This career opportunity is available at Motor Claims: Wreck and Salvage Department and will be based in Parktown
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Santam's Motor Claims division has a vacancy for a Motor Wreck Desktop Assessor, the main purpose of the role is to provide precise, remote technical and financial valuation of motor vehicle accident damage through high-resolution digital media and claim documentation.
The primary objectives are to Safeguard Financial Outcomes such as Audit repair estimates via Abuntex to ensure cost accuracy and determine repair versus total loss outcomes.
To Ensure Claim Integrity by Cross-validating visual damage against accident descriptions to mitigate fraud and Drive Service Efficiency to Maintain strict turnaround SLAs and collaborate telephonically with Service Providers and stakeholders.
WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE?
Key Responsibilities
Digital Assessments: Review high-resolution photographs, video streams, and digital claim files submitted by repair workshops or clients
Estimate Auditing: Analyse, negotiate, and adjust digital quotes using computerised estimating software like Abuntex or Audatex.
Remote Consistency Checks: Evaluate digital evidence to verify if the visible vehicle damage matches the description of the accident.
Parts & Rate Optimization: Check and adjust labour hours, paint costs, and parts choices, promoting the use of alternative or certified aftermarket parts where appropriate.
Total Loss Evaluation: Calculate vehicle market values remotely against repair estimates to quickly identify and process structural write-offs.
SLA Management: Maintain quick turnaround times for digital authorizations to minimize vehicle downtime and car rental expenses for the client.
Digital Communication: Use digital portals, emails, and phone calls to resolve repair methodology disputes with Motor Body Repairers (MBRs).
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Digital Assessments
Stakeholder Satisfaction
SLA Management
Query Resolution
Training Delivery & Completion Rate
Financial Decision Making
Time Management
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
Technical Trade: Qualified Panelbeater, Spray Painter, or Motor Mechanic (red seal trade test certificate preferred).
Professional Registration: Registered Member of the Vehicle Damage Quantifier Governing Body (VDQGBSA).
Experience: 2+ years of digital/desktop assessing experience within an insurance environment, or 5+ years as a workshop estimator.
System Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Abuntex / Audatex and insurance claim management workflows.
Vehicle valuation via live market test and Mead & McGrouther code
Modern Desktop Capability: High comfort level navigating multiple digital platforms simultaneously, utilizing advanced imaging software to spot hidden vehicular defects remotely.
A relevant Diploma or Certificate in Short-Term Insurance would be considered an advantagePreferred
Experience working with insurance claims systems and salvage auction platforms
Familiarity with TCF, POPIA, and insurance regulatory frameworks
Preferred
Experience working with insurance claims systems and salvage auction platforms
Familiarity with TCF, POPIA, and insurance regulatory frameworks
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Skills
Technical Accuracy: Intense attention to detail when spotting structural, electrical, or underlying mechanical faults.
Negotiation Skills: The ability to firmly but fairly challenge repair methods and costs presented by panel beaters.
Resilience: Highly capable of working under pressure, managing tight service level agreements (SLAs), and handling customer complaints calmly.
Analytical Thinking: Evaluating financial formulas to swiftly decide if a vehicle is repairable or uneconomical to repair.
Behavioural Competencies
Attention to detail and high accuracy
Strong written and verbal communication
Customer centric attitude
Problem solving ability
Professionalism, integrity, and sound judgement
Ability to work under pressure and manage workload