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

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.

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• 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.