Senior Physical Damage Appraiser – Auto Liability

Position Overview Whip is seeking an experienced Liability Physical Damage (PD) Appraiser to support our growing auto insurance claims operations. This role is responsible for evaluating third-party vehicle damage, preparing and reviewing repair estimates, assessing total losses, negotiating settlements, and ensuring accurate and timely resolution of physical damage claims. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in auto property damage appraisal, strong technical knowledge of vehicle repairs and valuation, and the ability to independently manage complex damage assessments. This position requires a Maryland-based professional who is comfortable conducting in-person vehicle inspections, working directly with repair facilities, and collaborating with our on-site operations and claims teams. Key Responsibilities Vehicle Damage Appraisal & Inspections - Conduct in-person and virtual inspections of damaged vehicles to assess the extent of property damage and determine appropriate repair costs. - Prepare, review, and validate detailed repair estimates using industry-standard estimating platforms. - Evaluate repair methodologies, labor rates, parts pricing, and replacement requirements to ensure estimates are accurate and reasonable. - Identify unrelated damage, prior damage, and potential discrepancies in repair estimates. - Coordinate directly with body shops, repair facilities, and third-party appraisers to resolve estimate differences and supplements. Total Loss Evaluations - Identify vehicles that meet total loss criteria based on repair costs, vehicle value, and applicable state requirements. - Conduct total loss evaluations, including actual cash value (ACV) assessments, salvage valuations, and comparable vehicle research. - Review vehicle condition, mileage, options, and market data to determine accurate valuations. - Assist with total loss settlement recommendations and coordinate salvage disposition when applicable. - Work closely with claims adjusters to ensure total loss evaluations are well documented and supported. Claims Management & Collaboration - Support the Liability Claims team with technical assessments of third-party property damage claims. - Review estimates prepared by external vendors and repair facilities to ensure consistency with company guidelines. - Provide clear recommendations regarding repairability, damage severity, and appropriate settlement amounts. - Collaborate with internal claims handlers, operations personnel, and management to resolve complex property damage matters. - Maintain detailed appraisal reports, photographs, estimates, and supporting documentation within claims management systems. - Participate in on-site meetings and vehicle inspections as needed throughout Maryland. Required Qualifications - 8–10+ years of experience in automotive property damage appraisal, preferably involving third-party liability claims. - Extensive hands-on experience conducting in-person vehicle inspections and damage assessments. - Demonstrated experience handling total loss evaluations, including ACV calculations, salvage considerations, and settlement recommendations. - Strong understanding of automotive repair procedures, structural damage, labor operations, parts pricing, and industry estimating standards. - Proficiency with industry-standard estimating platforms such as CCC ONE, Mitchell, or Audatex. - Experience working directly with collision repair facilities, insurance carriers, and claims adjusters. - Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to independently evaluate complex damage scenarios. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Must reside in Maryland and be available to travel locally for vehicle inspections and in-person collaboration with the operations team. - Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Preferred Qualifications - Prior experience working as a staff appraiser, field appraiser, or senior property damage appraiser for an insurance carrier or third-party administrator (TPA). - Experience with commercial auto, rental fleets, or high-volume auto liability claims. - Familiarity with Maryland and surrounding states' total loss regulations and claims practices. - I-CAR, ASE, or other relevant automotive repair/appraisal certifications. - Experience reviewing and negotiating estimates and supplements with collision repair facilities. What We're Looking For We're looking for a highly experienced, hands-on appraiser who can take ownership of property damage evaluations from initial inspection through final appraisal recommendations. The successful candidate will be comfortable working both independently in the field and collaboratively with our internal team. They should bring sound technical judgment, extensive total loss experience, and the ability to make practical, well-supported recommendations that balance accurate claim settlements with cost control. This is an opportunity to play an important role in building and strengthening Whip's internal claims capabilities.