Image Engineer

At 1st Central, everything starts with our people. As one of the UK’s leading motor and home insurers, we use smart technology, data and great service to make insurance fast, fair and simple for over 1.4 million customers. We’re proud to create an environment where people feel supported, trusted and able to grow – whether that’s developing new skills, taking on fresh challenges or making a real impact every day.

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re looking for four Motor Vehicle Image Engineers to join our Engineering team based in either Haywards Heath, West Sussex or Salford Quays, Manchester. The role involves working as part of a team to engineer and authorise vehicle repairs, produce inspection reports, and decide on the settlement of claims for total loss cases.

• Engineer and authorise vehicle repair costs in accordance with manufacturer’s methodology while taking all aspects of the claim into consideration.
• Take technical calls, produce inspection reports, and make total loss decisions whilst authorising supplementary estimates.
• Liaise directly with customers to ensure claims are settled appropriately and establish a correct market position for the vehicle, utilising valuation guides and market research.
• Communicate effectively with customers and a network of third parties (including repairers), explaining complex decisions in a user‑friendly manner.
• Manage repairs, total losses, cases involving unrelated damage, complaints and apply policy conditions/limits when communicating with policyholders.
• Identify fraudulent activity through investigative practice and liaison with claims colleagues, and advise on vehicle modifications that are non‑standard to original equipment.
• Support total loss valuation handlers by delivering valuations and settling claims for vehicles deemed beyond economical repair or stolen and unrecovered.
• Engage with third‑party networks to build strong relationships and drive maximum efficiencies.
• Assist all aspects of the business to expedite settlement and minimise cost for insured and third‑party claims.
• Work to agreed timescales and business parameters, ensuring all work meets KPIs and SLAs.

• Extensive vehicle make‑up knowledge
• Competent in the use of automotive estimate systems
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced team and business
• Strong teamwork skills

• Experience working within the repair industry, mechanical/body.
• Experience resolving complex customer/repairer problems, issues and complaints.
• Understanding and interpretation of client requirements.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation – Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Data Protection Act (DPA).

• Ability to prioritise and plan in response to customer/business drivers.
• Competency in automotive estimate systems.
• Strong negotiating skills for rate agreement and delivery.
• Excellent time‑management skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Advanced computer literacy.

• Commercially focused
• Self‑motivated and enthusiastic
• Organised and proactive approach
• Embrace, embed and incorporate the Company Values
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Takes initiative to make decisions
• Works independently and as part of a team
• Flexible approach and positive attitude
• Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to success