Drive-in Centre (DIC) Assessor (Western Cape)

OUTsurance is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Drive-in Centre (DIC) Assessor to join their dynamic team in Cape Town. This role is crucial in managing the claims process for a variety of vehicles and equipment, ensuring both the quantum (cost) and merit (validity) of damages are accurately determined after an incident. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, possess a strong work ethic, and align with OUTsurance's core values of Passionate, Awesome service, Human, Dynamic, Honest, and Recognition.

About the role

As a DIC Assessor, your primary responsibility will be to meticulously assess damage to a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, caravans, watercraft, and yellow metal equipment. This involves a thorough examination to determine the extent of the damage and the appropriate cost of repair. You will be instrumental in ensuring that claims are handled efficiently and accurately, contributing directly to the company's reputation for excellent service delivery. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality in every assessment conducted. You will be part of a performance-driven culture, where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.

The day-to-day functions of a DIC Assessor are varied and critical to the smooth operation of the claims department. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting daily assessments of vehicle and equipment damage to determine repair costs and validity.
• Monitoring and managing your own average repair costs, ensuring efficiency without compromising the quality of your assessments.
• Effectively managing customer interactions, addressing complaints, and resolving ad-hoc queries with professionalism and empathy.
• Analysing your own performance data to identify areas for improvement and ensure targets are met.
• Understanding and working towards key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the assessing function.
• Liaising regularly with various stakeholders, including service providers, clients, and insurance advisors, to facilitate the claims process.
• Ensuring all activities are performed to the company's established performance and quality standards.

What they're looking for

To excel in this role, OUTsurance is looking for individuals who not only meet the minimum requirements but also possess the right attitude and competencies. Essential qualifications include a Matric certificate, and practical experience in the automotive repair industry, such as a panel beater, spray painter, or motor mechanic with relevant experience. You must possess your own roadworthy vehicle and a valid driver’s licence. A minimum of two years of experience in assessing or estimating is a prerequisite, along with membership in the VDQ (Vehicle Damage Quantifier) body.

Beneficial qualifications include any leadership, management, or insurance-related studies, either completed or currently in progress. Beyond formal qualifications, OUTsurance highly values personal attributes such as enthusiasm for the job and the company, strong attention to detail, and a results-oriented approach. The ability to plan and organise effectively, work collaboratively within a team, and demonstrate sound judgment and problem-solving skills are also crucial. Adaptability to change and resilience in stressful, deadline-oriented situations are key competencies for success. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, along with strong administration and computer literacy, are expected. A fundamental understanding of the product and systems, or the capacity to acquire this knowledge rapidly, will be advantageous.

In South Africa, motor assessor roles can vary significantly in remuneration, often comprising a base salary plus performance-based incentives. Experienced assessors with a proven track record and specialised skills can command competitive salaries. Common employers include insurance companies like OUTsurance, as well as independent assessing firms and larger motor groups. Career progression can lead to senior assessor roles, team leadership positions, or specialisation in areas such as commercial vehicles or heavy machinery.

Minimum Requirements:

• Matric
• Qualified Panel beater, Spray Painter or Estimator
• Motor Mechanic with spray painting or panel beating experience
• Own Road Worthy Vehicle
• Valid driver’s license
• Minimum 2 years assessing or estimating experience
• Must be a VDQ member
• Leadership, Management and or Insurance related studies completed or in progress will be beneficial

Responsibilities:

• Assessing claims on a daily basis
• Monitor and manage the average repair cost as well as the quality of their own assessments
• Dealing with customer complaints and adhoc queries
• Analysing of own data to ensure meeting targets
• Good understanding of performance KPI’s
• Liaise with service providers, clients and advisors
• Conduct all the above to the required performance and quality standards that are in place

Required Competencies & Personal Attributes:

Competencies:

• Attention to detail/Quality oriented
• Deadline and results oriented/Work standards
• Enthusiastic and passionate about the job and the company
• Effective at planning and organization /Work management
• Teamwork/Collaboration
• Judgment/Problem solving
• Adaptability and change management expert
• Resilient with high tolerance for stress

Skills: 

• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Administration skills
• Computer literacy
• Product/Systems knowledge and/or potential to acquire such knowledge within a short space of time