Field Auto Appraiser - Livonia/ Ann Arbor

Job Type:

Full time

Exempt/Non Exempt:

Salary

Job Description:

Location Details: Livonia through Ann Arbor Territory

Position Schedule / Shift:

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm ET

Position Summary:

A highly skilled Field Auto Appraiser responsible for inspecting, evaluating, and determining repair or total loss values for complex vehicle damage claims in the field. Operates with minimal supervision and is entrusted with a high degree of independent authority to resolve technically challenging and high-severity claims. Demonstrates advanced expertise in vehicle construction, damage analysis, repair methodologies, and estimating systems. Acts as a subject matter expert, making sound, timely decisions while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and cost efficiency. Effectively negotiates with repair facilities, customers, and vendors, and provides guidance on complex technical issues, policy interpretation, and claim resolution strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

Claim handling responsibilities will include the following :

Reviewing assigned claims

Contacting the insured and other affected parties

Setting expectations for the remainder of the claim process

Initiating documentation in the claim handling system

Complete complex coverage analysis

Ensure all possible policyholder benefits are identified

Create additional sub-claims if needed

Complete an investigation of the facts regarding the claim to further and in more detail determine if the claim should be paid, the applicable limits or exclusions and possible recovery potential

Conduct thorough reviews of damages and determine the applicability of state law and other factors related to the claim.

Evaluate the financial value of the loss.

Approve payments for the appropriate parties accordingly.

Refer claims to other company units when necessary (e.g., Underwriting, Recovery Units or Claims Special Investigation Unit).

Thoroughly document and/or code the claim file and complete all claim closure and related activities in the assigned claims management system.

Utilize strong negotiating skills.

Employees assigned to Auto Physical Damage (“APD”) claim unit will handle complex claims involving settling Total Losses, inspecting vehicles and preparing estimates of damage. If in the DRS Examiner role, manage Direct Repair Shops for compliance with our program. Additional responsibilities may include the following: determining cause of damage, establishing liability, and identifying subrogation potential. Monitor repairs and approve car rental expenses. Oversee APD Litigation cases. Manage the litigation process including attorney and budget management, participation in mediation activities and determining the appropriate settlement position. May assist Claim Manager with file reviews and training.

Qualifications:

Required

Education (including minimum education and any licensing/certifications):

High school diploma or equivalent

Complete ACG Claim Representative Training Program or demonstrate equivalent knowledge or experience

In states where an Adjuster’s license is required, the candidate must be eligible to acquire a State Adjuster’s license within 90 days of hire and maintain as specified for appropriate state

Must have a valid State Driver's License

Experience:

Three years of experience or equivalent training in the following:

negotiation of claim settlements

securing and evaluating evidence

preparing manual and electronic estimates

subrogation claims

resolving coverage questions

taking statements

establishing clear evaluation and resolution plans for claims

Skills:

handle claims to the line Claim Handling Standards

follow and apply ACG Claim policies, procedures and guidelines

work within assigned ACG Claim systems including basic PC software

perform basic claim file review and investigations

demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written)

demonstrate customer service skills by building and maintaining relationships with insured/claimants while exhibiting understanding of their problems and responding to questions and concerns

analyze and solve problems while demonstrating sound decision-making skills

prioritize claim related functions

process time sensitive data and information from multiple sources

manage time, organize and plan workload and responsibilities

safely operate a motor vehicle in order to visit repair facilities, homes (for inspections), patients, etc.

research analyze and interpret subrogation laws in various states

travel outside of assigned territory which may involve overnight stay

relocate, work evenings or weekends

Preferred

Education:

Associate degree in Business Administration, Insurance or a related field or the equivalent in related work experience

Completion of the Insurance Institute of America's: General Insurance Program, Associate in Claims, associate in management or equivalent

CPCU coursework or designation

I-Car ProLevel training

CCC training

XACT ware Training

Experience:

Knowledge of:

Advanced knowledge of:

Essential Insurance Act (Michigan)

Fair Trade Practices Act as it relates to claims

subrogation procedures and processes

intercompany arbitration

handling simple litigation

Negligence Law

No-Fault Law

collision repair techniques

Work Environment:

This position is currently able to work remotely from a home office location for day-to-day operations unless occasional travel for meetings, collaborative activities, or team building activities is specified by leadership. This is subject to change based on amendments and/or modifications to the ACG Flex Work policy.

Compensation & Benefits Overview:

ACG complies with all applicable state and local laws regarding required benefits (including PTO, paid sick leave, etc.).

Compensation

A Field Appraiser earns a competitive annual salary of $75,000-$85,000, along with the opportunity for an annual company bonus incentive.

Benefits

At ACG, we offer a comprehensive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth.

Health & Wellness

Medical plans with multiple coverage options, including HSA eligibility.

Prescription drug coverage.

Dental and vision benefits.

Employee Assistance Program (confidential support services).

Financial Protection & Insurance

Company-paid basic life insurance.

Optional supplemental life insurance and dependent coverage.

Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

Critical illness, accident, and pet insurance options.

Retirement & Savings

401(k) plan to support long-term financial goals.

3% automatic deferral upon eligibility; may contribute 1% to 50% of eligible earnings, either pre or post tax.

Company match of 50% paid on employee contributions up to 6% of pay, payable to employees following the end of the year; immediate vesting.

Additional company contribution of 4% of pay each pay day into your account; 100% vested after three (3) years of service.

Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options.

Time Off & Leave

Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual-based, increases with tenure, eligible at 90 days of employment.

Full-time new employees will receive up to 12 PTO days annually; accrual based on start date and may include additional PTO based on role and/or state & local requirements.

Part-time employee PTO hours are calculated based upon the standard weekly hours the employee is scheduled to work and will accrue at a minimum of 3 hours per month.

Paid holidays:

Full-time employees are eligible for 10 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day, 2 floating holidays, and 1 volunteer day. Holidays will vary by business schedules

Part-time employees are eligible for 8 company-paid holidays annually, in addition to 1 mental health day and 2 floating holidays. Holidays will vary by business unit schedules.

Paid leave programs, including parental, bereavement, jury duty, and military leave.

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