Christine Gutsch
Santa Rosa,CA
Summary
Highly motivated with strong work ethic and adaptability. Proficient in insurance policy coverage levels, industry practices and compliance requirements. Experienced in processing auto and property damage claims in high-volume environments. Successful at managing complete claims process with minimal direction. Dedicated team player adept at managing customer service and claims processing for policyholder.
Looking for a long-term position with a growth-oriented company.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Auto Damage Appraiser
Kemper Insurance
Santa Rosa, CA
05.2021 - 10.2022
- Conducted detailed inspections of damaged vehicles to determine appropriate repair costs and techniques.
- Developed reports and estimates for insurance companies detailing damages, repair costs, and labor times.
- Analyzed photographs, diagrams, test results, and other data to identify necessary repairs.
- Provided technical guidance to junior appraisers on estimating techniques and procedures.
- Consulted with vehicle owners regarding the condition of their vehicles.
- Reviewed appraisal requests and determined if additional information or testing was needed before completing an estimate.
- Identified salvageable parts from damaged vehicles for reuse in other repairs.
- Ensured all estimates complied with company policy guidelines and industry best practices.
- Collaborated with body shops, mechanics, suppliers, and other vendors to ensure accurate cost estimations were generated in a timely manner.
- Interpreted manufacturer specifications for correct part numbers for replacement components used in repairs.
- Performed research on current labor rates for various types of auto repairs within specific geographic areas.
- Maintained records of all appraisals completed including notes about vehicle conditions and any special instructions given by customers.
- Evaluated customer complaints related to the quality of completed repairs or inaccurate estimates.
- Assisted in training new staff members on proper damage assessment methods.
- Updated knowledge of automotive technology advancements as they relate to repair processes.
- Researched market values of vehicles based on make, model, year, mileage, features.
- Attended meetings with insurance adjusters when disputes arose over estimated repair costs.
- Used specialized software programs to generate comprehensive reports outlining damages found during inspections.
- Reviewed invoices from body shops for accuracy prior to submitting them for payment processing.
- Used strong communication skills to negotiate final damage estimates and shop repair costs.
- Took photographs and wrote detailed summaries to document damage.
- Calculated damage and claim values with CCC.
- Provided policyholders with advice regarding vehicle repairs and body shop procedures to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Determined salvage value for total-loss vehicles.
Auto Body Shop Manager
Randy Hanson Auto Body
Santa Rosa, CA
07.2018 - 05.2021
- Managed daily operations of the auto body shop, including customer service, scheduling appointments, and overseeing staff.
- Developed strategies to increase profitability and efficiency in the shop.
- Reviewed estimates prepared by technicians and adjusted as necessary for accuracy and cost effectiveness.
- Researched new technologies and processes to improve productivity in the shop environment.
- Worked closely with customers throughout repair process to answer questions and address concerns promptly.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies needed for repairs, ordering additional items as needed from vendors.
- Provided guidance and support to technicians when they encountered difficult problems or challenges.
- Evaluated employee performance on a regular basis, providing feedback where appropriate.
- Implemented policies designed to ensure quality control across all aspects of the auto body shop's operations.
- Wrote complete and accurate cost estimates for labor and parts.
- Estimated automobile repair time accurately, scheduling jobs according to shop capacity.
- Assisted in developing effective marketing strategies to increase business.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
Senior Auto Damage Appraiser
Allstate Insurance - Chris Draper Agency
Santa Rosa, CA
03.2015 - 08.2016
- Conducted detailed inspections of damaged vehicles to determine appropriate repair costs and techniques.
- Ensured all estimates complied with company policy guidelines and industry best practices.
- Researched market values of vehicles based on make, model, year, mileage, features.
- Investigated accident scenes when possible to verify extent of damage caused by collisions.
- Attended meetings with insurance adjusters when disputes arose over estimated repair costs.
- Evaluated claims for possible fraud, contacting appropriate department for assistance and further investigation.
Senior Auto Damage Appraiser
Mercury Insurance
Santa Rosa, CA
03.1998 - 02.2015
- Developed reports and estimates for insurance companies detailing damages, repair costs, and labor times.
- Ensured all estimates complied with company policy guidelines and industry best practices.
- Assisted in training new staff members on proper damage assessment methods.
- Used strong communication skills to negotiate final damage estimates and shop repair costs.
- Documented vehicle damage and condition by taking meticulous notes and photographs.
- Determined salvage value for total-loss vehicles.
Skills
- Claims Management
- Policy Interpretation
- Accident Investigations
- Repair Cost Estimation
- Claims Processing
- Insurance Knowledge
- Settlement Negotiation
- Conflict Resolution
- Coverage Determination
- Claims Investigation
- Estimate Preparation
- Vehicle Inspection
- Proficient in CCC and Mitchell Estimating
- Customer Service Expertise
Timeline
Senior Auto Damage Appraiser
Kemper Insurance
05.2021 - 10.2022
Auto Body Shop Manager
Randy Hanson Auto Body
07.2018 - 05.2021
Senior Auto Damage Appraiser
Allstate Insurance - Chris Draper Agency
03.2015 - 08.2016
Senior Auto Damage Appraiser
Mercury Insurance
03.1998 - 02.2015
Similar Profiles
Bryan BurnsideBryan Burnside
Insurance Agent at Kemper InsuranceInsurance Agent at Kemper Insurance
Shanice SinghShanice Singh
Manager, Finance Strategy Project Management at KEMPER INSURANCEManager, Finance Strategy Project Management at KEMPER INSURANCE
Ashley CoboAshley Cobo
Dispatcher Clerk at Kemper InsuranceDispatcher Clerk at Kemper Insurance
Vincent J. ColemanVincent J. Coleman
Director of Talent Acquisition at Kemper InsuranceDirector of Talent Acquisition at Kemper Insurance
Chandra JonesChandra Jones
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer at Enso VillageExecutive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer at Enso Village