Steven Fernandes
@stevenfernandes
Experienced Auto Field Appraiser with strong negotiation and appraisal skills.
What I'm looking for
I am an Auto Field Appraiser with extensive experience in evaluating mechanical and physical damages across various vehicle types. My career has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for delivering high-quality service. At Wawanesa Insurance, I conduct thorough field inspections, negotiate repair costs, and maintain effective communication with all stakeholders involved in the appraisal process.
Previously, I worked with Tesla as a Body Shop Estimator, where I created detailed repair estimates and managed the repair process for high-end vehicles. My role involved direct communication with insurance companies and ensuring compliance with industry standards. I have also held positions at Intact Insurance and FIX AUTO NETWORK, where I honed my skills in claims management and vendor relations.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong ability to coach and mentor others, ensuring that teams meet high standards of work quality and efficiency. I am dedicated to continuous learning and process improvement, always seeking ways to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Auto Field Appraiser
Wawanesa Insurance
Jul 2023 - Present (1 year 11 months)
Conducted field inspections to evaluate mechanical and physical damages on various vehicles, engaging directly with insureds, claimants, and service providers. Oversaw vehicle parts purchasing, managed vendor relationships, and negotiated repair costs while ensuring adherence to Ministry of Ontario guidelines. Prepared auto repair estimates using Audatex and conducted quality re-inspections.
Body Shop Estimator
Tesla
Mar 2022 - Jun 2023 (1 year 3 months)
Created precise repair estimates for collision-damaged Tesla Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles, adhering to Tesla-specific repair procedures. Documented all damages with photos, directed disassembly technicians, and managed parts ordering and delivery from the Tesla Warehouse. Communicated with insurance companies for claim submission and billing, ensuring timely updates to customers.
Image Desk Reviewer
Fix Auto Network
May 2021 - Mar 2022 (10 months)
Mediated and reviewed shop files for approval, ensuring compliance with insurer guidelines and industry best practices. Coached and mentored franchise stores to monitor performance and streamline productivity. Dispatched claims to assigned shops and negotiated optimal repair practices and procedures.
Field Appraiser
Intact Insurance Company
Sep 2017 - Dec 2021 (4 years 3 months)
Conducted comprehensive field inspections to assess mechanical and physical damages across diverse vehicle types, interacting with insureds and service providers. Managed vehicle parts purchasing, cultivated vendor relationships, and negotiated repair costs in line with Ministry of Ontario guidelines. Prepared auto repair estimates using Audatex and facilitated total loss evaluations.
Photo Link Auto Appraiser, Ontario Appraisal Unit
Intact Insurance Company
Feb 2013 - Aug 2017 (4 years 6 months)
Assessed and approved repair estimates from vendors, ensuring adherence to manufacturer recommendations and Intact policies. Maintained strong communication with claims departments, assisting in vendor performance reviews to uphold professional standards. Complied with industry protocols for repairs and parts replacement, providing guidance to vendors on discrepancies.
Customer Service Representative / Junior Damage Analyst
427 Auto Collision
Jan 2007 - Dec 2012 (5 years 11 months)
Served as a liaison between customers, the production department, insurance adjusters, and rental agencies, providing updates on repair status and ensuring administrative paperwork completion. Assessed vehicle damage, submitted written or verbal estimates, and managed work orders and parts ordering. Handled customer inquiries, scheduled appointments, and coordinated rental vehicles.
Fleet Co-ordinator
427 Auto Collision
Jan 2005 - Dec 2007 (2 years 11 months)
Acted as a key liaison between the dealership network and the collision center, facilitating smooth operations. Provided accurate repair estimates and managed the logistics of picking up vehicles for service. Submitted detailed work orders and efficiently ordered necessary parts to ensure timely repairs.
Automotive Repair Estimator (Co-op)
Ontario Claims Service
Mar 2005 - Jun 2005 (3 months)
Traveled to various body shops as directed by insurance companies to conduct on-site evaluations. Prepared accurate automotive repair estimates for damaged vehicles. Gained practical experience in claims assessment and industry interaction.
Auto Detailer/Parts Driver
Downtown Chrysler
Jan 2002 - Dec 2004 (2 years 11 months)
Managed efficient auto parts delivery and maintained accurate inventory control for the dealership. Provided excellent customer service, assisting with inquiries and ensuring customer satisfaction. Performed thorough vehicle pre-delivery preparation, ensuring vehicles met quality standards before handover.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Intact Insurance Learning Development
Certificate Program, Leadership Development
Activities and societies: Insights discovery, Coaching for success, Influential Leadership, Managing Performance for Success, Emotional Intelligence & Coaching for High Performance, The Customer Driven Leader - Day 1 & 2
Completed the Essentials of Leadership program. Gained insights into effective leadership and coaching for success.
The Automotive Training Centre
Certificate Program, Automotive Parts & Warehouse
Completed the Auto Parts & Warehouse Certificate Program. Acquired knowledge and skills related to automotive parts and warehouse operations.
The Automotive Training Centre
Certificate Program, Auto Collision Estimating
Completed the Auto Collision Estimator (FOS) Certificate Program. Developed skills in estimating auto collision damages.
Thomas Merton High School
High School Diploma, General Studies
Attended Thomas Merton High School. Completed general studies.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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