Celia Marin Taylor

Driven and detail-oriented Bilingual (English/Spanish) Auto Claims & Appraisal Professional who advanced from First Notice of Loss Representative to Material Damage Appraiser and Senior Claims Manager through dedication, performance, and passion for the industry. Brings a unique 360-degree perspective having worked on both the insurance carrier and body shop sides of the claims process, with extensive experience managing the full claims lifecycle from FNOL to final settlement. Demonstrates over 8 years of hands-on remote expertise utilizing Mitchell and CCC ONE estimating platforms, producing accurate and detailed damage assessments, estimates, and supplements with precision and efficiency.

Demonstrated expertise leading catastrophe (CAT) hail operations, supervising field inspector rosters, coordinating high-volume hail damage appraisals, and maximizing insurance approvals through strategic supplement preparation and aggressive yet professional carrier negotiations. Proven track record in DRP management, PDR assessment, repair versus total loss analysis, and cycle time optimization during CAT deployments. Specializes in subrogation demands, attorney negotiations, total loss evaluations, policy coverage review, and recorded statements.

Recognized for outstanding performance and promoted multiple times throughout career. Successfully delivered remote claims management and appraisal services for top-tier clients including Sedgwick, SCA, and IANET — operating from Nicaragua within U.S. business standards, workflows, and deadlines.

Senior Claims Manager at Express Auto Hail Repair (2022-06 – 2025-12)

• Collaborate with the General Manager in developing and executing operational strategies, improving workflow efficiency, and supporting overall shop performance goals.
• Oversee all active repair orders and vehicle files to ensure estimates are accurately executed, production cycles flow efficiently from write-up to final delivery, and repairs are completed within promised timeframes.
• Write estimates and supplement for Hail damages.
• Supports and develops employees through ongoing guidance and feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain proactive communication with customers throughout the repair process, delivering timely updates and ensuring a seamless, positive experience from intake to delivery.
• Manage and expedite Estimates / supplement approvals with insurance companies, ensuring timely responses to minimize repair cycle delays.
• Lead negotiations with insurance carriers on repair vs. total loss decisions, advocating for the most favorable and accurate outcome for the vehicle and customer.
• Audit and verify all incoming payments and ensure accurate, timely submission to the accounting department to maintain financial integrity.
• Proactively identified/ Implemented opportunities within each claim file to strengthen supplement submissions, resulting in maximized insurance approvals, ensuring every claim file reached its full recovery potential.

Catastrophe Hail Damage Supervisor at Hail Valet (2024-03 – 2025-12)

• Maintained comprehensive records of all CAT claims, ensuring proper photo documentation, file integrity, and efficient cycle time management throughout the entire repair process from initial appraisal to final closure.
• Write estimate and supplement using CCCONE AND MITCHELL.
• Maintained working knowledge of Direct Repair Program (DRP) requirements and adherence guidelines across multiple insurance carriers including Progressive, Germania and Elephant, and maintain Targets, quality and a strong carrier partnerships.
• Reviewed and approved supplements submitted to insurance carriers.
• Review and auditing incoming approvals to verify alignment with documented damages submitted.
• Proactively identified/ Implemented opportunities within each claim file to strengthen supplement submissions, resulting in maximized insurance approvals, ensuring every claim file reached its full recovery potential.

Claims Manager & Appraisal Operations Specialist at Volta Claims Services (2022-05 – 2024-12)

• Provided remote auto damage appraisal services for major third-party administrators and claims management companies including Sedgwick, SCA, and IANET, delivering accurate estimates, supplements and customized reports in compliance with each client's guidelines.
• Managed and coordinated the field inspector roster, scheduling and dispatching photo appraisers to vehicle inspection assignments to ensure timely and accurate damage documentation.
• Call Copart/CCC to Obtain Total loss Valuations.
• Write estimates and Supplements based on photos.
• Handled a diverse portfolio of claims including collision, comprehensive, hail, flood, and total loss, applying carrier-specific guidelines to ensure proper documentation and timely resolution.
• Determines salvage value on total vehicle loss.
• Handling subrogation demands from other insurance companies, including negotiation with attorney when needed.

Remote Auto Claims & Legal Support Specialist at Sedgwick (2021-03 – 2024-01)

• Managed a diverse portfolio of insurance claims including comprehensive losses, subrogation demands, and hail-related CAT claims, ensuring accurate processing and timely resolution to ensure proper documentation and settlement accuracy.
• Write estimates and Supplement base of photos.
• Fill out and upload different type of reports per client requirements.
• Call Copart/CCC to Obtain Total loss Valuations.

Auto Claims Representative & Auto Damage Appraiser at Alinsco Insurance company (2017-02 – 2022-07)

• Policy Coverage Review
• Recorded Statements
• Material Damage Specialist
• Salvage Coordination
• Subrogation Handling
• Material Damage Appraiser
• Estimates & Supplements
• Prepared detailed auto damage estimates and supplements for all claim types including collision, comprehensive, hail, flood, and total loss, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company guidelines.
• Evaluated vehicle damage to determine repair versus total loss, applying carrier standards to achieve fair and accurate claim settlements.
• Promoted to appraisal role based on outstanding performance, dedication, and demonstrated expertise in claims operations.
• Selected and promoted to Material Damage Specialist based on exceptional performance, work ethic, and passion for the claims industry.
• Assisted in damage assessment operations, supporting senior appraisers in estimate preparation and claim documentation.
• Developed in-depth knowledge of auto damage evaluation, repair procedures, and insurance claim workflows.
• Received and documented First Notice of Loss (FNOL) reports, accurately capturing initial claim details to initiate the claims process.
• Provided bilingual (English/Spanish) support to policyholders, ensuring clear communication and accurate claim documentation across language barriers.
• Assisted customers in the payments department with monthly policy payments, delivering exceptional service and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Conducted thorough policy coverage reviews to determine applicable coverage, liability, and claim eligibility prior to initiating the appraisal process.
• Obtained and documented recorded statements from policyholders, claimants, and witnesses to establish accurate facts of loss and support claim investigations.
• Managed loss of use claims
• Coordinated salvage pickup and title processing for total loss vehicles, working with salvage vendors to ensure efficient vehicle retrieval and accurate salvage value recovery.
• Handled inbound and outbound subrogation demands from third-party carriers, negotiating favorable settlements and collaborating with attorneys when escalation was required.

Customer Service & Order Management Specialist at Koh, Kohls Shopping Center (2015-03 – 2017-11)

• Processed and created customer orders accurately and efficiently, ensuring timely fulfillment and high customer satisfaction across a high-volume retail environment.
• Managed inbound and outbound customer interactions in English, resolving inquiries, processing requests, and delivering a seamless shopping experience.
• Demonstrated strong bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish) while handling U.S. customer accounts remotely from an international location.

Customer service Agent at Sitel (2010-02 – 2013-09)

• Customer service Virgin mobile

High School Diploma – Centro American School (2002-12)

Hotel and Tourism – UPOLI