Hastings Mutual is currently looking for a Material Damage Appraiser! This is a great opportunity to join our Automotive Claim Team by providing effective estimation and assessment regarding material damage claims to enable efficient payment to our policyholders.
Position Overview
The individual in this role utilizes automated estimating systems to prepare repair estimates reflecting vehicle damages (including heavy equipment, campers, boats, ATVs, and trailers). The position serves as a technical resource for inside auto claim staff in the evaluation and resolution of material damage claims by preparing estimates ranging from $2,000-30,000 for repairs to automobiles, snowmobiles, boats, trucks, heavy equipment, etc. Daily phone, email, and personal contact with policyholders, body shop representatives, car dealers, auto parts suppliers (new and used), salvage operators, and Company claim representatives.
Position Location & Work Format
This position is flexible in its location! We will entertain candidates who reside within our six-state territory (Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, or Illinois) to work a remote schedule. Candidates residing within the greater Hastings, Michigan area will work a hybrid (combination on-site and work-from-home) schedule as an alternative.
Position Duties & Responsibilities
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Reviews, estimates, negotiates, and evaluates first and third-party auto physical damage claims for both personal and commercial lines.
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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.
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Provides technical support to claim team members on estimates and vehicle repair issues.
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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 an optimal outcome on every file.
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Effectively manages work assignments and promptly completes estimates and reviews within the guidelines provided by the Company.
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Maintains daily contact with policyholders, body shop representatives, dealerships, auto parts representatives (new and used), independent appraisers, and auto claim representatives.
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Coordinates the usage of independent appraisers with claim staff where appropriate.
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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.
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Assists the salvage claim handler by suggesting the best possible disposition of total loss vehicles to maximize HMIC dollar recoveries.
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May be called upon for participation in companywide CAT duty.
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Actively participates in professional development, i.e. continuing education or self-improvement.
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Other duties as assigned by leadership, either verbally or in writing.
Candidate Requirements & Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
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Two years minimum experience of auto physical damage estimating experience.
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Formal training in estimating auto damage repairs.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Demonstrated PC skills including basic use of Microsoft Office products.
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Demonstrated experience working effectively in a team setting.
Our Commitment as an Employer
We value the strength of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Hastings Mutual is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and candidates in a work environment that does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. Decisions related to employment are based on business needs, position requirements, and individual characteristics without regard to appearance, nationality, origin, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, body, disability, veteran, family, marital status, or any legally protected class.
Hastings Mutual seeks to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled individuals in the hiring process in compliance with federal, state, and local law. Candidates requiring accommodation to complete their job application or participate in the interviewing process are asked to notify the Talent Acquisition Specialist or contact us at 800-442-8277.
About Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
From our humble roots in 1885 providing coverage for windstorm damage, Hastings Mutual has evolved into a leading regional property and casualty insurance carrier, offering innovative products for businesses, farm owners, and individuals. We work with customers in six Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin). Hastings Mutual is known for its financial strength, high ethical standards, and culture of service and responsiveness.
The core of our ongoing success is our employees. Whether at the corporate offices in Hastings, Michigan, or our remote team members throughout the Midwest, Hastings Mutual is made up of talented professionals across multiple divisions and functional areas. Our commitment to our employees and work culture has been confirmed with our inclusion in the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in West Michigan” each year since 2011.
Hastings Mutual offers a friendly, family-like environment that values transparency and approachability. We recognize the hard work of our employees with many benefits, including fully paid certification training, a cafeteria, and fitness center at our corporate offices, ongoing professional development opportunities, and financial stability backed by our “A” rating from A.M. Best. We also have a long-term commitment to the communities in which we live and work, either through partnerships with local charitable organizations or through our own Hastings Mutual Charitable Foundation.
At Hastings Mutual, we’re always looking for professionals of all experience and education levels to help us continue our more than 130-year history of successful, stable growth.