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Hastings Insurance is currently looking for an Associate Material Damage Appraiser to join its Auto Physical Damage Claim Team! This is a great opportunity for junior / intermediate level professional with a background or interest in automotive damage estimating, to provide excellent service to our policyholders as part of the claim adjusting process.

Position Overview

The Associate Material Damage Appraiser utilizes automated estimating systems to prepare repair estimates reflecting vehicle damage. The position serves as a technical resource for inside auto claim staff in the evaluation and resolution of material damage claims.

Position Location & Work Format

• This is a full-time, hourly position that will work our standard office hours of Monday - Friday, 8:00a - 4:30p.
• This position can work full-time onsite at our Hastings, MI headquarters, in a hybrid capacity (combination of onsite and work from home) or fully remote.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

• Reviews, estimates, negotiates, and evaluates first and third party auto physical damage claims for Commercial, Personal, and Farm lines of business.
• Complies with all state and federal regulations, Core Values, and established processes and guidelines.
• Utilizes automated estimating systems to prepare repair estimates reflective of vehicle damages and identifies reparability issues that may result in a potential total loss claim.
• Completes documentation on vehicle options, condition, mileage, and other factors. Provides technical support to claim team members on estimates and vehicle repair issues.
• Provides consistent quality service throughout the life of the claim, including prompt contact, outlining the claim process, and ongoing effective communication and follow-through while meeting commitments to achieve optimal outcome on every file.
• Regularly contacts and interacts with agents, policyholders, body shop representatives, dealerships, auto parts representatives, independent appraisers, and auto claim representatives.
• Coordinates the usage of independent appraisers with claim staff where appropriate.
• Negotiates with repair facilities on revisions to repair costs including replacement labor times, repair labor rates, alternative parts usage, tax application, betterment, paint allowances, material costs, sublet repairs, deductible application, calculation errors, and incidental expenses.
• Identifies indicators of potential fraud and refers to the Special Investigations Unit.
• Secure and/or maintain appropriate state adjuster license(s) and continuing education credits, as necessary. Actively participates in professional development.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership, either verbally or in writing.

Candidate Requirements & Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree preferred. In lieu of a four-year degree, a combination of automotive body experience or vocational training in related field, demonstrating basic understanding of automobile body parts is required.

Experience in auto physical damage claims, basic automobile knowledge, and/or estimating experienced is preferred.

Computer experience (MS Office, Excel, Word, etc.).

Demonstrated verbal and written communication ability.

Ability to work effectively both independently as well