Auto Physical Damage Field Estimator (Chicago)
We are Farmers!
We are… more than just your favorite commercials. At Farmers, we strive to deliver peace of mind to our customers by providing protection and comprehensive advice and delivering in the moments of truth. That means having people who can help us meet changing customer and business needs. Farmers high-performance culture is focused on results and the people who achieve them. We hold ourselves and others accountable for sustainably growing the business and each other. We seek solutions, own our actions, and grow through discomfort. We see setbacks as opportunities while continuously asking ourselves how we impact our customers.
Farmers is an award-winning, equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of a diverse workforce. We are dedicated to supporting the well-being of our people through our extensive suite of benefits, as well as the well-being of the communities we serve through employee volunteer programs and nonprofit partnerships. Helping others in their time of need isn’t just our business – it’s our culture!
Farmers believes in a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation, which thrives when we have the ability to work flexibly in a virtual setting as well as the opportunity to be together in person. Our hybrid work environment combines the best of both worlds with at least three (3) days in office and up to two (2) days virtual for employees who live within fifty (50) miles of a Farmers corporate office. Applicants beyond fifty (50) miles may still be considered.
Job Summary
- Completes in-person or virtual vehicle inspections on repairable and/or total loss vehicles, establishes damages, and negotiates settlement of claims with customers and repair facilities. Reviews and adjusts estimates from repair facilities, either direct repair or non-direct repair, and subrogation claims. Negotiates settlement and manages rental on assigned claims.
- Works independently and/or collaboratively with Claim Owners to investigate coverage and liability on a case by case basis. Provides excellent service to internal and external customers. May be assigned as Claim Owner on Tier 1 claims.
Essential Job Functions
- Inspects and appraises damaged property and vehicles 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 inspections/valuations.
- Explains total loss process and settles total loss claims when appropriate. Obtains total loss salvage release from policyholder or claimant and completes field clearing note before assigning 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 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 a mentor to less experienced adjusters, and demonstrates leadership skills in the workplace. Performs applicable administrative tasks (timekeeping, expense reports, etc.). Performs other duties as assigned.
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
Proficient negotiating skills. Proficient in-person interpersonal and communication skills. Proficient computer skills. 12 months of previous APD estimating experience required or consistent demonstration of technical proficiency. Intermediate knowledge of body and mechanical repair/replace operations. Proficient conflict resolution skills. Proficient critical thinking skills. Actively pursuing I-CAR Pro designation and other technical education.
- Farmers offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, qualifications and location.
o Illinois: $31.63 - $38.08/hour - Bonus Opportunity (based on Company and Individual Performance)
- 401(k)
- Medical
- Vision
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
Anticipated application deadline: At Farmers, the recruitment process is designed to ensure that we find the best talent to join our team. As part of this process, we typically close open positions within 8 to 21 days after posting. If you are interested in any of our open positions, we encourage you to submit your application promptly.
Farmers will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance or other applicable law. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1033, Farmers is prohibited from employing any individual who has been convicted of any criminal felony involving dishonesty or a breach of trust without prior written consent from the state Department of Insurance.
Farmers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in any employer/employee relations based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military and veteran's status, or any other basis protected by applicable discrimination laws.
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