vehicles, verifying coverage, communicating with repair shops, determining repair costs, and documenting damage using estimating software. The Auto Field Adjuster may work in a temporary inspection location, such as a drive-thru operation; may travel to where non-drivable automobiles are located; may work remotely using virtual methods; or may work in another designated location.
REPORTS TO: Project Manager
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Follows RENFROE and clients’ policies and procedures to handle assigned auto claim damage estimates with little direction and oversight
- Works with Project Manager and other adjusters to share knowledge and experience and to gain new skills
- Travels to repair shops or to vehicle locations if vehicles are non-drivable
- Inspects vehicles, estimates repair costs and creates appraisals considering cost of parts, materials, and labor to restore to pre-damaged condition
- Routes damage estimates to an Auto Desk Adjuster, who is assigned to close the claim
- Makes suggestions of ways to improve process efficiency
- Participates in special projects and completes other duties as assigned
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of 6 months auto claims experience is preferred
- Related auto repair industry experience is preferred
- Participation in technical insurance coursework is preferred
- Experience using various claims processing and estimating systems is preferred
- Appropriate licenses, depending on state requirements
- Applicable client certification
- Strong analytical skills and consistent attention to detail
- Knowledge of material/physical damage repair processes and automobile construction, with proven ability to establish repair requirements and cost estimates
- Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Well-organized and hard-working, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment
- Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to establish good relationships with clients, RENFROE management, employees, auto repair facilities, and others with whom they interact
- Additional opportunities and pay may be available for individuals who have obtained a bilingual-certification (Spanish/English).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to operate an automobile and have a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record
- Ability to travel by automobile or airplane
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time
- Must be able to make physical inspections including from underneath an automobile, on top of taller automobiles such as semi-trucks and motor homes, and by lifting the hood of an automobile
- May require sitting, walking, climbing, bending, reaching, kneeling, squatting, stooping, crawling, lying flat, and lifting objects (typically weighing less than 50 lbs.)
- Must be able to lift, carry, unfold/extend, and climb a ladder (which may exceed 50 lbs. in weight) that is approved by the appropriate regulatory agency or complies with legislative or regulatory occupational health and safety requirements for vehicle roof inspections
- Must be able to work out of doors in all types of weather
- Ability to operate telephone and computer for extended periods of time
- Extended and varying work schedules
- Regular attendance required, usually including at least 60 to 70 hours per week and nights, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to manage claims in a fast paced, changing, and multi-tasking environment