auto-claims-damage-assessment.md

Uploaded 8/8/2026, 11:52:51 PM

# Auto Claims Damage Assessment

Once an Auto Adjuster receives an assigned claim, they first schedule a vehicle inspection, then request photos through the Claims Management System. After reviewing the photos, the Auto Adjuster generates a repair estimate using the Vendor Network Portal.

If the policyholder agrees with the estimate, the Auto Adjuster approves payment directly. If the policyholder disputes the estimate, the claim is escalated to a Senior Adjuster for a second review.

The Vendor Network Portal only allows repairs to be assigned to shops in the approved Vendor Network — this is required by the Vendor Approval Policy, not just a preference. In practice, adjusters sometimes call a shop directly first to check availability before formally assigning it in the portal.

Total loss determinations (repair cost exceeds vehicle value) route to the Total Loss Valuation process instead of continuing through standard repair approval.