Material Damage Appraiser – Houston, TX

Position Summary

The Material Damage Appraiser is responsible for inspecting, evaluating, negotiating, and documenting physical damage claims while delivering exceptional customer service. This role requires strong technical knowledge of vehicle repair methods, estimating software, and total loss evaluations. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, organized, and able to independently manage an assigned geographic territory while maintaining quality, accuracy, and timely claim handling.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan routes and travel efficiently within the assigned geographic territory to inspect damaged vehicles in a timely manner.
• Inspect and appraise damaged vehicles using company guidelines, OEM repair procedures, and industry best practices.
• Utilize estimating software to evaluate, document, and prepare accurate repair estimates for accident-related damages.
• Negotiate repair estimates with customers' selected repair facilities while maintaining professional relationships.
• Manage the repair process to help ensure repairs are completed accurately and within established timeframes.
• Determine whether damaged vehicles are repairable or qualify as total losses in accordance with company guidelines.
• Complete total loss evaluations and determine appropriate salvage values.
• Issue payments for covered damages within established authority limits when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate claim documentation, file notes, and timely communication with the Material Damage unit and key Claims Department personnel.
• Contact customers promptly to schedule inspections and provide regular updates throughout the claims process.
• Complete vehicle inspections within established service level expectations while providing accurate repair costs and estimated repair completion times.
• Explain the appraisal process, answer customer questions, and maintain effective communication with body repair facilities.
• Assist internal claims teams by providing expertise regarding total loss evaluations, prior unrelated damage, repairability, and other material damage matters.
• Stay current on vehicle technology, repair procedures, OEM repair standards, and industry trends by completing required continuing education.
• Apply a thorough understanding of the Company's Standard Claim Process and Material Damage Best Practices to ensure consistent, high-quality claim handling.

Qualifications

Licenses & Certifications

• Candidates must have a Texas or Florida Adjuster License.
• All required licenses must be maintained in accordance with applicable state requirements.
• Additional state adjuster licenses may be required after hire based on business needs and must be obtained within required timeframes.
• ASE and/or I-CAR certifications are preferred but not required.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience writing automobile damage appraisals with an insurance carrier, independent appraisal firm, or collision repair facility.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate, comprehensive repair estimates across a wide variety of vehicle types, damage severity, and claim scenarios.
• Strong understanding of collision repair methods, OEM repair procedures, repair-versus-replace decision making, and total loss evaluations.
• Proficiency with automotive estimating software is required; experience with CCC ONE is strongly preferred.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Ability to independently manage an assigned territory, prioritize workload, and meet established service and quality expectations.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and the ability to travel throughout the assigned territory.

Preferred Skills

• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with customers, repair facilities, and internal business partners.
• Self-motivated with excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and achieving quality claim outcomes.