Auto Damage Appraiser

Recognized as aMilwaukee Journal SentinelTop Workplace for 14 consecutive years, including three years of being honored as number one! Join us at West Bend, where we believe that our associates are our greatest asset. We hire talented individuals who are conscientious, dedicated, customer focused, and able to build lasting relationships. We create and maintain an environment where you feel a sense of belonging and appreciation. Your diversity of thought, experience, and knowledge are valued. We're committed to fostering a welcoming culture, offering you opportunities for meaningful work and professional growth. More than a workplace, we celebrate our successes and take pride in serving our communities.

Serve as a technical expert handling complex vehicle damage claims, including passenger vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, commercial units, recreational vehicles, trailers, and specialty equipment.

This is a fully remote/work from home role. On occasion you may be asked to travel to an office location for in-person engagement activities such as team meetings, training and corporate events.

Join Our APD Claims Team

West Bend is seeking an experienced Senior Damage Appraiser to serve as a technical expert handling complex vehicle damage claims, including passenger vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, commercial units, recreational vehicles, trailers, and specialty equipment. In this role, you'll provide accurate appraisals, support efficient claim resolution, mentor other appraisers, and help drive quality and consistency across our claims operation.

What You'll Do

Evaluate and appraise complex vehicle damage using photos, estimates, inspection findings, and industry-standard estimating tools.
• Handle high-severity and specialized claims involving heavy-duty trucks, commercial vehicles, RVs, trailers, and specialty equipment.
• Determine repair versus total loss outcomes and address salvage, vendor, and repair-related issues.
• Collaborate with claim representatives, repair facilities, vendors, policyholders, and other business partners to resolve claims efficiently and fairly.
• Negotiate repair estimates and supplements while maintaining strong customer service and cost management practices.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other appraisers and claims teammates.
• Support quality improvement initiatives, process enhancements, training efforts, and special projects.
• Stay current on vehicle technologies, repair methods, estimating practices, and industry regulations.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of auto damage appraising, collision estimating, or related insurance experience.
• Experience handling complex, high-exposure, commercial, heavy-duty, RV, or specialty equipment claims preferred.
• Strong estimating, negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret structural, mechanical, and component damage and make sound claim decisions.
• Proficiency with estimating software and current technology.
• Prior mentoring, leadership, or technical specialist experience is a plus.

Education & Certifications

• Post-secondary education or training in automotive technology, collision repair, heavy truck equipment, insurance, business, or a related field preferred.
• Insurance designations such as AIC or AINS are a plus.
• Valid driver's license required for field-based assignments.

Work Environment

This role may be performed remotely through photo-based estimating or in a field-based capacity that includes vehicle inspections and travel within an assigned territory. Some overnight travel may be required based on business needs.

If you're a technical expert who enjoys solving complex vehicle damage claims and helping others grow, we'd love to hear from you.

#LI-BW1

The salary range for this position is $68,000-$90,000.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal equity. Compensation decisions are made by West Bend and are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

West Bend offers a comprehensive benefit plan including but not limited to:

• Medical & Prescription Insurance

• Health Savings Account

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Short and Long Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Life and Accidental Death & Disability

• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match

• Pet Insurance

• Paid Time Off. Standard first year PTO is 17 days, pro-rated based on month of hire. Enhanced PTO may be available for experienced candidates

• Bonus eligible based on performance

• West Bend will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for Colorado employees, in accordance with its plans and policies.

West Bend provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, and promotion.